Major Case Management System (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Newfoundland and Labrador

City/ Region:

Newfoundland and Labrador

Description of Initiative:

Evidence and Reports (E&R) is a software program developed exclusively by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to meet the needs of major case investigations. A “major case” is defined as an event that exceeds a unit/police services’ normal resourcing requirements (e.g., homicides, major frauds or any other investigation of a complex nature). The system is typically used in situations where numerous personnel are required and allows for the creation of tasks and assignment of those tasks to investigators. The program has incorporated the principles of Major Case Management taught at the Canadian Police College. This creates efficiencies, as it replaces the more time-consuming paper disclosure process with the capacity for the electronic disclosure for Crown and defence counsel.

‘B’ Division created the Major Case Management (MCM) Section in 2006 in response to an increasing workload for police agencies in relation to disclosure requirements. Five employees were reallocated from existing areas to work in this division. They are responsible for data entry and the compilation of court briefs in relation to major cases. This section receives investigators’ documentation and inputs the information in a manner that is searchable. This is considered an invaluable service to investigators in the field.

Initiative Key Objectives:

This initiative has two key objectives:

  • increase efficiency and effectiveness; and
  • produce a comprehensive electronic disclosure package.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

‘B’ Division Major Case Management

Key Contact:

Patrick Gehue
Patrick.Gehue@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • private agencies/corporations
  • other government departments/agencies

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

‘B’ Division’s MCM Section works with the investigating unit and prosecutors to ensure disclosure packages are in a format suitable for their use. All RCMP units across Canada use E&RIII and have similar Major Case Management units.

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

The MCM Section was implemented in 2006.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken to create efficiencies in relation to disclosure packages. The MCM Section now completes most of the disclosure, which enables investigators to concentrate on their core responsibility of law enforcement.

Additionally, the electronic format is user-friendly and has a search feature which locates required information more quickly than possible with paper disclosure and ensures all required information is accessible. This is extremely important, as disclosure is a critical aspect of any trial and more so for major cases involving homicides and organized crime.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

There was an initial set-up cost of approximately $135,000 in computer hardware and software, training and human resource costs. Recently, another $30,000 was required to purchase a second scanner for Corner Brook, which will increase capacity and better serve that region.

Method of Implementation:

This initiative was initially implemented in ‘B’ Division. MCM has evolved over time throughout the country and ‘B’ Division has had the benefit of learning from the experience of other jurisdictions.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

  • Increased efficiency and effectiveness: MCM Section now inputs information, enabling investigators to spend more time on core responsibilities and less time on administrative tasks. This system has a search feature which makes retrieving information more efficient than the former paper-only process.
  • Comprehensive electronic disclosure packages: disclosure packages are now produced electronically, and are comprehensive and easier to search for specific information.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

No

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

N/A

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • internal
  • external
  • qualitative

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

No

Summary of the Outcomes:

While there has not been a formal evaluation of this initiative, positive feedback has been received from Crown prosecutors. The electronic disclosure packages are modeled on the same process used by federal prosecution partners. When this disclosure model was presented to provincial Crown attorneys, it met or exceeded expectations. Prosecutors indicated that having both federal and provincial Crown attorneys receive the same format would be beneficial for joint prosecutions. Additionally, prosecutions are engaged from the start of an investigation to ensure that the electronic disclosure package meets their information needs in an organized and searchable format.

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

  • Efficiencies have been achieved as identified previously. A team of dedicated individuals inputting this information enables police officers to focus on core responsibilities.
  • With electronic disclosure, there are cost savings in relation to labour and material.
  • Electronic disclosure is available to the courts in a more timely manner than paper disclosure.
  • The ability to search electronically makes it easier for Crown and defence counsel to access information.

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

N/A

Record Entry Date:

2013-08-01

Date modified: