The case management system (CMS) that was used by the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) during the audit period and is currently in use by all 11 district attorneys’ (DA’s) offices is obsolete and, according to MDAA officials, may soon no longer be supported by the software manufacturer. The software is unable to meet all the needs of the DAs regarding tracking and reporting specific data to the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data (JJPAD) Board and may soon be unable to meet all the operational needs of the 11 DAs. See Appendix A for more information regarding MDAA’s CMS.
If MDAA is unable to secure funding to update its CMS, then the CMS may become inoperative, especially since MDAA shared with us that it is concerned that the software manufacturer may cease to support the software. DAs may be unable to meet their operational needs and may not be able to provide the JJPAD Board with the information it needs to comply with Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018.
Authoritative Guidance
Section 20D of Chapter 12 of the Massachusetts General Laws states,
The district attorneys may appoint a suitable person to serve as executive director to the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association for the purpose of promoting prosecutorial resources and improving prosecutorial functions through the coordination and standardization of services and programs, together with providing information, technical assistance and educational services to ensure standardization in organization, goals, operations and procedures.
Reasons for Insufficient Technical Assistance
MDAA informed us that each DA office’s business needs are unique. Because each DA office uses the CMS differently, an extraordinary effort is needed to determine each DA office’s requirements and to coordinate the collection of standardized data.
Recommendation
MDAA should obtain funding to procure a new CMS that meets the needs of all 11 DA offices with regards to operations, tracking, and reporting.
Auditee’s Response
MDAA will continue to request funding to purchase a new CMS system for the 11 district attorneys’ offices.
Auditor’s Reply
Based on its response, MDAA is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter. As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.
| Date published: | November 17, 2025 |
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