Legacy Android Enforcement App - OPSCOM Parking Enforcement

• Troubleshooting & Info
• Locate Application Version (Legacy)
• Replication Status (Legacy)
• Setup Installation and Maintenance
• Manual Update or Installation
• Testing Your WIFI Connection
• Uninstalling the Application
• Reinstalling the OPSCOM App
• Retrieve Local Tablet Backups
• Connecting as USB Hard Drive
• Google Account
• Using the OPSCOM App in DEMO Mode
• Handheld Training
• Handheld Training
• Handheld Operation Log
• Plate Capture Using Handheld
• Search Vehicles & Tabs
• Search Vehicles
• Search Vehicle Results
• Permits Tab
• Permit Misuse Notification
• LPR Scanning Information
• Updating Incorrect LPR Reads
• Message Alerts
• Dispatch Log
• Violations Tab
• Chalks Tab
• Violations and Chalking
• Issuing a Person Violation
• Issuing a Plate Violation
• Displaying Towing Charges on a Violation
• Virtual Chalking
• Printers & Printing
• Reprint Violation
• Ticket Printing (Legacy) - Zebra Printer Configuration (Android Only)
• System Settings
• Reset Settings for OPSCOM Parking Enforcement
• OPSCOM Parking Enforcement Admin System Settings

Troubleshooting & Info

Locate Application Version (Legacy)

The Locate Application Version Legacy guide details how to easily find the current software version and unique handheld identifier for the older OPSCOM Parking Validation Enforcement App. Its primary purpose is to help administrators and enforcement staff verify that their mobile devices are running the most up-to-date software, which is critical for troubleshooting and maintaining system compatibility. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy application.

Setup and Configuration

To ensure your enforcement device is running correctly, staff must download and maintain the application via official app stores. No backend administrative configuration is required.

Admin Side (Enforcement Staff):

1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your handheld device.

2. Search for the OPSCOM Parking Validation application.

3. Tap the application to view its specific store details.

4. Tap the Update button if it is visible. If the button displays as Install or Open, you are either installing it for the first time or already running the latest available store version.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can locate the version details in two different locations within the legacy application, making it accessible whether you are actively logged in or not.

Locating on the Login Screen

1. Open the OPSCOM Parking Validation app on your handheld device.

2. Remain on the initial Login Screen.

3. Look directly below the main login box and input fields to find the version details and the unique handheld identifier clearly listed.

Locating via the About Screen

1. Log into the application and navigate to the main menu.

2. Tap About to open a pop-up message. This message will display a brief description of the OPSCOM application alongside the exact version number.

3. Tap OK on the pop-up to close the message and return to the main menu.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Keep devices updated: Regularly check the app store to ensure enforcement handhelds are running the latest version of the application. Running outdated versions can lead to unexpected synchronization errors or connectivity drops in the field.

• Provide details for support: Always provide the precise Application Version and Handheld Identifier when submitting support tickets. Supplying this specific hardware and software information allows the OPSCOM support team to diagnose device-specific issues much more efficiently.

 Transitioning to Modern Apps Please note that this article pertains to the legacy version of the OPSCOM enforcement application. If your organization has upgraded to the newer mobile application, the interface and steps to locate version information may differ.

Replication Status (Legacy)

The Replication Status Legacy screen within the older OPSCOM Android application displays the synchronization state of all local database tables against the central server. Its primary purpose is to help identify connectivity issues and allow users to manually manage data synchronization when standard automated syncing fails. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement staff using the legacy application.

Setup and Configuration

The Replication Status feature is built natively into the legacy application and does not require backend configuration.

Admin Side: Staff must have the legacy OPSCOM parking enforcement app installed on their handheld device and be logged in to view the local database tables.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can use this feature to check the health of their connection and manually force data pushes if records are failing to upload automatically.

Viewing System Status

1. Tap the Replication Status option from the main application menu.

2. Review the list of database tables on the Record Counts and Data Table Tools screen.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

The following icons are used to clearly indicate the synchronization status of each individual table:

• Green Checkmark: Table data is successfully synchronized with the server.

• Red X: Table data is NOT synchronized with the server.

• Blue Exclamation Point: There is currently no table data that needs to be synchronized between the handheld and the server.

During normal field use (i.e., when actively issuing violations), it is completely expected that tables like VehicleTransfer and ViolationsTransfer may temporarily display a Red X. This simply indicates that new data has been captured on your local device and is waiting in the queue to be pushed to the server.

Replication Actions (Table-Specific)

You can perform targeted actions on individual tables if they are stuck or experiencing issues.

1. Tap and Hold an individual table to open a pop-up message with additional options.

2. Tap one of the following actions:

   • Push table data to the server: This will attempt to manually upload the local device's table data to the server. This is generally safe to do, as nothing is overwritten or removed.

   • Rebuild and retrieve table data: This option will permanently delete the local table data and retrieve the newest available data from the server.

   • Delete local table data: This will permanently delete the local table data but has no effect on the server.

   • Email debug details to Tomahawk: This will send an email log file to OPSCOM Support containing helpful information for troubleshooting issues.

Replication Options (System-Wide)

There are additional system-wide options available to manage the entire database at once.

1. Tap the Menu icon located in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

2. Tap one of the following actions:

   • Rebuild database: This will delete ALL local table data across the entire device.

   • Synchronize all: The device will attempt to safely synchronize ALL table data with the server.

   • Send config to Tomahawk: This will send a comprehensive email log file to support for debugging.

   • Download new config: The device will re-download all relevant system settings (e.g., organization details, device name, ticket footer) on the next startup.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Rely on standard login for synchronization: If your unit is working correctly, none of these manual options should be necessary. We highly recommend simply logging out and logging back into the application as needed, which acts as a safe, natural trigger for proper synchronization.

• Avoid unauthorized rebuilds or deletions: Never select the rebuild or delete functions unless explicitly instructed by OPSCOM Support. Doing so without manually pushing your data first can result in the permanent loss of violations or vehicle data that has not yet been synchronized to the server.

• Communicate before sending logs: If you need to use the Email debug details option, please notify the OPSCOM support team first if possible, or only select it when actively requested by a support technician.

Setup Installation and Maintenance

Manual Update or Installation

The Manual Update or Installation process allows users to install or update the legacy Android enforcement application directly from the Google Play Store. Its primary purpose is to ensure field officers have the latest software version on their handheld devices for optimal performance and access to new features. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel.

Setup & Configuration

To use the software, the officer's user profile must have the proper permissions granted in the core OPSCOM system before they attempt to log into the mobile application.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that field users have the "Wireless handheld" permission enabled.

1. Hover over System Config and click Manage Roles.

2. Click Permissions beside the specific Administrator Role you wish to edit (e.g., Patrol Officer).

3. Click the Violations tab.

4. Enable the Display as Ticket Writer checkbox.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Ensure the Android handheld device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network before attempting to download or update the application.

Using this Feature

Field personnel can manually check for and install updates using the native Android app store.

Installing or Updating the Application

1. Tap the Google Play Store app on the device's Apps screen.

2. Tap the search bar and enter OperationsCommander or OPSCOM.

3. Tap the OperationsCommander app icon to open the installation page.

4. Tap the Install button to perform a fresh installation, or tap the Update button to perform an in-place update of the existing software.

5. Tap Accept when the settings window pops up requesting access to integrated device features. (Note: On newer tablets, these permission requests may appear during the initial startup of the application instead).

