Country: Romania

Client: Ministry of Justice

Project Title: Audio-Video Court Recording for the Ministry of Justice Technical Assistance Program

Project Description: In 2005 and 2006, Global Resources helped the Romanian Ministry of Justice to plan the modernization of their management methods and technologies used to store and transfer their library of court proceedings. A digital media capability was vitally needed not only as part of Romania’s national strategy, but also to fulfill European Union (EU) accession requirements.

Prior to our in-country work, Global Resources conducted extensive research on the financial, economic, political, technical and organizational variables that impact an institution’s – and especially a Ministry’s – ability to assess, plan and implement digital media throughout a national justice system. As part of our analysis, we considered financial, national security, privacy, staffing, professional development/training and related challenges that we have seen other transitional countries and Ministries encounter as they migrate networks and work processes to modern ICT solutions.

Our goal was to arrive in Romania with several ideas for a potential digital media study, including framing out the required scope of work, budget, staffing, tendering and related parameters. Ideally, we wanted to assist the Ministry of Justice by providing a study methodology, as well as the resources and plan for drafting a Request for Proposals (RFP).

As part of our in-country assessments, we learned that the Ministry of Justice utilized the ECRIS software system. We discussed various levels of scope and depth that the digital media study could include, noting that a modern ICT solution could extend far beyond an audio-video court recording system. In fact, we suggested that the study and implementation should allow all Ministry of Justice information and files to be integrated within a common database and digital media system, with appropriate levels of security and access for staff and end users. In essence, system users, including the Ministry of Justice, could access a digital library of court proceedings, and also get related data regarding the management, operational details and parameters of each case, and statistics and issues related to the national planning and management of judicial activities.

Following this assessment, Global Resources developed the Terms of Reference, budget, consultant qualifications, and related parameters for the Audio-Video Court Recording Technical Assistance Program for the Ministry of Justice in Romania. Our positive recommendation led to financial support for the Study and its associated contracting processes, including the RFP that followed.

Multumim Ministerului Justitiei pentru oportunitatea de a lucra impreuna pentru acest proiect deosebit de important.