An Accenture survey has revealed that 62 per cent of Brits believe that increased use of digital technologies could improve the justice system.
This contrasts heavily with the 93 per cent of respondents, who interacted with the justice system prior to the survey, saying that they had not experienced any benefits from these technologies as they were not made available to them during their interaction.
56 per cent of respondents thought digital technologies have the potential to reduce administrative costs, while 50 per cent thought processing times of court cases could be reduced.
According to the survey, those willing to interact with their justice system via digital technology were especially receptive to using video conferencing technology (74 per cent), email (75 per cent) and online citizen information portals (57 per cent).
"The survey findings show strong support from citizens for technologies that can make interaction with their justice systems more convenient and efficient, while also reducing case processing times and administrative costs," said James Slessor, who leads Accenture’s public safety business.
"Citizens want increased access to public services and are more inclined to use digital channels to conduct routine government business and manage their interactions with government agencies."
"Justice agencies across the world face considerable challenges as they tackle significant workloads while seeking to reduce operating costs, better manage information and human resources and deliver an improved experience to the citizen," Slessor said.
"The survey findings demonstrate how important it is for justice agencies to continue to adopt new digital technologies and tools that can meet the needs of citizens, better manage administrative processes and reduce costs."
The survey findings were released to coincide with a conference hosted by Reform (the social policy think-tank) titled; "New Frontiers of Criminal Justice Reform". Attendees at the conference included the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Shadow Home Secretary, Rt Hon Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Justice and Stephen Greenhalgh, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in London.
