Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and her fellow Rules Committee members approved a supplemental appropriation for $509,123 in state funds for a traffic safety program that is expected to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and deaths on New York's roads through the use of computers in Nassau County Police cars. The computers will enable officers to automatically produce traffic tickets and accident reports and transmit data quickly.

"This system will have a host of benefits, beyond improving highway safety statistical data," said Legislator Jacobs. "Officers will also have access to databases of suspended and revoked licenses, stolen vehicles and other public safety information."

In addition, tickets will be produced by the computer and printer, thereby eliminating motorist confusion associated with handwritten documents and data entry error. Officer safety and efficiency will also be improved by reducing time spent during traffic stops.

Funds from the grant will pay for the installation of computers in 48 police cars. The computers, using TraCS software, allow traffic tickets and accident reports to be submitted electronically to the Department of Motor Vehicle and also to the local traffic courts capable of receiving this data.

TraCS (Traffic and Criminal Software) is the software application used in the project and was developed in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the State of Iowa, State of New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, New York State Police, DMV, Office of Court Administration, Department of Transportation, Division of Criminal Justice Services, New York State Chiefs and Sheriff's Association and others.

TraCS will produce traffic ticket and accident reports, including associated documents such as supporting depositions, in the police vehicle using a computing device and printer. This electronic ticket or accident report will then be transmitted.

The supplemental appropriation must still be approved by the full legislature on June 28. It is expected to receive full support.

The Computers will be installed in September 2004.