computer room, man in custody, handcuffs, paper-work

Custody and Case Preparation

This programme is part of the government's drive to promote the provision of an electronic case file capability.

The NSPIS Custody and Case Preparation applications are compatible and allow a detainee's custody information to be transferred to create a case file without the need to re-key the information. As a result, it assists in managing a detainee whilst in the police custody suite ensuring that their personal and arrest details are complete and correct.

The Custody application has an electronic link with the Police National Computer (PNC) allowing for automatic updating of the PNC with, for example, any information on future court appearances and bail details.

The Case Preparation application improves the administration of cases, including efficient management of witness attendance, and improved victim and witness care thus helping to meet the Government's objectives of a joined up criminal justice system. It also offers better exhibit management.

It reduces bureaucracy by eliminating the duplication of case files and the need for re-keying information. In addition the information is shared amongst all the criminal justice agencies like the CPS and courts.

Who's using it?

The NSPIS Custody is live in 24 police forces and Case Preparation is live in 28 police forces in England and Wales. All forces have completed the roll out of an approved case preparation system.

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Benefits

The benefits delivered by NSPIS Custody and Case Preparation include :

  • Reduced administration burden 
  • Improved file quality 
  • Improved timeliness
  • Improved availability of information
  • Improved accountability
  • Improved management information
  • Improved user accessibility
  • Reduction in paper volume, printing costs and storage costs
  • Improved victim and witness care

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Background

The Custody and Case Preparation Programme was originally established to ensure that the NSPIS products were implemented within each police force in England and Wales to provide greater compatibility.

The Programme followed a business led approach with a focus on optimising business benefit realisation. The scope was increased in recent years to cover all technical solutions for custody and case preparation. For example, interfaces to other Criminal Justice Organisations, improvements to Police infrastructures to support NSPIS Custody and Case Preparation (anti-virus and technical uplift) as well as the long-term strategy for the ongoing enhancement and support of the NSPIS Products.

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Governance

The Programme is tripartite with funding agreed by the Home Office, programme delivery led the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and NPIA responsible for technical delivery of the Programme.

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