6. Tap the Open button directly within the Play Store, or return to the device's home screen and tap the newly created shortcut to launch the application.

Install vs. Update Tapping the Install button performs a fresh installation where a new shortcut and a fresh local database are created. Tapping the Update button performs an in-place update, meaning a new database is not created and your existing local data will not be disrupted.

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Best Practices & Considerations

• Always synchronize before updating: It is highly recommended to perform a full manual data sync before proceeding with any kind of update. While an update typically will not disrupt existing data, syncing first guarantees that no offline tickets or chalk records are lost during the software transition.

• Grant all requested permissions: It is critical to grant access to all requested permissions during installation or initial startup. The OPSCOM application requires these integrations (such as camera, location, and storage) to function correctly in the field.

Testing Your WIFI Connection

The Testing Your WIFI Connection process guides users in diagnosing wireless network stability on Android handheld devices using a third-party application. Its primary purpose is to help identify signal drops and channel congestion that may disrupt real-time communication with the server. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement staff.

Setup and Configuration

To accurately test your network connection, you must install a specific third-party diagnostic application on your Android handheld device.

Admin Side: 

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android handheld device.

2. Search for and download WifiAnalyzer (open-source) by VREM Software Group. This is a free utility application.

Using this Feature

Administrators and staff can use this application to take a precise measurement of their Wi-Fi strength and identify the source channel to aid in troubleshooting.

Monitoring Wi-Fi Strength

1. Open the WifiAnalyzer application on your device.

2. Tap the hamburger icon (three parallel lines) located at the top left of the screen to open the main menu.

3. Tap Access Points to view a graphic representation of your available networks and their current signal strengths.

4. Tap the hamburger icon again and select Channel Graph to view a visual representation of channel congestion and overlapping network signals.

Visual Cues & Status Indicators

• Signal Strength Graph: The signal strength is visually represented as a column of color rising from the bottom of the graph, typically ranging from -100 dBm to -20 dBm.

• Reading dBm Values: Signal strength is measured in negative numbers. The smaller the negative number, the higher (stronger) the signal. Keep in mind that a value closer to zero (e.g., -20 dBm) indicates a much better signal than a lower number (e.g., -100 dBm).

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Best Practices & Considerations

• Monitor signal fluctuations throughout the day. It is highly recommended to check the app periodically, especially when drops in signal occur. Observing how much the signal goes up and down can help pinpoint exactly when connectivity drops.

• Check channel congestion. Pay close attention to how many devices or networks are broadcasting on the exact same channel. Too many devices trying to access the same channel simultaneously will create interference and have a severe adverse effect on your connectivity strength.

• Capture data for support. Please provide screen captures of both the Access Points and Channel Graph screens when contacting OPSCOM support. Having a visual record of the exact dBm reading for your Wi-Fi source and the channel congestion allows the support team to assist you much more effectively.

Uninstalling the Application

The Uninstalling the Application process outlines how to safely remove the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app and its associated data folders from an Android handheld device. Its primary purpose is to guide users through a standard removal or a full clean data purge to prepare the device for troubleshooting or a fresh installation. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and IT support personnel.

Setup and Configuration

Before removing the application, it is critical to ensure that all local data has been safely transferred to the core database.

Admin Side: Administrators should ensure the device has an active network connection and verify that all recent patrol data has successfully synchronized to the backend.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Field staff must log in to the application one final time and check the Replication Status page to ensure all records have been pushed to the server.

Using this Feature

The uninstallation process can be completed natively on the Android device. In the event of a full clean install, residual files must also be deleted using the device's file manager or a connected PC.

Standard Application Uninstall

1. Tap Settings from the main Android applications menu.

2. Tap the General tab.

3. Tap Applications under the Device Manager section to view the installed apps list.

4. Tap the OperationsCommander application in the list.

5. Tap Uninstall to remove the application from the unit.

Full Clean Install with Data Purge

In some cases, OPSCOM Support may ask you to perform a full clean install. This requires removing the app (following the steps above) and manually deleting all associated local files to prevent artifacts from affecting the new installation.

Data Loss Prevention If you are uninstalling the software to reinstall it, do not uninstall the software if the ViolationTransfer and/or VehicleTransfer tables contain data (viewable under Replication Status). These tables must be replicated to the server first to avoid permanent data loss and integrity issues.

Delete Files with Handheld Tools

1. Tap the App Tray at the bottom right of the home screen display.

2. Tap the My Files application.

3. Locate and Tap and Hold the OPSCOM folder from the directory list.

4. Tap Delete from the pop-up options window.

5. Tap OK on the confirmation screen to remove the folder and all its contents.

Delete Files using a PC (USB Connection)

1. Connect the handheld device to your computer via USB.

2. Open Windows Explorer and locate the device under This PC.

3. Click Tablet (or internal storage) to view the file content of the device.

4. Locate the folder named OPSCOM.

5. Right-click the folder and click Delete from the drop-down menu to remove the folder and all its contents.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Always verify replication status before uninstalling: Ensure the ViolationTransfer and VehicleTransfer tables are completely empty. Uninstalling with unsynced data will result in permanent data loss for the organization.

• Purge files for persistent issues: If the application is crashing frequently, perform the full clean install with a data purge before reinstalling the OPSCOM Legacy app. This ensures corrupted cache files do not carry over to the fresh installation.

Reinstalling the OPSCOM App

The Reinstalling the OPSCOM App process guides users through completely removing the legacy Android application and preparing the device for a fresh installation. Its primary purpose is to help resolve persistent application issues or update the software when automated updates are unavailable. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

Before removing the application, it is critical to ensure that the device is prepared and that no local data is left unsynchronized.

Admin Side: Administrators should ensure the device has a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection to successfully download the new application package once the old version is removed.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Enforcement officers must verify that all recent patrol data (such as offline violations or chalk records) has successfully synchronized to the backend database before beginning the uninstallation process.

Using this Feature

The uninstallation process is performed natively through the Android operating system's application manager.

Uninstalling the Application

1. Tap Settings from your device's home screen or app drawer.

2. Tap the General tab at the top of the settings menu.

3. Tap Applications under the Device Manager section on the left side of the screen to bring up a list of installed apps on the right.

4. Scroll through the list and tap the OPSCOM application.

5. Tap Uninstall to remove the application and its base data from the unit.

Data Loss Prevention Never uninstall the application while you have active, unsynced data on your device. Removing the application will permanently delete all local cache files, and any violations that have not been pushed to the main server will be lost.

Reinstalling the Application

Once the application has been successfully removed from the Android device, you must download and install a fresh copy.

1. Please refer to the Manual Update or Installation article for complete, step-by-step instructions on downloading the APK file and setting up the new application.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Perform a full clean install for persistent issues: If a simple uninstallation does not resolve application crashes or performance issues, you may need to perform a full clean install. This involves manually deleting residual OPSCOM folders from the device's internal storage before reinstalling. 

• Keep the operating system updated: Ensure the Android OS is up-to-date before reinstalling the OPSCOM application. Installing a fresh version of the app on an outdated operating system can lead to unexpected compatibility issues.

Retrieve Local Tablet Backups

The Retrieve Local Tablet Backups process allows organizations to access and extract offline violation data directly from an Android handheld device's internal storage. Its primary purpose is to recover locally stored violations in the event of a synchronization failure, accidental application uninstallation, or database error before the records are successfully uploaded to the server. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and IT support personnel.

