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                            Library & Multimedia
 Making TraCS With Traffic Safety
NCJ Number
              211925

Date Published

2003
Length
              2 pages
Annotation
              In 1994, in an effort to reduce time-consuming paperwork related to traffic management data collection and processing, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) took the lead in developing TraCS (Traffic and Criminal Software), which is an electronic reporting program that is available at no cost to law enforcement agencies across the country.
Abstract
              By using TraCS, agencies can now create their own local databases in addition to transmitting reports electronically to the Iowa DOT, making the information available the next day. Use of electronic reporting eliminates duplicate data entry, cuts down on keying errors and problems caused by poor handwriting, and reduces time spent on the scene. The State owns the source code for the TraCS software, which eliminates vendor licensing fees and enables Iowa to provide TraCS to other States and agencies within those States at no charge. Although the software is free, agencies must still purchase the hardware required to operate the program; however, TraCS will run on laptops that agencies may already be using for other purposes. Just over 15 additional States are in the process of implementing TraCS for some or all of their law enforcement agencies. TraCS' design enables it to generate electronic forms that are identical to the paper forms an agency previously used, so no department is required to change its forms or procedures. The only change for officers is learning to input data electronically. Although Iowa developed the software and owns it, future development priorities are decided by consensus among representatives of all participating States, who regularly meet to discuss modifications.
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        96-MU-MU-K011


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Program/Project Description
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2003
    
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                Automated police information systems
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        Law enforcement technology



  
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