POLICE chiefs said a delay in switching on computer technology that would speed offenders through the justice system was "frustrating".

A virtual "criminal justice exchange", that would have linked North Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), will not be available until May 2006. It means that police and prosecutors will not be able to use the same electronic files despite being located in the same building at Clifton Moor, York.

It was intended to bring in "single keying", so that members of both organisations would not have to input the same information into separate systems. Dozens of employees from the police, CPS, witness service and victim support moved into Athena House, in Kettlestring Lane, in March.

Senior officers said despite the setback, the move has speeded up communication between all the groups as staff were able to meet daily and discuss ongoing cases.

Superintendent Colin Taylor, head of the administration of justice department, said the delay was regrettable. He said: "At the time of commission of the programme, it was envisaged that both organisations' IT systems would be able to talk to each other through the 'criminal justice exchange.'

"This national interface has been delayed and is now projected to go live in May 2006.

"Regrettably, this has frustrated the use of single-keying by both organisations... (and) made a single administration more complex..."

But a spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) denied that the IT delay has had any negative affect on daily business.

She said: "Though the system will be a helpful resource, a delay in its introduction will not have an adverse affect on our day-to-day business."

Staff at Athena House were helping 705 people in 324 cases under the new "no witness, no justice" scheme, which aims to support victims and witnesses. Rob Turnbull, chief Crown prosecutor, said: "The scheme is about prioritising their needs by dedicating support and help from the outset of a case."

Updated: 11:48 Friday, July 01, 2005