Setup and Configuration

Extracting these files requires physical access to the device and a wired connection to a workstation.

Admin Side: Administrators must have a physical USB connection cable and a PC to access the device's internal file system.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Ensure the Android tablet is powered on and actively unlocked before connecting it to the computer.

Locating a USB Cable If you do not have a dedicated USB data cable, check the tablet's charging unit. Most charging cables feature a detachable USB plug that can be removed from the wall adapter and plugged directly into your PC.

Using this Feature

Administrators must connect the device to a PC, locate the specific application data folder, and transfer the files to OPSCOM support for recovery.

Connecting the Tablet to a PC

1. Connect the tablet to your computer using a compatible USB cable.

2. Unlock the tablet screen so the PC can authorize the connection and read the internal storage.

3. Click the USB connection notification on your PC, or navigate manually through File Explorer to This PC and open the tablet's internal storage drive.

Locating and Copying Backup Files

1. Navigate through the tablet's internal storage to the following folder path: Android\data\com.operationscommander.handheld\files\Backups.

2. Select all backup files located within this folder (or the specific files requested by support).

3. Copy the selected files.

4. Paste the files into a new, temporary folder on your local computer's desktop (e.g., "Tablet Backups").

Sharing Backups with Support

Once the files are secured on your local computer, they must be shared with the support team to complete the recovery.

1. Open a web browser and navigate to Google Drive.

2. Click New and select Folder Upload.

3. Select the temporary backup folder you created on your desktop to begin the upload.

4. Wait for the upload status window in the bottom right corner of the screen to confirm all files have successfully uploaded.

5. Share the uploaded folder with support@ops-com.com and notify the support team that the files are ready for retrieval.

You may also email the backup files directly to support if the overall file size is small enough to attach.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Unlock the device before connecting: Always ensure the tablet screen is unlocked before plugging it into the USB port. PCs cannot read the internal file system of a locked Android device due to native security protocols.

• Clean up temporary files: Delete the temporary backup folder from your local desktop once the support team confirms successful receipt. This keeps your PC free of unnecessary files and protects sensitive organizational violation data.

Connecting as USB Hard Drive

The Connecting as USB Hard Drive process allows users to physically link their Android handheld device to a desktop computer to access its internal file system. Its primary purpose is to enable the direct transfer, copying, or backup of application data and files (such as local OPSCOM folders) without relying on a network connection. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and IT support personnel managing the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

This procedure relies on the native Android operating system and a physical connection to a desktop computer.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): The handheld device requires a physical USB data cable and must have Developer Options enabled within the Android operating system to allow debugging and mass storage access.

Using this Feature

To access the device's file system, you must first enable the correct connection mode on the handheld, then navigate the file structure on your desktop computer.

Enabling Developer Options

If you do not already see a Development option in your settings menu, follow these steps to unhide it:

1. Tap Settings from the device's main menu.

2. Scroll down and tap About phone.

3. Scroll down to locate Build number.

4. Tap Build number seven times in rapid succession. A notification will appear confirming that the Developer setting is now unlocked.

Connecting the Device

1. Tap Settings, select Applications, tap Development, and enable the USB debugging checkbox.

2. Plug the USB cable into your desktop computer and connect the other end to your Android device. A USB icon will appear in the device's top status bar.

3. Swipe down from the top edge of the Android device screen to reveal the notification shade.

4. Tap USB Connected and select the option to mount the device (e.g., Connect USB storage or Mount).

5. Tap Ok to confirm. The Android icon will change color (typically to orange), indicating the phone is now in USB Mass Storage mode.

Accessing Files on the Desktop Computer

1. Open the file explorer on your desktop computer and navigate to the connected devices or removable storage section.

2. Click the newly mounted hard drive letter associated with the Android device.

3. Locate and click the OPSCOM folder (sometimes labeled ParkAdmin) to browse, copy, or transfer the required files.

Disable Mass Storage Mode Turn off USB hard drive mode on the handheld device immediately when you are finished copying files. Leaving this connection active can cause read/write conflicts and operational issues with the OPSCOM software.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Use a data-capable cable: Ensure the USB cable you are using supports data transfer. Some standard charging cables only provide power and will fail to trigger the USB connection prompt on your computer or device.

• Safely eject the device: Always safely eject the USB drive from your desktop computer's operating system before physically unplugging the cable. This prevents data corruption within the OPSCOM folders during active file transfers.

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Related Video

Google Account

The Google Account configuration process guides users on how to add a Google profile to their Android handheld device. Its primary purpose is to grant access to the Google Play Store for downloading, updating, and troubleshooting the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app, as well as managing beta releases. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel configuring their devices.

Setup and Configuration

You will require a valid Gmail email account and password to access the Google Play Store on your handheld device.

Admin Side: Administrators configuring field devices prior to deployment should ensure the device is connected to a stable network and a standardized organizational Google account is available for use.

User Side: Depending on your Android version, the exact naming conventions may vary slightly, but the core steps remain the same.

1. Tap Settings from the main menu of your Android device.

2. Tap Accounts (or Users & Accounts).

3. Tap Add account from the settings list.

4. Tap Google from the list of available account types.

5. Enter your assigned Gmail email address and password, then follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the login.

Removing an Account If you already see Google in the accounts area and need to switch profiles, you can remove existing Google accounts from the device by tapping Google and selecting the remove option before adding the new account.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel and administrators use the active Google account to manage app updates, clear system caches, and opt into beta testing directly through the Google Play Store.

Clearing Google Play Cache

Google Play will cache application details for hours to even a day or more. Clearing the cache ensures that the most recent version of the application that is available is accessible to your device.

1. Access your device's native app settings.

2. Tap the Google Play Store application.

3. Tap Storage or Storage & cache.

4. Tap Clear cache to remove the temporary data.

Joining or Leaving the Beta Program

At times, new beta (non-production) releases may be offered that address client-reported issues or new functionality. Clients may test the beta versions to ensure issues are resolved and that normal functionality is not disrupted.

1. Navigate to the Beta Program on Android on your handheld device, or the Beta Program on the Web on a desktop browser.

2. Scroll down the page to determine your current status under the beta header.

3. Tap Join to enter the program, and tap Join (or Confirm) a second time when prompted.

4. Tap Leave if you wish to remove yourself from the beta program and no longer receive pre-release updates.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Limit beta testing to specific devices: We recommend that only one device be used for the Beta program as these releases may be unstable. Testing on a single, dedicated unit ensures normal operations are not disrupted for the rest of your enforcement fleet.

• Verify your active profile: Ensure the handheld operates under the specific Google profile intended for beta access. If you are not sure what account you are using, review the linked accounts under settings within Android. Alternatively, simply follow the beta links above to use whatever profile you are currently logged into.

• Clear cache for missing apps: If you cannot see the OPSCOM app or the latest update on the Play Store, clear the Google Play cache immediately. If issues persist, there are additional troubleshooting steps available for Google Play Store app visibility issues.

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Related Video

Using the OPSCOM App in DEMO Mode

The Using the OPSCOM App in DEMO Mode feature allows users to explore and test the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement application without needing to officially register a handheld device. Its primary purpose is to provide a safe, pre-populated sandbox environment for training and familiarizing staff with the software's core functions. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel.

Setup and Configuration

No formal registration or backend configuration is required to access the demonstration environment.

