The Delray Beach Police Department planned to install a time-saving computer

application to allow officers in the field to send and receive information from the

dispatch center via a mobile digital terminal.  After problems with other software,

the Department found its answer in the Auto Response Mobile System
(ARMS), consisting of four automated response programs:

•  The Voice Response system relays officers' verbal inquiries to the National
   Criminal Information Center (NCIC), the Florida Criminal Information
   Center and The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
   (DHSMV). Verbal results free officers from computer screens.

•  The QuickTicket program automatically completes Uniform Traffic
   Citations, DUI Citations, Traffic Warnings, Tow Slips, etc. using the
   information returned from NCIC and DHSMV, and calculates fines and
   court dates. The result is less time spent on traffic stops, error
   elimination, and professional, easy-to-read tickets.

•  The QuickCrash program imports NCIC and DHSMV information
    from in-car terminals directly to State Crash Reports, producing error-
    free accident forms.

•   The QuickMap program provides in-vehicle maps of selected locations.
 

With ARMS, officers can instantly analyze information and continue
observation prior to making contact. With the focus off a computer screen,
officer safety increases.

A comparison of ARMS' first three months to the previous three months
showed an 84 percent increase in criminal citations and stops, and reduced
officer response time. Average time spent on routine traffic stops is down 50
percent, generating a positive public response. Because of ARMS, there are fewer
violators driving with suspended licenses, vehicles with stolen tags, uninsured
motorists and unsafe vehicles on the roads.

Neighboring municipalities are considering adopting ARMS because it is
effective, user-friendly and low cost. The cost to the City is approximately $37
per vehicle computer, offset by additional revenue generated by the increase in
fines and increased officer productivity.

For additional information, contact Major William McCollom, Deputy Chief of
Police, Delray Beach Police Department, at 561/243-7878 or mccollom@ci.delray-
beach.fl.us.

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