Recommendation 36

MPD should conduct a review of its technology and processes for traffic stops to identify and address the reasons for the amount of time it takes to conduct a traffic stop.

Current:

The department agrees the process should be faster, but MPD cannot improve the process of TraCS as the State of Wisconsin owns and maintains the TraCS software. This software was designed to be used by smaller agencies. The department has installed new mobile data computers (MDC) in the department squad cars, which has increased performance and made the traffic stop data collection process faster, as the new computers have more RAM and memory. Additionally, the state has recently upgraded to a newer version of the TraCS system (TraCS 10), which has helped to increase the speed at which the system operates in the field. MPD requires officers to collect race and search data during a traffic stop, which takes time when multiple reports need to be filled out at each traffic stop, In addition, Milwaukee City Ordinance 312-16 (Collection of Traffic Stop Data) requires the department to collect data on the races of all occupants of motor vehicles stopped by the department, analyze the data and use the results to inform department management.