Admin Side: Administrators do not need to configure specific user permissions or device profiles within the core OPSCOM portal for devices operating strictly in demo mode.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Enforcement officers simply need to ensure the legacy Android application is successfully installed on their handheld device.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can bypass the standard device registration screen to access a fully functional, pre-populated version of the application for testing purposes.

Accessing Demo Mode

1. Boot up the application after the initial installation on your Android device.

2. Tap DEMO MODE on the initial Device Not Recognized pop-up screen.

3. Review the sign-in screen. The demonstration username and password credentials will automatically populate.

4. Tap LOGIN to access the main index screen and begin testing.

Available Actions and Testing Scope

Once logged into DEMO mode, users can practice various core enforcement actions without affecting live database records. Recommended testing actions include:

• Searching Vehicles: Querying by plate or VIN.

• Searching Permits: Verifying active and unpaid permits.

• Searching People: Looking up user profiles and associated vehicles.

• Virtual Chalking: Practicing the digital tire chalking workflow.

• Issuing Violations: Generating both person and plate-based citations.

Key Information Displayed: Test Data Profiles

The demonstration environment is pre-loaded with sample data. Use the following profiles to test different search queries, permit statuses, and violation scenarios:

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Use demo mode for training: Organizations should establish a business rule requiring all new field officers to complete training exercises in DEMO MODE before issuing live tickets. This ensures staff are comfortable with the interface and prevents accidental test violations from entering the live production database.

Handheld Training

Handheld Training

The Handheld Training module provides comprehensive multimedia resources, including a slide presentation and a video training playlist, to educate enforcement staff on using the OPSCOM handheld application. Its primary purpose is to help administrators and new field personnel quickly onboard, understand core functionalities, and standardize enforcement operations. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement staff.

Setup and Configuration

There is no technical backend setup required to utilize these training materials.

Admin Side: Administrators should simply ensure that new enforcement staff have access to a reliable internet connection to stream the presentation and video content, and provide them with a physical handheld device configured for a test environment if possible.

User Side: No setup is required. Trainees can simply navigate to this page to view the embedded resources.

Using this Feature

Administrators and trainees interact directly with the embedded media players on this page to complete their initial onboarding or to refresh their knowledge of the handheld application.

Viewing the Slides Presentation

1. Locate the embedded Slides Presentation player on the page.

2. Click the Next (right arrow) and Previous (left arrow) buttons on the player control bar to navigate through the slides.

3. Review the core concepts, visual diagrams, and workflow instructions detailed in each slide.

Watching the Training Videos

1. Locate the Videos Linked in the Presentation section on the page.

2. Click the Play button on the embedded YouTube player to begin the Handheld Training playlist (which includes foundational videos such as the OPSCOM Handheld Menu Options guide).

3. Click the Playlist icon (typically located in the top right corner of the video player) to view and skip between different videos in the training series.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Follow along with a test device: We highly recommend having a handheld device logged into a staging or test environment while reviewing this training. This allows new users to safely practice navigating menus, capturing plates, and issuing mock violations alongside the videos without affecting live production data.

• Review all materials comprehensively: Ensure staff review both the slides and the entire video playlist. The slides provide excellent theoretical and policy-based grounding, while the videos demonstrate the practical, real-time application of the software in the field.

Legacy Application Note: These specific training materials are geared toward the legacy Android enforcement app. If your organization has upgraded to the newer mobile application, the interface and exact button placements shown in these videos may differ slightly from your current software.

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Related Videos

Handheld Training playlist 

Handheld Operation Log

The Handheld Operation Log feature allows the mobile device to record and store data regarding the operations and functions performed on the enforcement unit. Its primary purpose is to help identify and troubleshoot technical issues by providing detailed diagnostic information directly to the support team. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The operation logging feature runs automatically in the background of the handheld application and requires no specialized backend configuration.

Admin Side: No manual setup is required on the device to begin logging. Officers simply need to ensure the handheld device is connected to a network and synchronizing regularly to allow for automatic log uploads.

Using this Feature

When technical issues arise, OPS-COM Support personnel may request that you manually send a log file to them. Administrators and field staff can send, view, or extract these logs using the following methods.

Sending the Log Manually

1. Log in to the legacy Android application.

2. Tap Replication Status from the main menu.

3. Tap the Menu icon (three vertical dots) located at the top right of the replication status screen.

   • Note: If you do not see the three dots on the screen, your specific tablet may utilize a physical hardware "overflow" button (typically located near the physical home and back buttons). Tap this hardware button to open the context settings.

4. Tap Send Log to Tomahawk to transmit the diagnostic data to the support team.

Viewing Logs via the About Panel

If you need to quickly review the recent log entries without sending them:

1. Navigate to the main menu.

2. Tap About to view the application details and review the log file directly on the device screen.

Extracting Logs via USB

If the device is completely offline and cannot transmit the log via the application, it can be extracted manually.

1. Connect the handheld device to a computer using a USB cable or a wireless file transfer application.

2. Navigate the internal storage to locate the OPSCOM application folder.

3. Copy the specific log file to your computer.

4. Attach the copied file to an email and send it directly to your support representative.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Coordinate with support: Only manually push logs or extract them via USB when explicitly requested by OPSCOM support personnel. Unsolicited log files without an associated support ticket may not be reviewed.

• Maintain device connectivity: Ensure field devices are brought online and synchronized regularly. Regular synchronization prevents the local storage from filling up and ensures support has access to recent data if an issue occurs.

Automatic Log Uploads Log files are natively designed to automatically upload to the OPSCOM server for review once they are more than one day old. For example, logs created on Monday will automatically upload to the server on Tuesday around midnight, assuming the handheld is online and performs a successful synchronization at some point after the 24-hour mark.

Plate Capture Using Handheld

The Plate Capture Using Handheld functionality utilizes the device camera and License Plate Recognition (LPR) software to quickly identify vehicles in the field. Its primary purpose is to ensure highly accurate plate reads by educating users on proper camera framing, distance, and the use of on-screen guide boxes. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The optical character recognition functionality is built directly into the mobile application and relies primarily on proper physical technique rather than software configuration.

Admin Side: 

1. Open the OPSCOM parking enforcement app on your handheld device.

2. Grant any requested operating system permissions to allow the application to access your device's camera.

3. Tap Search Vehicles from the main menu to access the capture screen.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel use the on-screen viewfinder to align the license plate, allowing the image processor to extract the alphanumeric characters.

Framing and Capturing a Plate

1. Tap the camera icon to open the viewfinder.

2. Position the device so the license plate is visible within the on-screen bounding boxes.

3. Keep the device steady until the system successfully captures the plate and returns to the Plate Read screen.

4. Tap the captured thumbnail image of the plate to open the full context image.

Visual Cues & Status Indicators

The viewfinder provides two outlined boxes to help determine if minor physical adjustments are needed to properly line up a plate:

• Red Box: Indicates the maximum scanning area. If the physical plate extends outside of this red area, it will not be read by the system.

• Blue Box: Indicates the optimal target area. It is highly advisable to keep the entire plate inside this blue box to ensure the LPR engine processes it correctly.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Include the plate edges and background: Do not capture the plate too tightly. It is better to include the entire plate plus some of the vehicle's background. If the physical edges of the plate are excluded from the picture, the LPR engine struggles to distinguish the actual plate number from secondary text (such as province or state names) and may return an incorrect read.

