Athens PD debuts new e-citation system

The Athens Police Department is debuting a new e-citation system that will make operations more efficient. The e-citation system is part of a new records management system that will work. The new system will reduce the average time of a traffic stop from between 10 and 15 minutes to three to five minutes. The new system has the potential to also enhance safety for both officers and motorists. A recent study found that between 35% and 40% of officer fatalities occur during traffic stops. Officers will use a handheld device about the size of a smart phone to input and scan information as well as a small portable printer. Once back at the station, the device can then download all of its information to the main database. This will eliminate several data entry steps and make reports available more quickly. The new print outs look like a recipient and will include a QR code that can provide information such as court dates and payment locations.