The public inquiry following the Soham murders will emphasise the need for a joined-up criminal justice system, according to Criminal Justice IT (CJIT) director general John Suffolk.

The inquiry, led by former top civil servant Sir Michael Bichard, reports later today.

It was launched in December to investigate the manner in which police handled intelligence about Ian Huntley's past and the vetting processes which led to his employment in a school.

Suffolk told vnunet.com's sister title Computing that he expects the report to endorse CJIT's aim for joined-up justice.

"I cannot predict what the Bichard report will say, but I would be surprised if it does not reinforce the joined-up agenda because the ability for information to flow from department to department and agency to agency in a focused and efficient way is critical," he said.

"I can imagine Sir Michael coming out and saying: 'What can we do to help intelligence information flow around all the people that need it?'"