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TraCS frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How much does TraCS cost?
• What type(s) of support will be offered?
• What forms are available and can our agency develop our own forms?
• What platform does TraCS run on?
• How does TraCS work with a Record Management System (RMS)?
• Can we print copies of crash reports from the squad car?
• Can we fax and/or email reports?
• Does TraCS include the ability to accept and/or reject forms and send them back to the field office for correction?
• Does TraCS read the barcodes on driver licenses and certificates of registration?
• Can we use the barcode reader/camera to take a picture and attach it to an accident/citation?
• Can names and addresses be overwritten that were read in from an external source?
• Can data be shared among the various forms?
• Can you do a search by word, e.g. OWI, in the statute search engine?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of Pentax printers?
• What printed reports are available for citation?

How much does TraCS cost?

TraCS is furnished free-of-charge to interested law enforcement agencies. The local agency is responsible for equipment costs and technical support.

It costs between $2,000 to $7,000 to equip a squad car depending on options chosen and existing equipment. See TraCS hardware (approximate costs) for more details.

What type(s) of support will be offered?

All agencies using TraCS will attend a two-day technical training session. Day two attendees should have IT experience.

What forms are available and can our agency develop our own forms?

Uniform Traffic Citation, citation warning, crash (Crash, Deer, Amended), Alcohol, Attachment and Municipal citation.

Local forms development is not permitted. Local agencies are encouraged to submit form suggestions to the Wisconsin TraCS Steering Committee for inclusion in the statewide suite.

What platform does TraCS run on?

TraCS runs on the Windows operating system. See TraCS hardware for more details.

How does TraCS work with a Record Management System (RMS)?

Data can be exported out of TraCS in whatever format needed. The data can then be imported into your RMS. Be aware that not all RMS support data import. Check with your RMS vendor for additional information.

TraCS is a field data collection tool. Generally, data is collected with TraCS and then exported to other systems. However, some form fields support the external search feature to allow data retrieval from a variety of external data sources.

TraCS data may be imported into any RMS that allows data to be retrieved from external sources.

Can we print copies of crash reports from the squad car?

Yes, copies can be printed if the squad car is equipped with a printer. 

Can we fax and/or email reports?

The ability to fax and/or email reports is not currently available in TraCS, but is being considered for a future release.

Does TraCS include the ability to accept and/or reject forms and send them back to the field office for correction?

Yes, the start-shift function may be used to send reports back to the field unit.

Does TraCS read the barcodes on driver licenses and certificates of registration?

Yes, TraCS can read American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) compliant 2-D barcodes and use the data to populate TraCS forms.

Can we use the barcode reader/camera to take a picture and attach it to an accident/citation?

Neither the citation nor crash forms allow miscellaneous attachments. The crash form has a diagram field that may be used to import a sketch of the accident.

An “Attachments” form is available for agency local use which will allow miscellaneous attachments associated with the contact to be end-shifted from the field unit to the agency headquarters.

Can names and addresses be overwritten that were read in from an external source?

Yes, you will be able to overwrite data retrieved from external sources.

Can data be shared among the various forms?

Yes, all vehicle and individual data may be shared between forms within a contact.

Can you do a search by word, e.g. OWI, in the statute search engine?

Yes, Word search capability is available.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Pentax printers?

Thermal transfer paper will change color with age and the image will eventually fade. Because it is an inkless system, you do not have to worry about ink cartridges freezing in the winter.

What printed reports are available for citation?

Violator, court, and officer versions of the citation form may be printed.