Alexandria has a new Justice Information System after nearly two years of development and testing.
AJIS came with a price tag of $6 million but will save money and time in the long-run, according to those who developed it and to those who are now using it.
“The system has 1,800 different functions for about 500 users,” said Susie Doyle, who worked on the software. “Each user is given access to only those functions to which that person is entitled. There are even public terminals at the courthouse and access is limited to items that the public is permitted to see.”
The system is designed for use by both Circuit and General District Court staff, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s staff, police and sheriff’s deputies, particularly those who work in the jail.
“Every piece of paper that comes into the courthouse is put into this system,” Doyle said. “When a deputy is booking an individual, he can use the system, which will show him the warrant and all of the information that was contained in that warrant so that he doesn’t have to remember everything.
"The system allows users to track individuals from the time a warrant is issued, through the booking process, through the court process, to adjudication and until that individual is released from jail. In jail, it allows deputies to track everything that the individual is doing, from program participation to diet.”
City Attorney Ignacio Pessoa’s staff uses the system. “As an end user, I can say that this system has helped my staff tremendously,” Pessoa said. “Particularly in cases of child abuse and neglect. It allows us to view documents and check the status of cases without making a trip to the courthouse or calling the clerk for assistance. We are very pleased with the system.”
THE COMPANY that developed the software is marketing it to other jurisdictions. The city will receive 15 percent of the licensing fees that are realized from any sales.
“Technology is a wonderful thing,” said Councilman Rob Krupicka. “Its uses are as broad as the possibilities that people can imagine. I am very impressed that we are using technology in this manner and hope that we can have a demonstration at the Information Technology Commission.”
The system was implemented in December and is being used throughout the court system. “It can even be used to produce photo line-ups for police officers,” Doyle said.
“Every mug shot that has been taken since 1984 has been entered into the system. A police officer who wants to produce a photo line-up can enter as much or as little information as he wants and get a line-up of those photos in the system that match the criteria that has been entered.”
User comment is being taken and the system will be refined as needed.