Five Ways Electronic Citations Help Officers in the Field

Law enforcement agencies across the country are moving away from paper-based citations to electronic ones filled out on a mobile device and stored in cloud systems that facilitate accuracy and lightning-fast data-sharing.

Picture a typical traffic stop: a police officer pulls over a vehicle for speeding on a busy commuter road. This process can be fairly lengthy, with many trips back and forth between vehicles while rush hour traffic whizzes by. Even after issuing the ticket, the officer still has to input the citation information into their mobile data terminal.

Electronic citations simplify every step of this process with app-based functionality, automatic form fills, and quick citation submission — meaning both the officer and the driver are on their way sooner and with less paperwork.

A recent article on Police1 highlights five specific ways electronic citations help officers in the field.

1. Flexibility

The best electronic citation solutions allow for customization, so digital tickets mimic the paper forms officers and supervisors are used to seeing. This reduces the learning curve for adoption while ensuring citations are in line with a department’s existing rules and processes.

2. Accurate Data Entry

Solutions that auto-fill repeat information and allow for scanning of VIN numbers or registration cards speed up the citation process while keeping data accurate and consistent. Citations are then automatically uploaded to a cloud system, reducing the number of steps officers have to take to submit their paperwork and shaving off even more time from the citation process.

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3. Safer and Faster

All of these efficiencies add up to valuable saved time when an officer is standing on the side of a busy road or highway. This reduces the likelihood of an officer or roadside vehicle getting involved in an accident.

4. Cross-Platform Functionality

The most effective electronic citation solutions work on any mobile device. That way, departments can ensure officers have access to time-saving digital tools no matter what phone or tablet they use on patrol.

5. Cloud Features

Cloud-based solutions mean automatic uploads that save submission time for officers. They also give departments easy access to software updates and flexibility to adapt and grow their solution to meet changing needs without tedious physical installations.

Read more on Police1 about how electronic citation solutions like Tyler Technologies’ Enforcement Mobile help officers and departments save valuable time and effort.