Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 87
87
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 220
Expedite solutions for lengthy case file redaction processes, including piloting new approaches.
Recommendation
We recommend the Home Office expedite, with urgency, its work with the Attorney General’s Office and CPS to identify potential solutions to the lengthy and resource- intensive redaction process in case file preparation. This should include piloting a “redaction bubble”, consideration of any necessary changes to data protection regulations and consultation with HMICFRS on harnessing existing good practice. Forces with the poorest digital capabilities should be prioritised for the pilots and outcomes formally evaluated. We expect initial piloting to be completed withing 12 months.
Government Response Summary
The Home Office is leading a Redaction Working Group, funding automated redaction products, and working to pilot a revised redaction process while exploring legislative options, including a “redaction bubble,” to address resource-intensive case file preparation.
Paragraph Reference:
220
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
118. The Home Office is leading a Redaction Working Group, which brings together officials from HO, MoJ, AGO, CPS and policing representatives to explore solutions to the redaction burden. The Group has developed simplified guidance to boost officers’ confidence when applying DPA. 119. We are also providing funding to the PDS and Home Office ACE to develop, test and procure on a new framework automated redaction products, which will reduce the time it takes to redact text and audiovisual files. 120. Further, we are working to set up a pilot of a revised process that will streamline and reduce the redaction burden, within current legislation. We are also exploring legislative options for a redaction ‘bubble’.