The concept of electronic citations is not new. In fact, a variety of standalone eCitation software applications have been out there for nearly a decade now, used as automation tools by public safety agencies and their traffic and highway patrol officers. But just as many other industrial automation applications have grown and evolved over the years, so has eCitation. Newer systems aspire to deliver seamless continuity and integration when utilized by officers on the road. They are also meant to ease the job of citation processing by the city or county clerk, judicial system and courts.
How has the landscape changed? Well, unlike the discrete, siloed systems of yesteryear, next-generation eCitation systems are fully Internet-enabled. This means they are offering broader scope, expanded functionality, ease of use and reliability. These improvements are largely due to technology advances in wireless networking and connectivity, as well as product innovations pioneered by industry-leading application developers and manufacturers of electronic devices such as smartphones, ruggedized tablet computers and smart mobile wireless printers.
Benefits of eCitation? Officer safety is part of it
More agencies are embracing eCitation. The citation is neater, the process faster. But what else does it have going for it? Two more factors to look into are officer safety and monetary savings. Here you may find an eCitation makes sense beyond what you're already doing. In terms of impacting the day-to-day work environment of highway and traffic patrol teams, the results of eCitation systems have been overwhelmingly positive when it comes to increasing the safety of patrol officers and the driving public they serve. Think about it: The very act of pulling motorists over on public roads poses risks to the officers, and increases danger to the unlucky motorist and also passing drivers. How often has a motorist in the back been unaware of a traffic stop or obstacles up ahead and proceeded to cause an accident resulting in injury and often death? Shorter, more efficient traffic stops mean safer streets and highways for everyone.
Well-designed eCitation systems may also help agencies reduce costs and help officers increase their efficiency and productivity. An army of tech-savvy IT and information system leaders in public safety agencies across the nation are helping to drive the trend. They maintain an end-to-end, well-equipped mobile wireless eCitation system can deliver measurable value in terms of reduced administrative time and labor, lower costs and the capture of previously lost revenue. For example, with less time on duty devoted to handwriting tickets and other administrative tasks, officers can typically cover more ground in the course of a shift. Ramping up efficiency is not only more satisfying to individual officers, but also has ripple effects throughout the department. Some departments have cited benefits that include reduced administrative time and costs, faster ticket processing, and increased revenues. In addition, replacing the outdated process of issuing a citation by hand with digital data entry and automatic formatting results in neater, more legible and accurate citations. The elimination of human errors and illegible handwriting results in fewer, if not the elimination entirely, of rejected citations. This translates into reductions in previously lost revenues, as well as faster revenue capture since most violators would prefer to just pay the fine and avoid going to court, if possible.
Efficiency is key. Most new eCitation system data and information flow can be programmed and customized to an agency’s specific command structure and requirements. These systems can capture and store data, and transmit relevant information to wherever else in the public safety organization it is needed, as well as to external government entities such as the criminal justice and judicial systems. This system-wide approach is designed to eliminate redundant data entry and reduce the need for administrative time and resources previously needed to transmit and support a discrete, higher volume paper-based process. Plus it significantly cuts down on paper.
More than just e-ticketing
While the earliest versions of eCitation were basically standalone e-ticketing books, newer solutions issue clearly printed tickets. One product on the market is an end-to-end solution comprised of software and hardware coupled with advanced wireless networking technologies and options which optimize flexibility and functionality, as well as choice in mobile computing devices (e.g., PC, tablet, mini tablet, or smart handheld device). Another leading eCitation solution automates as an officer makes a stop and issues a traffic citation. It:
- Quickly captures all information on the driver’s license by scanning the 2D barcode included on the back of all licenses. The data is captured and used to fill in appropriate fields on the citation form to be printed
- Offers options for issuing multiple violations and warnings within seconds, allowing officers to quickly search a local database of hundreds or even thousands of offenses
- Automatically prints the ticket, using a full-page or small format smart mobile printer capable of printing different formats, such as traffic, parking or code enforcement citations
- Officer also has the option to capture the violator’s signature, a digital photo or even a fingerprint
- Using web-based technology, officers can immediately synchronize and submit citation data wirelessly to their own department’s Record Management System and any other government entity linked into the network
- Once on the web software, authorized system users can access tickets online, reproduce in PDF format and export to the Court. In addition, the web application stores all aggregate ticket data, which can be used to create reports for future analysis.
Choosing mobile wireless printers
In addition to the PC or handheld running the application, the other key piece of hardware for every officer on the road is a smart mobile wireless printer. These lightweight, battery-powered thermal printers are used to generate clear, legible citations for traffic violators, with all relevant fields populated. These output devices make the job infinitely easier and more efficient by replacing time-consuming handwritten processes with simple menu-driven keystrokes.
Most mobile wireless printers in today’s marketplace are available in both large and small format. Large format printers can print full-page (8.5 x 11 inch) documents, including citations, accident reports, Amber Alerts, and more. Some departments prefer smaller format versions that print out 3- and 4-inch wide citations, parking tickets, warnings and the like. To ensure high performance, flexibility and long service life. Look for:
- Direct thermal printing technology ‒ There are no messy inks or toners to deal with and the only consumable is thermal paper (single page, fan fold or rolls). Unlike ink jets, there are fewer moving parts to break or malfunction, which means low maintenance and reliable performance even in extreme heat and cold.
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling ‒ Look for flexible wearing and mounting options (e.g., printers that suspend from belt or shoulder strap, mount in or on vehicles, boats, ATVs, helicopters, motorcycles and even bicycles).
- High-speed, high-resolution printing (e.g., 6 ppm, 300 dpi resolution) ‒ Ability to print crisp, readable text, graphics, illustrations, maps, photos and bar codes increases the printer’s versatility and value.
- Intuitive navigation, easy to learn and use even for non-technical patrol officers.
- Platform interoperability plus flexible networking and connectivity options ‒ this helps to protect your mobile printer investment by ensuring the devices will operate seamlessly across multiple operating platforms and devices (i.e., iOS, Android, Windows and Windows Mobile).
- Finally, look for a solid manufacturer’s warranty against defects, as well as technical support from the manufacturer when needed.
Today's eCitation packages continue to improve for officers on the road. Careful components that speed up the ticket-writing process and integrate with other software are changing the game. Are you ready to ditch the paper?
About the Authors:
Eric Fultz is president and CEO of Saltus Technologies. David Crist is president of Brother Mobile Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brother International Corporation and premier provider of mobile thermal printing solutions for law enforcement, public safety, government agencies and a host of other industries. Visit our website at www.brothermobilesolutions.com.
