Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC)

DESC provides an improved and simpler system to share digital evidence to defence agents via the disclosure service, removing the need to collect and move physical copies of CDs, DVDs or encrypted pen drives.   

DESC also provides the option to share important digital evidence prior to a plea of not guilty being tendered where it may lead to an early resolution such as a plea, adjusted plea or discontinuation.  DESC aims to help partners provide a better public service and provide a platform for further modernisation.   

Defence agents access DESC evidence through the new Defence Agent Service (DAS).  

DAS is a new digital platform for defence agents to securely access disclosure services and case information. It replaces the Secure Disclosure System and manual client disclosure. DAS consolidates all defence agent’s case material in one place, allowing them, or their approved delegates, to access that material throughout the lifetime of a case.   

DESC is browser based and will work on a range of operating systems and device types. 

When COPFS discloses evidence to you in a case, you will receive a notification as part of the DAS disclosure process, and you can view this evidence within the relevant case in DAS. 

Each of the DESC evidence files disclosed to you will be listed as production.   

When you select a hyperlink for DESC evidence you will be redirected to the file

There is a link to any related certificates at the right-hand sign of your screen. Click on the link below the 'evidence certifications' to show the certificate.

The certificate will appear at the right-hand side of the screen:  

Select 'view certificate' for a full-page view.

Functionality   

Use the video playback buttons to play, pause, access previous frames, rewind while in play mode, and skip forward frames by selecting the relevant button from the taskbar underneath the video player:  

Change speed

To change speed footage plays at click on icon and select 'playback speed' from options.

Filters

Select the 'filters' icon to apply available filters.

Sound

Click on the 'sound' icon to increase/decrease or mute sounds.

Zoom  

The 'zoom' function will display by clicking on the icon. Use the zoom tools displayed on the video to zoom in or out.

You can also rotate the mouse wheel to zoom and pan into a specific area in the video.

Full screen  

Click on the icon to view the video full screen.

Use the esc key to exit fullscreen or alternatively click on the 'fullscreen' icon on the video.

Timeline

The timeline (to enable you to go to a specific time in the video) is underneath the video player.

DAS allows you to export the digital evidence to use a downloaded version if you require to.  Alternatively, you can log into DAS at any time during the lifetime of the case, while you are the recorded subject legal representative and view the evidence from the solution.  It is for you to determine how best to access and store the data.  

The existing rules and protocols remain in relation to security of data and data protection. 

Facilities have been provided in court rooms to allow DESC productions to be presented during trials by Crown and Defence practitioners.  There is a requirement to use your own device to present DESC productions. 

Connection points have been installed in DESC-enabled courtrooms and these provide  

SCTS has installed three identical sets of connection points positioned at the prosecutor's seat, the defence's seat, and at the lectern area in the well of the court.  

Connecting to the network cable