Steps for Rolling Out a Digital Out-of-Court Resolution (OoCR) System in Your Force

UK police forces are facing a critical challenge: growing caseloads, rising officer burnout, and outdated systems that can’t keep up. Many still rely on spreadsheets to manage Out of Court Resolution (OoCR) programmes, tools that were never meant for complex, high-volume casework.

Transitioning to a digital system isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a shift toward sustainable, data-driven policing. Here’s how to roll out a modern, automated OoCR system that works for your force.

1. Identify the Limitations of Manual Systems

Before transformation begins, it’s vital to acknowledge the current pain points. Manual tracking through spreadsheets introduces:

• Time-consuming data entry

• Frequent human error

• Lack of real-time visibility

• No task automation or audit trails

In a fast-moving justice environment where accuracy matters, these inefficiencies aren’t just inconvenient; they’re a liability.

2. Set Clear Objectives for Change

Define what your force needs most. Is the goal to reduce administrative burden, improve consistency, or ensure faster case turnaround? Setting these objectives early ensures your new digital OoCR system aligns with operational priorities and national frameworks.

3. Choose an Automated, Configurable Platform

Automation is the key to scalability and sustainability. Platforms like Diversion Manager replace outdated spreadsheets with a single, end-to-end system designed for policing workflows. Automation delivers:

• Streamlined registration – Participants enter data directly, reducing admin time

• Automated payments – Transparent, accurate fee management

• 24/7 access to courses – Improves engagement and completion

• Real-time progress cheques – Eliminates manual follow-ups

• Auto-generated resolution documents – Speeds up approval and routing

With full configurability, forces can tailor workflows, reports, and communications to fit local policies and partnerships, without costly bespoke development.

4. Train and Support Your Teams

Technology alone doesn’t change behaviour, people do. Provide clear training, user guides, and ongoing support. Diversion Manager includes 24/7 chat, telephone helpdesk support, and online resources to help officers and coordinators get up to speed quickly. Consider designating “digital champions” to promote adoption across your force.

5. Pilot, Review, and Refine

Before a full rollout, launch a pilot with a small team or region. Collect feedback, refine configurations, and make adjustments. A pilot allows you to fine-tune your setup and build confidence among users before scaling up force-wide.

6. Monitor Performance and Improve Continuously

Once live, use built-in reporting tools and dashboards to track case outcomes, completion rates, and timelines. Data transparency not only helps you manage performance internally but also strengthens accountability and public trust.

The Impact of Modernisation

By replacing spreadsheets with a purpose-built system, forces benefit from:

• Reduced administrative time and cost

• Higher programme completion rates

• Improved consistency and accountability

• Greater officer capacity for safeguarding and decision-making

The result? Faster, fairer, and more effective resolutions for both offenders and victims.

The Time to Modernise Is Now

With more than 9,000 officers leaving the force in the year ending March 2024, nearly half within their first five years, efficiency and retention have never been more critical. Automation offers a scalable, sustainable way to support staff and deliver justice effectively.

Diversion Manager makes it simple for police forces to manage behaviour-changing Out of Court Resolutions (OoCRs). From case intake and payment processing to programme completion and disposition, every step is automated, auditable, and transparent, replacing the patchwork of spreadsheets with a single, secure platform.

Diversion Manager supports your force with our fully functional platform configurable to accommodate Out of Court Resolution programmes with advanced workflow, communication, reporting, and integration with your case management system. Contact us today if you’d like to set a meeting to learn more about Diversion Manager or to schedule a demo.