• Exclude complex vanity logos: Focus the view specifically on the plate numbers. If scanning a vanity plate with heavy graphics, position the camera to exclude the logo from the blue bounding box if it consistently confuses the image processor.

• Review context images to correct hardware offsets: Tap the thumbnail to view the full context image if your reads are consistently failing. With some device hardware, the plate may look perfectly centered in the live viewfinder, but the actual processed shot comes out off-center. The context image displays a date-stamped, red bounding box representing exactly where the system processed the image, allowing you to manually adjust your physical centering technique.

Step back and try again: Do not be afraid to back away from the vehicle if the scanner is struggling. We often exaggerate the distance and pull back quite a bit to yield better results. The image processor can accurately read plates even when they appear surprisingly small within the viewfinder.

Search Vehicles & Tabs

Search Vehicles

The Search Vehicles feature in the OPSCOM Android application allows enforcement officers to instantly look up vehicle information using text, voice, or License Plate Recognition (LPR). Its primary purpose is to quickly retrieve live permit status and violation history to assist officers in making accurate enforcement decisions in the field. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel.

Setup and Configuration

The vehicle search functionality is a core component of the handheld application and requires no specialized backend setup.

Admin Side: Enforcement officers simply need to ensure they have an active session in the application and have granted the device necessary microphone and camera permissions to utilize voice and LPR search methods.

Connection Status Indicator A colored dot on the search panel indicates your real-time connectivity: Green Dot: The unit is actively connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular (3G/LTE) network, providing real-time data. Yellow Dot: The unit does not have an active connection. Searches can still be performed using the device's local cache, but data may not be fully up to date.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can query the database using three distinct methods: manual text entry, voice dictation, or the device's LPR camera.

Tap Search Vehicles from the main application menu to begin. (Note: If you are connecting to a preview system, an additional menu item at the top of the list will indicate that the device is in Preview Mode).

Performing a Text Search

1. Tap the search field and enter the full license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using the on-screen keypad.

2. Tap the Search button.

Performing a Voice Search

1. Tap the microphone icon.

2. Wait for the Google Voice Recognition prompt to appear.

3. Speak the license plate number clearly out loud to populate the search field.

Performing an LPR/OCR Camera Search

1. Tap the camera icon to enter LPR Search mode.

2. Line up the physical license plate within the on-screen rectangle.

3. Tap and Hold the screen to capture a shot. The screen will refresh with a list of possible plate numbers.

4. Tap the specific plate number that matches the image (e.g., BDHE385) to execute the search.

Reviewing Results and Available Actions

Selecting the vehicle from the search results expands a yellow ribbon detailing the available enforcement options.

• Virtual Chalk: Tap this button to initiate a time-stamped digital chalk record for time-limit enforcement.

• Issue Violation: Tap this button to proceed directly to the ticket issuance screen for the selected vehicle.

• Details: Tap this button to open the comprehensive Search Vehicle Results screen, detailing the full permit and violation history.

• Permit Pill: Tap the specific permit name appearing directly underneath the license plate number to quickly review its expiration details without opening the full history.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Maintain an active connection: Always try to maintain a Wi-Fi or 3G/LTE connection (Green Dot) when actively patrolling. While the yellow dot indicates cached searches are possible, real-time connectivity guarantees you are seeing the most recent permit purchases and user updates.

• Optimize LPR conditions: Hold the device steady and ensure the license plate is well-lit and centered within the rectangle when using the LPR/OCR camera to guarantee the highest accuracy and avoid manual corrections.

• Minimize environmental noise: Speak clearly and shield the device's microphone from wind or heavy traffic noise when using the voice search feature to prevent incorrect plate transcriptions.

Search Vehicle Results

The Search Vehicle Results screen in the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement application displays comprehensive vehicle information after a plate search is performed. Its primary purpose is to give patrol officers immediate access to permit, violation, and chalking history so they can make informed enforcement decisions directly in the field. This guide is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

Viewing vehicle results is a core, native function of the legacy enforcement app and requires no backend administrative configuration.

Admin Side: No setup is required. You simply need to be logged into the enforcement app and successfully perform a standard vehicle search.

Using this Feature

During a typical plate search, a wealth of actionable information is placed right at the patrol officer's fingertips.

Viewing Extended Details

Tap the specific plate read from the initial search results list to expand the record and view more detailed information. Expanding this record reveals the core enforcement action buttons.

Available Actions and Buttons

• Chalk: Tap this button to instantly initiate a virtual chalk record for time-limit enforcement.

• Issue Violation: Tap this button to begin writing a new violation for the vehicle.

• Details: Tap this button to drill deeper into the vehicle's complete parking history within your system.

Reviewing History Tabs

After tapping the Details button, the application presents three distinct tabs containing the vehicle's historical records. You can tap each tab header or swipe left and right across the screen to navigate seamlessly between them.

• Permits: Displays any active or past permits associated with the license plate.

• Violations: Displays the historical log of violations previously issued to the vehicle.

• Chalks: Displays a history of virtual chalking events for the vehicle to assist with time-limit enforcement tracking.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Review all tabs before ticketing: Always check the Permits, Violations, and Chalks tabs before issuing a new violation. Taking a moment to understand the full vehicle history and current permit status prevents issuing invalid tickets and greatly reduces user appeals.

• Use swipe navigation: Take advantage of the swipe gesture to quickly move between the three detail screens. Swiping back and forth saves time in the field compared to manually reaching up to tap the top tab headers.

Legacy Application Notice This article pertains specifically to the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. If your organization has recently updated to the modern OPSCOM Enforce application, the interface, button placement, and expanded details views will differ from what is described here.

Permits Tab

The Permits Tab is a specific section within the Search Vehicle Results screen on the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. Its primary purpose is to provide field officers with detailed information regarding a vehicle's active and historical permit validity, including specific zone assignments, days, and time restrictions. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The Permits Tab automatically pulls its data directly from the user and permit profiles configured in the backend database.

Admin Side: No specific configuration is required on the handheld device. Administrators manage all permit rules (such as valid days, hours, and zones) within the core OPSCOM administrative portal.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): No setup is required. Enforcement officers simply need to be logged into the legacy enforcement app and successfully perform a standard vehicle search.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel use this tab to verify if a vehicle is parked legally based on its specific permit rules, rather than just checking if it generally has a permit.

Accessing the Permits Tab

1. Perform a plate or VIN query using the Search Vehicles function.

2. Tap the specific plate read from the initial search results list.

3. Tap the Details button to open the extended vehicle record.

4. Tap the Permits tab (or swipe left/right across the screen to navigate to it).

Key Information Displayed

• Permit Expiry Date: Displays the exact expiration date of the permit. The system supports custom expiration dates (e.g., Sep-01-2018) that will accurately reflect here.

• Zone Association: Displays which specific zones the vehicle is authorized to park in (e.g., the "Day Care" zone or "Centrum and Test Zone").

• Valid Days and Times: Outlines the specific days of the week the permit is valid, as well as the exact times the vehicle is allowed to park on those particular days (e.g., from 4:00 PM to midnight).

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Green and Red Bars: These color-coded bars visually represent whether the vehicle is currently valid to park in specific zones at the time of the search. A green bar indicates active validity for the zone, while a red bar indicates the vehicle is either in the wrong zone or outside of its permitted timeframe.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Check time and zone restrictions carefully: Always review the specific days, times, and zone associations listed on the Permits tab before issuing a violation. A vehicle may have a valid permit, but if they are parked in the wrong zone or outside of their designated hours, they are still subject to a citation.

