Computerization of the Public Prosecutor's Office in the Netherlands (From Computerization in the Management of the Criminal Justice System: Proceedings of the Workshop and the Symposium on Computerization of Criminal Justice Information at the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crim

• NCJ Number: 167641
• Author(s): F G Westerbeke
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

The introduction of computer information technology in the public prosecutor's office in the Netherlands has greatly increased the efficiency of the office and enables it to process eight times as many cases with only twice as many personnel.

Abstract

Computerization of criminal justice in the Netherlands has progressed in three stages. The first phase consisted of relatively isolated developments within different parts of the criminal justice system. The second phase involved linking systems. The third phase is now underway. It consists of even further linkages and the possibility of exchanging information. A system called Compas is central to the information supply at the prosecutor's office. Each criminal case is registered in the system. The prosecutor then decides how to handle the case. After the decision is made, the system supports the planning and preparation of criminal court sessions. Thus, the system supports all aspects of the prosecutor's work. Compas is linked to court information systems and other systems, and further system integration is planned.