JPD looking at new software

JPD looking at new software Brian Smith Wed, 03/20/2024 - 7:09 am In an attempt to have everyone locally using the same software and expediting the ticket process, Jacksboro Police Department officials are looking to change what they’re using. City Manager Mike Smith said the county and Justice of the Peace courts and the Jack County Sheriff’s Office are using a software called Kologik with the JPD using Caliber which it has used for many years. Smith said the police department is having to manually enter tickets now into the court system which with about 90-plus tickets written a week by officers. “ We estimate we’re spending about $16,000 on Tetra (Bilby) just doing that,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of inefficiency. ” Police Chief Bryan Corb said he has spoken with other chiefs about the software which cuts the time an officer spends writing tickets, which are downloaded into the court systems automatically, in half. Bilby could be using her time in focusing on the evidence room and with helping bring case files to trial, Corb said. Smith said the idea for changing software has been tossed around for two years. The upfront cost for the software is $42,000 which would need to come out of the present fiscal year budget. After that the savings would be around $5,000 a year. In other news, aldermen approved requesting proposals for an insurance broker to solicit bids for a potential change in health insurance for city employees. Smith said the city has been working with Texas Health Pool for 20 years but has seen 14% increases in rates for employees the last two years. The city spends $940 per month per employee on its insurance. Smith said the possibility of saving money on insurance exists. Smith said he wants to find a similar plan at reduced cost. Fees for brokers range anywhere from zero to $20,000 depending on what services the broker offers. Some brokers act as intermediaries between the entity and the insurance companies, which is similar to what Jack County has presently. Smith said he has spoken with some brokers that he has been impressed with. The council meets again at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 25 at City Hall.