• Ensure data synchronization: Always check your connection status indicator on the main search screen. The permit details rely on recent data syncs; if you are operating entirely offline for extended periods, recently updated custom expiry dates or newly purchased permits may not immediately display on this tab.

Legacy Application Notice This article pertains specifically to the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. If your organization has recently updated to the modern OPSCOM Enforce application, the interface, tab layout, and visual indicators will differ from what is described here.

Permit Misuse Notification

The Permit Misuse Notification feature alerts parking enforcement officers when multiple vehicles sharing the exact same permit are scanned within a specified timeframe. Its primary purpose is to help identify and deter fraudulent permit sharing on-site, ensuring users are not abusing multi-vehicle permit privileges. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the Android handheld application.

Setup and Configuration

This feature is configured directly on the handheld enforcement device. Setting a timer dictates exactly how long the system "remembers" the first vehicle's capture before resetting the misuse window.

Admin Side:

1. Tap System Settings from the main menu of the handheld application.

2. Scroll to the Advanced Settings section and tap Permit Sharing and Misuse.

3. Tap the Permit Sharing and Misuse Timer menu to open the duration options.

4. Choose the desired length of time (e.g., 1 Hour). Setting this time immediately activates the function.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel do not need to perform any special actions to use this feature; it operates seamlessly alongside standard vehicle searches.

Triggering a Misuse Alert

1. Perform a standard plate or VIN query using the Search Vehicles function while on patrol.

2. Acknowledge any on-screen pop-ups before proceeding with standard enforcement actions.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Permit Misuse Alert Popup: If you search for a vehicle that shares a permit with another vehicle that was recently scanned within the active timer window, a prominent alert will appear directly on the device screen. This immediately notifies the officer of possible permit misuse.

Understanding the Timer Cycle If your timer is set to one hour, the system will present a warning if the second vehicle is scanned within 60 minutes of the first vehicle's scan. After that hour has passed, the first read is effectively forgotten by the handheld's local cache, and the monitoring process starts over.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Establish a clear enforcement policy: Organizations should develop a strict business rule for how officers handle a misuse alert. Officers need clear directives on whether to issue a standard parking violation, write a specific "Permit Misuse/Fraud" citation, or attempt to verify the presence of both vehicles before ticketing.

• Tailor the timer to your environment: Carefully consider the length of your misuse timer based on your lot turnover and specific permit policies. A timer that is too short may miss abusers who stagger their arrival times, while a timer that is excessively long may capture legitimate instances where family members swap parking spots halfway through the day.

LPR Scanning Information

The LPR Scanning Information interface provides real-time data and visual cues when using the handheld's License Plate Recognition (LPR) capabilities. Its primary purpose is to help field officers quickly identify vehicles in violation, track chalked vehicles, and effectively monitor their active scanning status during patrols. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the Android application.

Setup & Configuration

The LPR scanning interface relies on core system settings established in the backend, but the interface itself is ready to use natively within the app.

Admin Side: Administrators should ensure that lot grace periods, permit rules, and any "vehicles of interest" (hotlists) are accurately configured within the core OPSCOM administrative portal, as the handheld relies on this data to display the correct flags.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): No specific device setup is required. Enforcement officers simply need to be logged into the OPSCOM Android app and navigate to the LPR scanning section with their device's camera or external LPR hardware active.

Using this Feature

The LPR screen is designed to present crucial enforcement data rapidly as the officer moves through a lot.

Key Information Displayed

• Running Scan Total: Located on the right side of the screen, just above the recent read list. This number indicates the total amount of plate reads successfully captured during your current patrol session.

• Camera Directional Arrow: An orange arrow displayed beside the plate image indicates exactly which camera (e.g., the right-side camera) captured the recent plate read.

Visual Cues & Status Indicators

The system uses colored flags to instantly communicate the status of a scanned license plate:

• Red Flag: Indicates the scanned plate is currently in violation.

• Green Flag: Indicates the scanned plate holds a valid permit or authorization.

• Orange Flag: Indicates the vehicle has been chalked and is currently still within its allowed grace period.

Valid Plate Logging While Valid Plates (Green Flags) will temporarily list on the handheld unit's screen for the officer's situational awareness, they will not be chalked or permanently passed into the backend system as part of the formal LPR events report.

Available Actions & Buttons

• Scanner Toggle: When an officer stops to manually edit a plate read, the system automatically enters offline mode, and the scanning status button will change from green to red. Tap the ON button to return it to green and resume active scanning.

• Plates-of-Interest Toggle: Tap this toggle located at the top of the PL8-RDR LPR Scanning panel to initiate alert-only scanning. Once selected, the system behaves differently:

  • No standard permit validation will be performed.

  • Vehicles will continue to be chalked normally.

  • Loud alert notifications will be presented on the device only if a specific "vehicle of interest" is seen.

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Best Practices & Considerations

• Always resume scanning after edits: Remember to tap the ON button after manually editing a plate read. Failing to toggle the scanner back to green means the system remains in offline mode, and subsequent plates will not be scanned as you continue your patrol.

• Utilize alert-only mode for targeted patrols: Use the Plates-of-Interest toggle when specifically hunting for scofflaws, stolen vehicles, or banned users, rather than performing general parking enforcement. This streamlines the patrol process and prevents the officer from being distracted by standard permit validation alerts.

Updating Incorrect LPR Reads

The Updating Incorrect LPR Reads process allows officers to manually correct license plate numbers that were misread by the device's camera. Its primary purpose is to ensure accurate enforcement and maintain reliable database records by fixing optical character recognition (OCR) errors directly in the field. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

This correction feature is native to the LPR scanning module and does not require any specialized backend setup.

Admin Side: No manual setup is required. Enforcement officers simply need to be logged into the legacy Android application and actively conducting patrols using the LPR scanning tool.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can seamlessly correct misread plates without having to exit their active patrol session.

Correcting a Plate Read

1. Tap the LPR Scanning menu item to open the PL8-RDR LPR Scanning window.

2. Locate the incorrectly read plate from the active list of plate reads generated during your patrol.

3. Tap the text field of the incorrect plate and manually type the correct alphanumeric characters (e.g., if the camera read VZ7281, but the actual plate is BVZT282, type the missing letters).

4. Tap the Search & Update button. The record will refresh to display the updated, correct plate number.

5. Tap the red OFF button to toggle it back to the green ON state to resume your patrol.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Offline Mode Indicator: The moment you tap into a field to adjust a plate read, the LPR system automatically enters an offline state to prevent the camera from overwriting your work. This is indicated by the main scanning button changing from a green ON state to a red OFF state.

Database Synchronization Once you tap the Search & Update button, the correction is not just local to your screen. The record is immediately updated within the core database to reference the newly corrected plate data.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Remember to resume scanning: Always remember to toggle the scanner back to ON after updating a plate. If you leave the button in the red OFF state, the system will not capture any subsequent plates as you continue to move through the lot.

• Verify against context images: Take a moment to verify the physical plate or the captured context image before submitting a fix. This ensures that you do not accidentally introduce a secondary typo while correcting the initial OCR error.

