An online warrant is a process that allows a law enforcement agency to create, approve and serve a variety of warrants electronically. It is a solution that saves time, reduces risk and helps decrease crime.
In addition, it saves a significant amount of paper and resources. This allows officers to focus on what matters most: apprehension and conviction of criminals.
Streamlined Process
The streamlined process of using an online electronic warrant allows public safety officers to submit search warrant requests from any device that is connected to the internet. This eliminates travel and wait times, reduces paper copies, and ensures proper procedures are followed.
In addition, the system automatically alerts judges and court clerks when a warrant is awaiting review. Judges are given 25 minutes to review and approve or deny a warrant, while court clerks receive email alerts when warrants are added to their queue.
In order to successfully implement an expedited warrant program, it is important to identify all stakeholders who will be affected by the change. This includes prosecutors, law enforcement, judges, and medical professionals (e.g., phlebotomists) who may need to be notified of the new procedure and be prepared to comply with it. Often, this involves coordinating with hospitals and medical centers so that they understand the changes in the process.
Saves Time
Online electronic warrant systems save officers the time of filling out forms and driving to a courthouse. Instead, they can write and submit the e-warrant from their squad car or home.
The technology used to do this is usually a combination of web-based and mobile technologies, which can be integrated with a variety of existing criminal justice systems. The software may also be cloud-based, allowing access to warrants from any device with an Internet connection.
Several jurisdictions have found that using an electronic warrant system to obtain a search warrant is an effective way to improve efficiency, save time, and reduce the risk of error. However, determining the best system for your jurisdiction is dependent on a variety of factors such as budget and goals. To find the right electronic warrant solution for your organization, conduct an extensive study of current practices and research the market to identify the newest products on the market. The best option for you will depend on the specific needs of your law enforcement agency, courthouse, and judges.
Reduces Risk
An online electronic warrant, or e-warrant as it is known in the industry, can reduce risk by allowing officers to act before suspects flee. It also helps law enforcement agencies better manage their resources.
A good e-warrant will also save law enforcement agencies money, as they will be able to focus on more important things, such as investigating crimes. It will also ensure that all necessary information is available to police, prosecutors and judges.
Choosing the best e-warrant system for your agency depends on several factors, including your budget and technology needs. However, the most effective e-warrant systems will have the following features:
Reduces Paperwork
Using an online electronic warrant can greatly reduce the paperwork that must be completed to obtain a search warrant. Often times, the system will use checkboxes, drop down menus, formatted templates, and other data entry methods to decrease the amount of text that must be typed into the search warrant form.
This eliminates the need to manually enter in a large number of pieces of information into a search warrant form and helps prevent error. Also, if the request is submitted electronically, it can be quickly reviewed and approved by a judge, reducing the amount of time the officer must wait on a warrant to be processed.
The e-warrant system, developed by InnovateOhio in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, is available at no cost to all law enforcement agencies and courts in Ohio. It can be used to electronically submit warrant requests and process warrants during non-court hours, as well as provide judicial review of warrants.