E-docket system for improved administration and justice delivery in selected Limpopo province police stations

Abstract

This article analyses the factors considered as potential enablers of and hindrances to an optimal implementation of an e-docket system to improve dockets administration and justice delivery in selected police stations of the Limpopo province, South Africa. In the Criminal Justice System, of which the South African Police Service (SAPS) is an integral part, officials often struggle to conclude criminal cases because poor records management makes it possible for criminal officials to tamper with dockets or steal dockets usually managed manually in police stations. This study adopted a survey research design based on a quantitative research approach, with the use of questionnaires to collect data from police detectives in Limpopo police stations. One hundred questionnaires were distributed to collect data from the target population in six participating police stations, and 65 questionnaires were returned. The study identified some enablers of and significant hindrances to the implementation of the e-docket system called Integrated Case Docket Management System (ICDMS). On the positive side, the e-docket system enabled 24-hour access to and tracking of e-dockets, among others. However, many police officers had limited digital training and skills, which inhibited effectiveness and efficiency of the e-docket system. ICT tools were inadequate, resulting in frequently unavailable and slow network connectivity. These hindrances in Limpopo police stations negatively affected records management and justice delivery. To gain full return on investment in an effective e-docket system, the study recommended that top management support foster an enabling environment that reskills police officers and provides technical support for an optimal operation of an e-docket system for electronic records management.