Starting in 2007, the Missouri State Highway Patrol embarked on a major IT initiative to replace its automated systems. The modernization project includes traffic enforcement, incident reporting, and criminal investigations.

After assessing the existing capabilities, Mr. Clifford Gronauer, the agency CIO, developed a vision and plan for updating and enhancing these systems. The effort centered on five areas: Computer-Aided Dispatch, Mobile Computing, Computerized Criminal History, Records Management, and replacement of the State Message Switch. The Patrol's approach was to purchase commercial off-the-shelf software customized to meet its unique requirements. Procurement started in January 2008 with the last selection and award occurring in August 2009.

Work commenced with award of the Criminal History component. The remaining contract awards followed in quick succession. A wide spectrum of employees were assigned to the project, road officers were transferred from enforcement duties, the Patrol's IT staff was dedicated to the effort, and the vendors were engaged to the fullest extent possible. The Patrol's Command Staff and Division Directors provided executive oversight and management guidance. The primary users (officers and staff) designed and validated every functional aspect of the new systems. The information technology group provided project management, architecture design, and programming support.

The undertaking was complex and difficult. All five components work in tandem with many interface requirements, data sharing, and integrated structures and designs. A summary of the project elements follows:

CAD - Computer Aided Dispatch - This includes real time GPS tracking of Patrol cars. In the past, two separate products provided dispatching and tracking, but with the new system these are now combined into a single capability. Better mapping software has greatly increased verified address capabilities and includes history of previous calls to that location.

MCS - Mobile Computing - This component of the project changes the officer's workflow from a manual process to a paperless operation, including E-Ticketing. Officers can now scan a motorist's license and generate citations using a printer in their vehicles. The elimination of redundant data entry provides an officer with the capability to propagate repetitive information into multiple offense reports.

CCH - Computerized Criminal History - The new criminal history repository makes it easier to cross-reference data elements, expand identifying information, and offers a greater array of presentation capabilities. A highlight of this upgrade is a Website allowing public access to criminal records. Users can register, pay a nominal fee, and print record checks for themselves or others.

RMS - Records Management System - Provides features that include suspect pictures, criminal history, residence and work address, identifying information such as tattoos and scars, and vehicles owned and driven by suspects. In addition, cross-referential capabilities match aspects of the suspect profile across various data repositories.

SMS - State Message Switch - The State Message Switch is the primary routing manager for requests to the many systems holding law enforcement data. It directs requests to the appropriate system(s), receives the results, and routes them back to the requester, appearing as a single transaction.