Ecitations have streamlined the way tickets are done. Reducing paperwork and instantly making information available across multiple systems. These systems have made the processing of paperwork more concise and accurate by providing new technology to an old method.
eCitations, or electronic citations, are a digital alternative to traditional paper-based ticketing methods used by law enforcement officers. These electronic systems allow officers to issue citations or traffic tickets electronically, using handheld devices to quickly enter information, which is then electronically transmitted to relevant agencies, such as courts and motor vehicle departments.
eCitations offer a way for officers to reduce the amount of time they spend on each traffic stop, but also have the ability to reduce the number of errors found within each citation. More thanj10% of the time a handwritten citation is done, information can be written down incorrectly, such as a misspelling of a name, or an incorrect ID number. eCitations often combine a series of tools: ID scanning, uploading and dropdown methods that directly upload into the court and records management systems. This insures the information is almost instantaneously available for users to access.
Handwritten citations are straight forward as they are usually on a notepad with a list of expected fields.
eCitations do not change the look of or feel of the document being submitted. This means all of the fields are exactly the same as your officers known it just makes it digitally editable. but instead just make it clear for
How much Time and Money is saved using eCitations?
The adoption of an e-citation system can result in annual savings of more than $560,000 for a city that issues a minimum of 60,000 citations each year. Typically, it takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes to complete an eCitation, a significant improvement compared to the 10 to 15 minutes required for a handwritten citation.
To effectively manage eCitations, you'll require specialized software, some police stations have the ability to design something internally, but its often recommended to adopt a software that can be maintained and altered without the dependency of your own development team. When utilizing a system already in existence this provides you with the tools needed to quickly implement and manage your systems. As a method to make this work in the field the use of a tablet, phone or even a in car computer system can provide the users with the proper access to implement this tool. For a more in-depth look into the value of these systems you can find that information here.
Electronic citations, or eCitations, represent a pivotal shift from traditional paper-based processes to a streamlined, efficient, and environmentally conscious approach. As we've explored in this blog, eCitations offer benefits that extend well beyond convenience—they enhance accuracy, data integration, and accessibility while minimizing the environmental footprint.
As law enforcement agencies continue to implement eCitation systems, we can anticipate further advancements in this space. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and enhanced connectivity will likely refine the eCitation process, making it even more responsive to the needs of officers, courts, and the communities they serve. In an age where information flows at the speed of light, eCitations have proven that the digital transformation of law enforcement is not just a convenience but a significant step toward a safer, more efficient future.