System Streamlines Ticketing Process
Southgate police are using an electronic ticket system to improve efficiency and safety. The patrol officer swipes a driver’s license, causing the license’s data to be electronically transmitted to the proper parties, while a ticket is printed out for the driver. Police Chief Larry Hall notes that the system enables officers to keep their eyes more closely on the occupants of vehicles they pull over.
The system gives officers information about a person’s driving status, as well as any information regarding warrant or missing person reports.
The police department acquired the system two years ago as part of an upgrade of its computer system, but officers did not begin training until this year.
“If a police officer is spending five minutes with his head down doing paperwork and not paying attention to the guy in front of him, that can be a problem,” notes Southgate resident Mike Beard. “But now they can gain the same information as quickly as you walk into a store and have your credit card swiped.”
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Detroit News (03/23/05); Morris, Iveory .