Overview
Access to reliable and current records is the cornerstone of any attempt to identify recidivist criminal behavior, regardless of the nature of the offense. However, because impaired driving offenders are usually processed through several different agencies, a comprehensive driving while intoxicated (DWI) data tracking system with shared information and data management is essential for recognizing repeat DWI offenders. The Traffic Arrest System / Driving While Intoxicated Tracking System (TAS / DWITS) fulfills a critical need to improve traffic records and delivery of information to police officers on the road who need to quickly determine a driver's past alcohol and drug-related offenses. Prosecutors and judges also benefit from the system by receiving accurate and complete offender records prior to disposition. With these improved data, prosecutors and courts can enhance charges and sentences accordingly and comply with previous sanctions and treatment.
A fully functional statewide Traffic Arrest System / DWI Tracking System was implemented in January 2005. This system is interfaced with legacy MSHP, Department of Revenue (DOR), and Office of State Court Administrator (OSCA) systems and has the capability to track a DWI offense from initial arrest by a law enforcement agency, through prosecution with disposition and charge amendment, to the final court disposition and charge amendment. In addition, it can be used to identify habitual DWI offenders and conduct baseline, geographic, or demographic statistical DWI analysis.
The TAS / DWITS is a secure, real-time offense management system deployed via the Intranet for use by authorized state and local criminal justice agencies, including the MSHP, Missouri police departments and sheriff offices, county and municipal prosecutor offices, and county and municipal courts. Criminal justice agencies maintain traffic violation and DWI offense data with add, modify, delete, and verify functionality. Data submitted for an offense are immediately available to the subsequent criminal justice jurisdiction so it may append disposition information to the offense record. Although utilization of TAS / DWITS is voluntary for law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts, response to the system has exceeded expectation. Additional information may be obtained from the MSHP, Traffic Records Division.