Causeway's objectives fall into two classes, those that relate to effectiveness and those that seek to improve efficiency.

Our effectiveness objectives are to:

• Process cases faster & with fewer errors;
• Improve accessibility of data;
• Improve management information;
• Respond more quickly to enquiries from the public, lawyers and other organisations

In terms of efficiency, we aim to:

• Eliminate duplication in information capture and storage;
• Eliminate the cost of correcting errors introduced when records are retyped;
• Reduce the cost of handling ad hoc enquiries from the public and other organisations;
• Reduce the copying and movement of paper and thereby free up staff for work that is more interesting and adds greater value.

The benefits to the users of the criminal justice system will be:

Victims will see their cases dealt with more promptly. Delay in bringing cases to court can often increase the pain and suffering of victims. The case hangs over them and they feel they cannot get on with their lives until it is over. They may fear encounters with defendants released on bail. Their witnesses' recollections may fade over time and lead to less compelling evidence being heard. It is often difficult to get information about the progress of a case and this can increase their feelings of isolation. Causeway will help to address these issues by reducing delay and making it possible to gain accurate information on the state of cases.

Witnesses will see cases dealt with more promptly and while their recollection of incidents remains fresh.

Defendants will not have to spend as long on bail or remand. The recollection of defence witnesses will not fade.

Prisoners awaiting Sentence will see their pre-trial reports completed more quickly and on the basis of fuller information.

Convicted Prisoners will be inducted into a correct prison regime immediately on conviction.

Lawyers will see fewer cases adjourned because of incorrect information, or through a lack of timely information.

Judges and Magistrates will not be asked to agree to wasteful adjournments of trials caused by information management failures. Sentencing will take account of more accurate criminal records.

The General Public will benefit through criminals being tried more quickly, and through reductions in the costs of administering justice.

Back to the Top