Background
Jason James, the Court Administrator for the Municipal Court of Dalton, Georgia, brought over 20 years of court management experience to his role when he joined the city 15 months ago. Having previously worked for the city of Hiram, GA, Jason was aware of Eagle Advantage’s Live Scan technology but didn’t learn more about it and its capabilities until he started looking for a mobile fingerprinting solution for Dalton. The Municipal Court of Dalton faced several challenges, particularly around the need for a mobile fingerprinting solution, which led them to explore Eagle*Live Scan.
The Challenge
When Jason arrived at Dalton, the court had no capability to perform fingerprinting on-site. Defendants needing to be fingerprinted were sent to the jail facility, which was not only inconvenient but also led to compliance issues when individuals failed to complete the process. The court needed a mobile solution due to their unique setup: court sessions were held at the Dalton Convention Center, miles away from their offices in the Public Works building. This required a system that could be easily transported between locations while still ensuring compliance with state law, which mandates that fingerprints be taken upon sentencing.
The Solution
Jason turned to Eagle Advantage to find a solution that could meet Dalton's specific needs. After evaluating several options, Eagle Advantage was the only company to respond with a viable mobile solution—Eagle*Live Scan. Packaged in a portable pelican case, the system could be easily transported between the court's different locations, making it the perfect fit for Dalton's mobile operations.
Implementation of the Municipal Court of Dalton Live Scan
The implementation of Eagle*Live Scan was fast and seamless. With a tight deadline to utilize budgeted funds before the end of 2023, Jason and his team needed the system up and running before the new year. Eagle Advantage coordinated the timeline meticulously, ensuring the product was delivered and fully operational within two weeks. The training was thorough, with on-site support provided to guide the Dalton team through the login and fingerprinting process. The implementation was completed without any surprises or delays, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of the Eagle Advantage team.
Results
Since its installation, Eagle*Live Scan has exceeded expectations, providing more value than initially anticipated. The system not only meets the court’s fingerprinting needs but has also improved day-to-day operations across the entire city. The Municipal Court of Dalton can now perform fingerprinting for court-related needs and can use the fingerprint machine for background checks for new employees across various city departments, including the police, fire, and city clerk’s offices. Additionally, the system is used to process fingerprinting for citizens applying for business licenses and alcohol permits.
The mobile solution has ensured compliance with state law, allowing the court to fingerprint individuals immediately after sentencing, thus eliminating the previous issues where individuals failed to follow through on fingerprinting at the jail facility. The intuitive software guides users through each step, preventing errors and ensuring that all required information is captured before proceeding.
Customer Experience
Jason and his team have been impressed with the customer service provided by Eagle Advantage. Support is readily available, with rapid response times via phone or email. On the rare occasions when a callback was necessary, the issue was addressed within minutes. The prompt and knowledgeable support has been instrumental in resolving user-related issues quickly, ensuring that the system continues to operate smoothly.
Impact
The implementation of Eagle*Live Scan has not only improved the operational efficiency of the Dalton Municipal Court but has also fostered stronger relationships between Jason and other city departments. The system’s success has aligned with the court’s mission to serve the community and collaborate effectively with city partners.
Looking ahead, Jason aims to leverage his experience with Eagle*Live Scan to educate and assist other municipal courts across the state in streamlining their operations.
Conclusion
The Eagle*Live Scan system has transformed the fingerprinting process at the Municipal Court of Dalton, ensuring compliance, enhancing efficiency, and expanding its utility across multiple city departments. The successful implementation and ongoing support from Eagle Advantage have positioned Dalton as a model for other municipalities looking to modernize their court operations and better serve their communities.
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