Message Alerts

The Message Alerts feature provides a centralized communication channel for pushing important news, updates, and urgent notifications directly to patrol officers' handheld devices. Its primary purpose is to help administrators ensure field staff are immediately aware of changing situations, safety notices, or operational directives. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The messaging system is native to the application and requires no specialized configuration on the mobile device itself.

Admin Side: Administrators create and push alert messages to all active units or individual specific handhelds via the core OPSCOM administrative portal.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): No setup is required. Enforcement officers simply need to be logged into the legacy Android application and maintain an active network connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to receive incoming messages.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can receive alerts in real-time or review previously sent messages at their convenience through the application interface.

Reviewing Message Alerts

1. Tap Message Alerts from the main menu of the OPSCOM application to open the message center.

2. Review the list of recent alerts sent to your device.

Message Notifications

When a new message is pushed to the device, officers are notified through several standard Android OS methods even if the app is running in the background:

1. Look at the device's top header bar to see new message icons as they arrive.

2. Swipe down on the header bar to open the notification shade for a quick preview of the alert text.

3. Tap the specific alert notification to automatically open the OPSCOM application and navigate directly to the Message Alert list.

App Icon Badges If you are on the device's home screen, the OPSCOM application shortcut icon will display a notification badge (a small numbered dot) indicating that you have unread messages waiting.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

Alerts are categorized into three distinct types, indicated by color, to help officers instantly gauge the priority of the message:

• Blue Alerts: These alerts are for general informational purposes (e.g., a reminder about an upcoming shift change).

• Yellow Alerts: These alerts are used to inform users of events or situations that should be actively monitored (e.g., a large event causing lot congestion).

• Red Alerts: These alerts are reserved for high-priority situations that require immediate action or response from the officer.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Acknowledge notifications promptly: Officers should routinely check their notification shade and the Message Alerts menu while on patrol. Ensuring timely review of incoming messages is critical, especially when Red Alerts are dispatched for immediate action.

• Prevent alert fatigue: Administrators should reserve Red Alerts strictly for genuine emergencies or time-sensitive directives. Overusing the highest priority alert for standard informational updates can cause officers to become desensitized to actual urgent situations.

Dispatch Log

The Dispatch Log feature allows administrators and dispatchers to record and track all inquiries or communications that come into the office directly from the handheld device. Its primary purpose is to maintain a formal, time-stamped record of field inquiries, which can later be linked to specific incidents for further tracking and resolution. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The dispatch logging functionality is native to the handheld application and requires minimal backend configuration to use in the field.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that appropriate Log Categories are established within the core OPSCOM administrative portal so that field staff can accurately categorize their entries.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can use this tool to quickly document interactions, dispatch calls, or field inquiries, complete with supporting photographic evidence.

Adding a Dispatch Log Entry

1. Tap Dispatch Log from the main application menu.

2. Tap the Log Category drop-down menu and choose the appropriate classification for the inquiry.

3. Tap the text field and enter detailed notes related to the dispatch or inquiry.

4. Tap one of the camera icons (represented by a vehicle with a camera) towards the bottom of the screen to attach a supporting image.

5. Tap the shutter button (the circle with a camera in it) to take the picture.

6. Tap the check mark to accept the image, or tap the arrow to go back and retake the picture. Note: You can attach up to two supporting images per log entry.

7. Tap the Save button at the bottom of the screen once all information and images are entered.

8. Tap OK on the confirmation pop-up message to complete the process and return to the main menu.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Provide detailed context: Always enter clear, descriptive notes in the text field. Comprehensive notes make it significantly easier for administrators to understand the context of the inquiry when reviewing logs or linking them to complex incidents on the backend.

• Utilize image attachments: Attach relevant photos whenever applicable. Visual evidence (such as a photo of a hazard, a damaged sign, or a specific vehicle) is highly valuable when a standard dispatch inquiry escalates into a formal incident or dispute.

Linking to Incidents While the handheld device creates the initial Dispatch Log entry, the process of formally linking these logs to larger, ongoing "Incidents" is managed by administrators or dispatchers within the main OPSCOM web portal.

Violations Tab

The Violations Tab is a specific section within the Search Vehicle Results screen on the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement application. Its primary purpose is to provide field officers with a detailed historical log of all past violations issued to a specific vehicle, assisting them in making informed and escalated enforcement decisions. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The Violations Tab automatically retrieves its historical ticket data directly from the central database.

Admin Side: No specific configuration is required on the handheld device. Administrators manage all violation histories, payment statuses, and escalation policies within the core OPSCOM administrative portal.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel use this tab to review a vehicle's citation history and current payment compliance before issuing new tickets.

Accessing the Violations Tab

1. Perform a plate or VIN query using the Search Vehicles function.

2. Tap the specific plate read from the initial search results list.

3. Tap the Details button to open the extended vehicle record.

4. Tap the Violations tab (or swipe left/right across the screen to navigate to it).

Key Information Displayed

• Violation Date: The exact date the previous ticket was issued.

• Offense Location: The specific lot or zone where the infraction occurred.

• Violation Type: The nature of the offense (e.g., Parked in No Parking Area).

• History Summary: A high-level count of the vehicle's past violations (e.g., within the last 18 months), including a breakdown of paid, unpaid, and warning counts.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Payment Status Text: Each individual violation record features a clear, color-coded status indicator on the right side of the screen.

  • PAID (typically displayed in green) indicates the citation has been resolved.

  • UNPAID (typically displayed in red or orange) indicates there is still an outstanding balance for that specific infraction.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Review unpaid violations before ticketing: Always check the Violations tab for a history of unpaid tickets or repeated offenses. Identifying a pattern of unpaid or frequent violations is critical for enforcing escalation policies, such as initiating a tow or applying a boot.

• Ensure data synchronization: Always verify your device has an active connection when reviewing violation history. If your device is operating strictly from its offline cache, recent ticket payments or newly issued citations from other officers may not be immediately reflected on this tab.

Legacy Application Notice This article pertains specifically to the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. If your organization has recently updated to the modern OPSCOM Enforce application, the interface, tab layout, and specific visual indicators will differ from what is described here.

Chalks Tab

The Chalks Tab is a dedicated section within the Search Vehicle Results screen on the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement application. Its primary purpose is to display a historical log of virtual chalking events for a specific vehicle, assisting officers in accurately enforcing time-limited parking zones. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

The Chalks Tab automatically compiles its data directly from previous virtual chalking events performed by enforcement officers in the field.

Admin Side: No specific configuration is required on the handheld device to view this tab. Administrators manage global chalking grace periods and settings within the core OPSCOM administrative portal.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel use this tab to review past chalking records to determine if a vehicle has overstayed its allowed time in a specific location.

Accessing the Chalks Tab

1. Perform a plate or VIN query using the Search Vehicles function.

2. Tap the specific plate read from the initial search results list.

3. Tap the Details button to open the extended vehicle record.

4. Tap the Chalks tab (or swipe left/right across the screen to navigate to it).

Key Information Displayed

• Chalk History: Chalk records are listed chronologically, displaying from the most recent event at the top to the oldest at the bottom.

• Time Stamp: The specific date and exact time the chalk event occurred.

• Map Location: A visual map snippet illustrates exactly where the vehicle was parked when it was chalked.

• Chalk Comments: Any notes or comments entered by the patrol officer at the time of the initial chalking.

• Distance Calculation: A distance reading (in meters) indicating exactly how far your present physical position is from the location of the first chalk record.

