Evidence Management Modernisation Program
Safety of Australians sector
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth)
Tier 3
Project status - Closed
Duration - 2 years, 6 months
Investment - $22.7M | Digital ($3.6M)
As criminal activity becomes more sophisticated, transnational and digitally enabled, the volume and complexity of digital evidence contained in briefs of evidence referred to the Commonwealth Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) continues to grow. Offenders increasingly exploit emerging technologies in innovative, coordinated and sophisticated ways, creating new challenges for prosecutors and investigators alike in managing and analysing digital evidence.
Meeting the challenge of managing and analysing digital evidence
To meet this challenge, the CDPP launched the Evidence Management Modernisation Program (EMMP) in 2023. This major transformation initiative aims to establish a sustainable CDPP capability to efficiently and effectively manage and analyse large volumes of digital evidence. In particular, the digital/ICT component of the EMMP has equipped the CDPP with a scalable, secure and integrated evidence management platform designed specifically for prosecution workflows.
The CDPP undertook a procurement process to source the platform that underpins the in-house evidence management capability. This was recognised by independent assurers as good example of Commonwealth digital sourcing. In particular, the process effectively managed complex probity issues in a small market and delivered an outcome that other Commonwealth agencies can now leverage to meet similar needs.
The successful vendor, an Australian small to medium enterprise (SME), delivered the platform over 2 years. The new system has improved efficiency, accuracy and accessibility in managing digital evidence, supporting more effective prosecution outcomes.
Overall, strong leadership, governance and disciplined project management underpinned the successful delivery. This project demonstrates the CDPP’s commitment to modernising its digital capability and supporting Australia’s criminal justice system into the future.
This project provides benefits to the Australian including:
- more efficient Commonwealth prosecutions that support timely criminal justice outcomes
- better long-term value for taxpayers delivered by an in-house evidence management capability
- support for Australian industry through partnership with an Australian SME
- reusable procurement process for other agencies with similar needs.
‘It is important to consider SMEs as they provide other options for us and our partner agencies outside large consulting firms and foreign software vendors when procuring in this narrow and niche product market.’
Steven Burggraaff, Deputy Executive Officer, CDPP
‘The delivery of the digital platform at the heart of the EMMP has laid the foundation for future digital transformation initiatives across the CDPP and positions the CDPP to handle increasing volumes of digital evidence with greater flexibility and efficiency.’
Chris Choi, National Practice Leader, Legal Capability and Performance, CDPP
More information is available from Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions