Canine Court Companion Project (CCCP)

Implementation of Stage 2 and 3 of the CCCP which aim to provide support to vulnerable victims and witnesses in major indictable matters in a court environment.

Following the successful completion of Stage 1 in the CCCP in which Zero, the court canine companion attended 136 appointments with vulnerable witnesses within the ODPP environment, the ODPP commenced planning for the implementation of Stages 2 and 3 which would result in the extension of Zero’s environment to the courts.

The COVID-19 pandemic, with the requirement for social distancing, resulted in some delays in this planning process, particularly in relation to training both Zero and Zero’s handlers within the new court environment.

In terms of criminal procedure, amendments to the Evidence Act 1929 were proclaimed in March 2021 (the Evidence (Vulnerable Witnesses) Amendment Act (Commencement) Proclamation 2021) which allow for an application to be made for a Court Canine Companion to accompany a vulnerable witness giving evidence.

Business models

The development of business models utilising ODPP data and data science to better understand, predict, measure and optimise ODPP resource management and work effort.

In July 2020 the ODPP developed a Case Complexity Model (CCM), in conjunction with Capgemini. The CCM is an objective efficiency tool to manage solicitor workloads, allocate resources and assist in the professional development of legal staff.

In the last quarter of 2020-21, the ODPP and Capgemini completed two further data science projects:

• Solicitor Effort Model (proof of concept): a proof of concept for a measure of workload providing a visual and objective   measure of work effort for solicitors.
• Data Analytics Strategic Plan: the   development of a cohesive and comprehensive strategy for the development of   ODPP business models using data science, that enhance efficiencies in   processes, resourcing and decision making.

Internal Reviews

As part of best practice, conduct regular reviews of business processes to ensure currency and efficiency.

During 2020-21, the ODPP finalised reviews of key functions including:

• Brief Assessment Team: In February 2021, the ODPP completed an internal review which sought to ensure that the new business processes were efficient and effective. The recommendations were   considered and implemented in April 2021.
• Vulnerable Witness Team Review: In November 2020, the ODPP completed an internal review which examined each of the relevant recommendations of the Criminal Justice Report and analysed the   ODPP’s implementation of those recommendations to date. Recommendations for further actions were identified where applicable. The internal review focussed on the procedures and efficacy of the specialist Vulnerable Witness Team. The recommendations from the internal review will be implemented in   2021-22.

External Reviews

The review of ODPP functions by experienced external parties to provide fresh perspectives on policy, process and efficacy.

During 2020-21, an external review of the Witness Assistance Team was undertaken by AGD Justice Policy and Analytics.

Recommendations from the Review have been considered and prioritised. Projects have commenced for the following:

• Changing the Witness Assistance Service name to Witness Assistance Team. This was completed in March 2021.
• The review of the WAT Manager role which was completed in May 2021.
• The development of an identified Aboriginal Witness Assistance Officer role. This project has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2021-22.

The remaining recommendations will continue to be implemented throughout 2021-22 when the WAT Manager is appointed.

Commercial Crime and Confiscations

To provide effective and efficient services in relation to the prosecution of criminal matters that require specialised knowledge and experience in financial crime and the confiscation of assets.

In May 2021, the ODPP established a dedicated Commercial Crime and Confiscations team to deal with matters relating to corruption, financial crime, cybercrime and the confiscation of assets.

Staff development opportunities (SAPOL, ICAC and CDPP)

To ensure that ODPP staff are provided with opportunities to develop their legal knowledge and skills as part of their professional development.

In 2020-21, the ODPP partnered with SA Police (SAPOL), the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) to develop training and development opportunities for ODPP legal staff.

Formal agreements with SAPOL and ICAC have been made and agreements with CDPP will be re-visited in late-2021 subject to COVID-19 conditions.

COVID-19 response

Continued management of the ODPP workforce during the COVID-19 environment to ensure efficiencies of resourcing and wellbeing of staff.

The program first implemented in March 2020 to facilitate the maximum availability for work from home opportunities for legal staff continued into 2020-21 as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns across the State.