Q: What is TraCS?

A: TraCS is an acronym for Traffic and Criminal Software.

Q: What is the history behind TraCS?

A: In 1994, the Iowa Department of Transportation partnered with other state and local govement agencies to design an accident reporting system that would increase data accruacy while reducing the time needed to processing crash reports. This software evolved into TraCS. For more information, please visit National TraCS Project websit: www.tracsinfo.us.

Q: Who is using TraCS?

A: Presently 25 states (including local agencies) are licensed to use TraCS and are in various stages of development or actual use of teh software. Several other states are considering the system.

Q: What is the cost of TraCS?

A: The software is free under a no-cost licensing agreement with the Iowa DOT. The software runs on Winodws 98/2000/XP systems.

Q: What is TraCS capable of handling?

A: Originally designed as an electronic traffic crash reporting system, TraCS is built on a Microsoft framework and supports a number of modules that can capture and manage a variety of law enforcement data functions, including enforcement citation, warnings, and other "form" or paperwork intensive scenarios. The in-car system supports bar code reading, black & white photography, crash and crime scene diagramming and electronic signatures. The PC's can be linked wirelessly or removed from a patrol car to be downloaded to local database within the agency.

Q: What are TraCS benefits?

A: Increased legibility: Small light-weight maintenance-free thermal printers installed in the patrol car allow the Florida Traffic Crash Report Short Form or the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation to be printed on demand. TraCS is also configured to work with ticket writer impact printers. Increased Accuracy: A mag stripe reader can read the Florida driver license into TraCS driver or ehicle owner field. TraCS is also compatible with bar coded driver licenses. GPS devices can be attached to the laptop in the patrol car, sending a latitude and longitude to TraCS. Crashes and citations can be tied to a local records management systems or GIS. There are built-in HSMV edit checks to help avoid rejected forms. Reduced time filling out form: Information on individuals, vehicles, or carriers are stored in common information lists, which can help to fill in repeated data. Mag stripe reader eleminates key strokes. Data validation with TraCS: When a form is complete it has to be validated before it can be submitted to HSMV. HSMV Edit Rules are applied to the form for validation. TraCS is Free: The form have been developed by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering under grants funded by the Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office.

Q: How to contact with TraCS Team?

A: You can send your questions to TraCS team at 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32310-6046. Or click here to find TraCS-Florida contact information. Here you can download the error report and send us any errors you find in TraCS.