Public Prosecution plans electronic investigation system

Dubai: The Dubai Public Prosecution (DPP) will become the first to implement an updated electronic investigation system in the region in early 2010, a chief prosecutor revealed on Sunday.

The new e-investigation system has multiple features, including provision for e-signatures and journals, said Ali Humaid Bin Khatem, the DPP's Head of Naturalisation and Residency Prosecution, during the second day of the 6th International Association of Prosecutors Middle East and Asia-Pacific Regional Conference.

Addressing attorney generals, prosecutors and other justice officials representing more than 48 countries, Bin Khatem said: "The DPP is pleased to announce a set of new initiatives that will come into practice early in 2010. The e-system is currently being updated and tested. It includes applications that help prosecutors in their investigations, such as facilitating the direct connection of issued resolutions for investigations, including indictment lists in the system, and others. If the endorsement of the chief prosecutor is required for the public prosecutor's action, the file is transferred to the chief prosecutor electronically, and is also endorsed electronically."

Speaking during the inaugural session at the Address Hotel, Bin Khatem, who is also a member of the Conference's Higher Organisation Committee, announced that the DPP will be providing the public prosecution software on the iPhone, so that prosecutors can use the software anywhere.

Among other new initiatives, the UAE Penal Code has been made available in an electronic version, also accessible via iPhone. "The upload of the rest of laws shall follow," he added.

The DPP is hosting the three-day conference (which concludes today) under the theme ‘Public Prosecution in the 21st Century' under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Delivering one of the DPP's four presentations, Bin Khatem said: "Replacing paper files and referring them to court electronically is part of our future vision … we are also keen to enhance the role of law in Dubai through world-class performance."

Meanwhile, the DPP's Advocate General Khalifa Bin Deemas, Vice-Chairman of the Higher Organisation Committee, gave a presentation on risk management and information security.