Letter (Web version): State Supreme Court making good use of technology
We are members of the Indiana General Assembly and strong supporters of the state Supreme Court’s effort to equip all courts in our state with a 21st-century computer system that can provide information electronically to law enforcement, state agencies and the public.
We are pleased with the progress being made in installing the new computer system, which is called Odyssey. Since work on the project began in December 2007, nearly 20 percent of the state’s caseload has been placed on Odyssey.
Because every county operates its courts differently, each installation requires detailed preparation and specialized training, all of which must be done without disrupting the daily work of the courts. Nevertheless, solid progress is being made.
We appreciate the fact that the information on cases in Odyssey is available free of charge to lawyers, the press and the public.
In addition to Odyssey, we are impressed by the number of additional computer projects the Supreme Court has initiated.
One program sends driving records electronically from the courts to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. All Indiana courts that handle traffic cases use this system.
Another enables police to use scanners to issue traffic tickets, then file the tickets electronically with the courts. The Indiana State Police and 115 sheriff’s and police departments in our state now use this system.
A third program sends notices to local law enforcement, the Indiana State Police and the FBI when a court issues an order protecting a person from domestic violence. All Indiana courts that handle domestic violence cases are using this application.
Clearly, the Supreme Court’s technology initiatives are reaching every corner of Indiana.
It is good that the Supreme Court is deeply committed to improving technology, not only for our courts and clerks, but also for law enforcement, state agencies and others who need and use court information. We cannot afford to go backward.
REP. WIN MOSES D-Fort Wayne SEN. DENNIS KRUSE R-Auburn