CJSSS (Criminal Justice, Simple, Speedy, Summary) has been operating at Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston Magistrates Court since October and initial reports suggest the scheme is exceeding all expectations.
The initiative was launched by the Loc
al Implementation Team, representing Probation, the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Her Majesty's Courts Service and the Defence in the Cheshire area.
It was first introduced in the Crewe and Macclesfield magistrates courts in July to reduce the number of hearings for each case from a national average of five, to one hearing for guilty plea cases and two for trials.
Insp Grant Ardern, CJSSS project manager, said: "Building on the successful introduction of CJSSS in Crewe and Macclesfield, the initiative was rolled out in the second pilot area of Chester and Vale Royal (Northwich) in October and we are seeing similar positive results in this area."
Alison Weldon, Cheshire Criminal Justice Board communications co-ordinator, said: "Although it is early days for CJSSS at the Chester Magistrates' Court with it running since October 31, the early signs are encouraging with improving performance.
"Data for November shows over 72 per cent of cases pleaded guilty at the first hearing and case adjournments are also down to just over 21 per cent.
"Since CJSSS started in Chester cases are being completed on average eight days faster.
"This provides an improved service to victims and witnesses and also frees up Police Officers and other Criminal Justice resources, saving public money and reducing bureaucracy.
Pat Jackson, court manager for Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston Magistrates Court, said: "The project has made a positive change administratively and it saves a lot of inconvenience for defendants and witnesses."
Ian Rushton, chief crown prosecutor, Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service, said: "CJSSS has improved the service to victims and witnesses who have every right to expect justice first time when attending court.
"This meets the needs of the community who see matters dealt with swiftly and efficiently, not waiting for cases to be dealt with some time in the distant future."
The project is also targeting the length of time cases are taking from charge to conclusion, from the national average of 21 weeks to six to eight weeks.
The full article contains 390 words and appears in Evening Leader Chester newspaper.
