The electronic ticketing system (SÉCI) allows for the use of modern technology (computer and telecommunications) to manage the process for issuing and administering tickets in the city of Montreal. Since December 2004, an opportunity study and a business plan have highlighted the benefits of moving forward with this profitable project for several municipal services. In fact, in addition to the SPVM, the City’s parking enforcement division and the municipal court are also involved in this project.
Before the SÉCI, the processing of traffic tickets required a wide range of manual interventions and controls, from services receiving copies, to processing by the municipal court, to the cashing of monies received. The SÉCI is aimed at automating processes that have been revised from an operational perspective. In short, the project aims to:
The goal of this project is to replace the paper ticketing and infraction reporting system with a new electronic ticketing system, the SÉCI, in order to:
- reduce the number of steps through automation;
- eliminate handwritten copies;
- use computers to assist with redaction;
- enter data as close to the action as possible;
- automate the input of certain data;
- integrate business processes;
- reduce errors; and
- make information accessible.
Section Responsible for Implementation:
Information resources division
Key Contact:
Christian Boisvert
christian.boisvert@spvm.qc.ca
Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:
- private agencies/corporations
- civilian governing authorities
- other government departments/agencies
Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):
Private agencies (cooperative); civilian authorities (cooperative); municipal court (cooperative).
Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:
Since September 2007.
Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:
This project was launched in order to modernize and even replace the manual processes for ticket processing. The cost-effectiveness of the project, the elimination of error and the production of management information, among other things, justified the implementation of such a system. In fact, accurate, up-to-date and regular management information promotes a proactive approach to road safety. The SÉCI is also in line with the vision of projects such as E-Cité and IDP (integration of police data).
Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:
The initial cost of the project was approximately $7 million. Costs (amounts are approximate):
- Internal resources: $300,000
- Software: $1.5 million
- Equipment: $4 million
- Professional services: $1 million
- Other costs: $200,000
Method of Implementation:
Before implementation, meetings were held with police officers from various groups to validate operation and content. Super users were trained in each unit to act as a resource person for their colleagues. The SÉCI was implemented in a phased-in manner, unit by unit. Police officers received fours hours of training.
Key Outcomes of the Initiative:
All the objectives set out in "Initiative Key Objectives" were achieved. For example, SPVM parking enforcement officers made 77.8% fewer ticketing errors in the first year of use. As a result of meeting the objectives established for the first phase of SÉCI, the decision was made to initiate phase two, i.e., expand SÉCI by offering the service to the reconstituted municipalities.
The validity of electronic signatures was challenged in the courts. The courts confirmed the validity of these signatures.
Availability of a Communication Strategy:
Yes
Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:
The project was publicized in SPVM publications aimed at all SPVM police officers. The articles discussed the expected outcomes, how the system operates, and the benefits for the organization. The anticipated deployment plan was also a significant topic of discussion. In addition, two information meetings were held with municipal court judges.
Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:
- external
- quantitative
- qualitative
- other: user satisfaction
Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:
Yes
Summary of the Outcomes:
- Penetration tests conducted by external firms showed a high level of systems security.
- After the SÉCI was implemented, the number of tickets contested decreased.
- SPVM officers would not want to return to paper-based ticketing. This shows great user satisfaction.
- SPVM parking enforcement officers made 77.8% fewer ticketing errors in the first year of use.
- Tests by the City’s auditor general showed that no tickets were lost during the various processing steps.
Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:
N/A
Economics of Policing Pillars:
Further Details:
The SÉCI project makes it possible for the SPVM to take a major leap forward in modernizing ticketing, moving from a manual process to an automated one. In addition, in line with the strategic action plan of the judicial services division, the new system helps optimize ticket processing within the judicial process and ensure that ticketing is as consistent as possible.
Additional Comments or Suggestions:
N/A
Record Entry Date:
2013-08-01