Strategy #52
Electronic Citations
Streamline the issuance of citations and the subsequent judicial process through the use of electronic citation devices and accompanying computer technology.
Background
The physical process of writing and issuing traffic citations demands a significant amount of a patrol officer’s time and attention. In addition to the officer’s time, entering information from each citation into computer systems, filing, and tracking these documents demands significant amounts of time from limited personnel resources. This is true both in law enforcement agencies and court offices. Various pilot projects using electronic citation devices have demonstrated a significant reduction in officer and office staff time devoted to processing traffic citations.
Actions
- Consult with other law enforcement agencies that have conducted pilot projects or that are now using electronic citation devices.
- Consult with local judicial councils regarding the feasibility of using electronic citations.
- Develop and implement pilot projects utilizing electronic citation devices where feasible.
- Seek legislation to allow process in courts.
- Seek standardization of the citation data elements, system design, and interface protocols.
Benefits
- Increases amount of time officers have for patrol and enforcement by reducing time needed for writing citations and associated paperwork.
- Increases amount of time clerical staff has to accomplish other administrative duties.
- Enhanced and more efficient adjudication process by working with computerized and electronic citation records. Eliminates paper filing, mailing, and manual record keeping.
- Enhanced accountability for citations during issuance and processing.
- Makes the citation more legible for the client.
- Improves the reliability of the information
Other Considerations
- Cost of the technology.
- Increased skills, expertise and training for personnel to support and operate.