News

Police station touchscreen kiosk provides info, reduces lines

February 2, 2003

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- Public access kiosk manufacturer Touch Sonic Technology has installed a new touchscreen terminal in the lobby at Santa Rosa police headquarters.

According to the Press Democrat, the kiosk provides users information such as where a car has been towed or updates on restraining orders and the locations of sex offenders.

The Touch Sonic TST 2002 was installed in order to reduce waiting times at the headquarters' front desk. It's available for use 24-7.

"It's something we're anxious to see work, both in service to the public and to take some of the load off people working the front desk," said Kathy Warr, records and communications manager. "People see a big long line, and think, `Why did I come in here?' If you can keep the people from being lined up by using the touch panel, you eliminate that negativity coming in the door."

The boxy terminal, similar to an ATM at desk height, allows users to navigate police services by touching icons or links on a computer screen. Information is offered in English and Spanish. Information is updated remotely via phone line.

"You don't need to be computer literate to operate the screen," said Touch Sonic vice president Jack Long. "We believe the simplest interface between computers and the public is a touch screen. You don't have to have a mouse or keyboard, you just need to be able to read the screen."

The police department is leasing the kiosk for $750 a month.

Long said similar kiosks have the capability to conduct credit-card transactions -- to pay a towing fee and print out a receipt, for example -- or offer a phone connection to the appropriate department. He also said a deal is in the works to install several more kiosks in state prison law libraries.