New ticketing system will decrease traffic stop time, maintain integrity of records

Various police departments in DeKalb County will begin phasing in an electronic ticketing system at the start of the new year.

“I’m hoping eventually all of [the DeKalb County police departments] will use it,” said Maureen Josh, DeKalb County Circuit Clerk. “All the departments in DeKalb County are very interested.”

Josh’s office has already signed the contract for the program’s software.

“Departments will start using the software once they are able to purchase the equipment,” Josh said, adding that many agents will be applying for grants to pay for the printers.

The DeKalb Police Department is one of the departments looking to get funding for the system.

“Funding is available through the Illinois Department of Transportation,” said DeKalb Police Sergeant Tracy Smith.

The electronic ticketing system is thought to have many benefits.

“It’s a faster method of us dealing with the tickets, and it’s a better system for the police departments,” Josh said. “It will make it easier. The system will have paper, human resources and make a much more efficient system.”

Having a printed ticket versus a handwritten ticket may help with the integrity of the records.

“The legibility becomes an issue with some tickets,” said Sycamore Police Lt. Cary Singer, who also said the system is in the works for his department.

The system is thought to be safer and quicker for officers.

“Police officers will have more information available for them in the car when they stop a vehicle,” Josh said, adding information on the driver could be accessed more quickly.

“The standard traffic stop takes about 10 minutes,” Singer said. “We think this system will only take about half of that time.”

Police departments will have to wait until spring to begin installing the new system.

“Implementation will take a couple months,” Josh said. “We’re looking to put it more in for 2009.”

University Police are also currently looking into the technology.

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