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The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office went live with a new case management system on October 3, 2022. The system, Prosecutor by Karpel (PbK), marks the move from paper files that have served the office since its inception, to a fully digital system. The implementation came after a careful and thorough request for proposals, procurement, and planning. October 3, 2023, will mark the one-year anniversary of WCPO using this system.

The PbK system enables the Office to move into the new Criminal Justice Complex (CJC) offices. The office space in the CJC was designed for a digital WCPO by eliminating much of the existing storage for physical files.

The Information Unit

In addition to using PbK, WCPO created a unit to work toward the goal of 100% of the information available on a file being added to the digital file 100% accurately. This Information Unit is tasked with reviewing the submissions from police, ensuring their accuracy, and facilitating the information flow into and throughout the office. The dedicated staff of the Information Unit speaks daily with police officers and assistant prosecutors, and the courts.

The manager of the Information Unit, Wanda Lloyd, is the central gear in this new machinery. Mark Hindelang, Chief of Information and Technology said, "Wanda Lloyd learned the system quickly and helped to train the staff. She is the first point of contact for our staff and outside agencies when things go wrong. She is a problem solver as she helps others navigate PbK. Wanda and the Information Unit are the foundation for this successful anniversary. The are to be congratulated."

The Discovery Unit

The Information Unit focuses on the input and accuracy of information used throughout the criminal justice system. Assistant prosecutors in the office, and the defense bar rely on the information held in the PBK system. WCPO created a new unit that processes discovery requests and prepares discovery on new cases. The work and goal of the Discovery Unit allows Wayne County courts to hear cases without unnecessary administrative delay. Defense attorneys now receive discovery through download links rather than paper and physical discs. In a stark comparison to the old way, the initial discovery packet is often ready when the defense attorney is assigned or makes their first appearance.

The implementation success comes because of hard work from Prosecutor Worthy, her staff, and every other stakeholder in the Wayne County criminal justice system. Police agencies submit warrants digitally. The system allows agencies to check on the status of cases, add additional information, maintain their rosters, and receive subpoenas instantly. Courts receive case data through the PbK interface. The same interface sends information about the next date back to PbK.

Police agencies have sent over 30,000 referrals through the system, which is greater than in previous years. The Prosecutor's Office has been able to make a charging decision on 25,000 cases in this year even with depleted staff numbers due to the efficiency that the system allows.

"We sincerely thank Wayne County CEO, Warren C. Evans, and the Wayne County Commission for their support of our new case management system. This transition to PbK has been exciting, but learning a new system has not been without some challenges. I want to acknowledge my staff, the police departments, and the courts in Wayne County who have shown their commitment and willingness to adopt this new digital system.

"This has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I am so pleased that it is now a reality. We are not done, but this is a great start. I want to expand this system beyond where we are now. It is my hope to take this digital system to the next level in the coming years - sharing office, and other information with the public," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

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