Sunderland software deal helps US fight crime

Feb 12 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A DEAL worth close to £8.5m will see software developed in Sunderland used by American law enforcers in the fight against crime in the US.

National technology firm Business & Decision has sold its case management system to authorities in Maryland for use in managing criminals from their arrest, through to their incarceration and supervision.

The Mi-Case product was originally developed in Sunderland seven years ago to be used in the monitoring and rehabilitation of drug users by various agencies including councils, healthcare groups and police forces.

The software, which continues to be developed and managed at the Sunderland branch, has since been sold to local authorities across the UK and its creators on Wearside are now focusing on developing new applications for the system.

To date, Mi-Case has been used by over 30 organisations in the UK including Newcastle’s and Sunderland’s City Councils.

Meanwhile, the deal with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is expected to be followed by other contracts in the US as the firm targets growth in the North American market.

Head of consulting Dean Allen, who leads the firm’s Sunderland branch, said the group is currently looking to add five or six software developers to its 40-strong North East workforce on the back of growth at the firm.

He also said some of the funds brought into the company by the Maryland deal would be re-invested into the ongoing development of Mi-Case in Sunderland.

He said: “We initially sold the system into drug action teams and it was designed for organisations set up to monitor and manage drug rehabilitation for people in the community.

“We are looking at other markets and applications for the software which is quite flexible and could be used in any market which requires the case management of individuals.

“The deal in Maryland gives us access to the wider criminal justice arena.”