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Delray Beach Police Linked by Virtual Partners

Delray Beach, FL (pop.60, 020) wanted to install an efficient, timesaving computer application that would allow police field officers to exchange information with the dispatch center via a mobile digital terminal. The department was seeking a solution that would allow officers to obtain information on individuals and vehicles via the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) while in the police vehicle, and to complete all reporting requirements from a field location. After trying to work with various versions of another software application, the city launched "Virtual Partners" -- an efficient, timesaving, easy-to-use application, which increased their proficiency and productivity in multiple areas.

The strategic application the city implemented consists of four "Virtual Partner" programs:

· "Voice Response," in which the queries to NCIC and The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) entered by the officer are relayed back to the officer verbally. Voice Response provides the officer with specific information such as tag and driver's license status, as well as color, make, and model of the vehicle. It calculates tag expiration dates and confirms warrant hits. Using a voice response, the relevant information is relayed quickly and accurately to the officer without the officer having to look on a computer screen.

· The "QuickTicket" program automatically fills out a Uniform Traffic Citation using the information returned from NCIC and DHSMV. The officer is required to manually enter only the violations and statute numbers. The software calculates the statute number and fine, while the court date is automatically entered. All pertinent information is then automatically printed on Uniform Traffic Citations. This program reduces time spent on a traffic stop, eliminates errors, and produces professional, easy-to-read tickets.

· The "QuickCrash" program imports NCIC and DHSMV information from in-car terminals directly to State Crash Reports, producing a high quality, readable accident form that is error free.

· The "QuickMap" program provides an in-vehicle map of the call location or any other selected location and displays a view of the area. "QuickMap" integrates directly with Microsoft's MapPoint and Streets and Trips, eliminating the need for expensive map updates. This program also eliminates the need for costly GPS systems.

The four innovative, strategic Virtual Partner Programs, developed by Advanced Public Safety, Inc., have not only reduced the time an officer spends with a violator, but allows the officer to have pertinent information almost instantly. It enables the officer to analyze the information and continue his/her observation of the subject prior to making contact. This takes the focus off of a computer screen and increases officer safety. The programs also increase productivity on the part of the officer by the automatic relay of information to the officer and automatically filling out citations and reports, which reduces the officer's time spent completing handwritten forms.

These strategic applications have resulted in increases in capturing more Driving While License is Suspended violators, recovering and seizing more stolen tags, removing more uninsured motorists from the road, and vehicles that, legally, should not be on the road. In a comparison of the first three months of the program and the previous three months, criminal citations and stops increased 84 percent.

The additional revenue generated by the increase in fines (due to the increase in capturing many different violators and violations), along with the increase in officer productivity and efficiency makes this program extremely cost effective.

For more information, please contact Major William McCollom, Delray Beach Police Department at 561.243.7878.