Available Actions and Buttons

• Camera: Tap the camera icon on a specific chalk record to display the full-size image captured during that initial chalking event.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Review chalk images before ticketing: Always tap the camera icon to verify the chalk image is clear and the vehicle has not moved. Ensuring the evidence is solid and time-stamped correctly is crucial for defending against potential parking appeals.

• Leverage chalk comments: Encourage officers to add descriptive comments when initially chalking a vehicle. Notes providing valuable context (e.g., valve stem positions, specific parking bays, or vehicle damage) are highly visible on this tab and can assist the same or other officers upon their return patrol.

Legacy Application Notice This article pertains specifically to the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. If your organization has recently updated to the modern OPSCOM Enforce application, the interface, tab layout, and specific visual indicators will differ from what is described here.

Violations and Chalking

Issuing a Person Violation

The Issuing a Person Violation feature allows parking enforcement officers to write citations directly to individuals, rather than just to vehicles, using the legacy Android application. Its primary purpose is to enable enforcement actions for non-vehicular infractions or situations where a driver is explicitly known and present. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel.

Setup and Configuration

In order to successfully issue violations to people, the system requires both backend categorization and local hardware preparation.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that a specific ticket category is configured in the backend system that explicitly applies to users (person violations).

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Before a physical ticket can be printed in the field, enforcement officers must ensure their Bluetooth printer is actively paired to their handheld device and correctly selected within the System Settings menu.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can query the database for existing users, create new user profiles on the fly, and issue direct violations.

Searching for a Person

1. Tap Person Search from the main menu of the OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app.

2. Enter the user's details into the Name Search field and tap Search.

3. Perform a wildcard search instead if you only have partial information, allowing you to search based on a phone number, student/staff ID, or driver's license.

Creating a New User

If a person is not already known in your system, you can quickly create a profile so the violation can be properly associated with an account.

1. Tap the Create button from the search interface.

2. Enter the individual's personal details manually into the provided fields.

3. Tap the Failed to Identify checkbox above the user details if the user refuses to supply their personal information, allowing you to continue issuing the violation anonymously.

Issuing the Violation

1. Tap the person's name from the search results to open the Add Violation Record window.

2. Select the appropriate Ticket Type and Offense Type.

3. Tap the person tab to review the profile and correct any outdated information.

4. Tap Save to log the violation, or tap Save & Print to log the violation and immediately print the physical ticket.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• People Alarms: When searching for an existing user, any people alarms associated with that specific profile will prominently display on the screen, and a sound notification will trigger on your tablet. This allows officers to gather crucial details or warnings about a user before approaching them.

Printed Ticket Details

When you issue a person-only violation, the license plate field will automatically be excluded from the printed ticket.

Explanation of the Front of the Ticket/Warning:

Field	Description
Ticket Number	A system-assigned number that identifies each individual violation or warning.
Date	The exact date the violation was issued.
Ticket Type	Identifies the broad category of the violation.
License Plate	The license plate number of the vehicle involved (if applicable).
Province	The issuing province or state for the license plate.
Offense Type	The specific infraction that occurred.
Location	The physical location where the violation took place.
Writer	A unique system-assigned identifier for the enforcement officer. This provides security for the officer in the field, while administrators can use it backend to verify the ticket writer's actual name.
Fine	The amount owed for the violation. *(Note: On a warning ticket, the amount is followed by "Warning", indicating it is not owed but shows what would be due if a real ticket was issued).
Towing	The amount due if the vehicle that incurred the violation had to be towed.
Comments	Any additional notes the enforcement officer chose to include.

Explanation of the Back of the Ticket/Warning: The back of the ticket provides details about the issuing organization and clear policies on how the violator can pay or formally appeal the ticket. It includes a section for the violator to identify themselves and sign off, as well as office hours and contact information.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Synchronize your device promptly: Make sure to sync your tablet as soon as possible after issuing violations. This ensures the offline data is securely pushed to the administrative database and reflects accurately on the user's account.

• Recovering from accidental searches: If you tap the Person Search button while actively filling out a violation, it may appear that the violation process was canceled. Do not panic; simply tap the physical back button on your handheld device to return immediately to your active violation information.

Issuing a Plate Violation

The Issuing a Plate Violation feature allows parking enforcement officers to look up vehicle license plates and record parking infractions using the legacy Android application. Its primary purpose is to streamline the ticketing process by utilizing existing database records or easily capturing details for new, unknown vehicles. This guide is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel.

Setup and Configuration

In order to issue violations effectively in the field, administrators must ensure the backend environment is fully configured, and users must prep their hardware.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that all ticket types, offense locations, default fee amounts, and zone rules are properly configured within the main OPSCOM administrative portal.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Before starting a patrol, ensure your mobile device is fully charged, logged into the enforcement app, and actively paired with your Bluetooth printer (if issuing physical citations).

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can use this feature to issue citations to both known vehicles and vehicles that have never been entered into the system.

Issuing Violations to Known Vehicles

1. Tap Search Vehicles from the main application menu.

2. Enter the plate number using OCR, voice command, or by typing on the keypad.

3. Review the search results list. A red X icon indicates the vehicle is currently in violation.

4. Tap the plate record that is in violation to open the Add Violation Record screen.

5. Tap Select Offence Location and choose the appropriate location from the drop-down menu.

6. Tap Offence Type and choose the specific infraction. You can tap the fee amount to manually override the default fee if necessary.

7. Tap Towing Fee and enter an amount if the vehicle requires towing.

8. Capture pictures of the vehicle and infraction for proof in case of a dispute.

9. Tap Save & Print to print the ticket and return to the search screen, or tap Save to log the violation without printing.

Issuing Violations to New Vehicles

If a scanned plate is unknown to the system, it will be indicated by a + icon in the search results. You must manually add the vehicle description to issue a citation.

1. Tap the plate record with the + icon.

2. Tap the vehicle description field and enter the vehicle's make, model, and color.

3. Complete the violation details (Offence Location, Offence Type, Towing Fee, and photos) as outlined in the steps above.

4. Tap Save or Save & Print. The new vehicle will automatically be added to the database the next time your handheld synchronizes.

VIN-Only Vehicles If a violation is entered on a vehicle using only a VIN, the VIN will automatically appear on the printed ticket in the License Plate field.

Filtering by Groups and Zones

You can focus your plate searching and vetting by applying specific group and zone filters, which is particularly useful for virtual lots or reserved parking areas.

1. Tap Any Parking Group on the search screen and select a specific group (e.g., BLDG1).

2. Tap Any Zone and select the specific zone you are patrolling (e.g., Day Care).

3. Scan plates using the LPR/OCR functionality. A green check mark will explicitly indicate if a vehicle is permitted to park in that specified group and zone combination.

Understanding the Printed Ticket

Explanation of the Front of the Ticket/Warning:

Field	Description
Ticket Number	A system-assigned number that uniquely identifies each individual violation or warning.
Date	The date the violation or warning was issued.
Ticket Type	Identifies the broad category of the violation.
License Plate	The license plate number for the vehicle that incurred the violation.
Province	The province or state where the license plate was issued.
Offense Type	Identifies the specific parking violation that occurred.
Location	The physical location where the violation occurred.
Writer	A unique system-assigned identifier for the enforcement officer, providing security to the officer while allowing administrators to verify their identity in the backend.
Fine	The amount owed. *(Note: On a warning ticket, the amount is followed by "Warning", indicating the amount is not owed, but shows what would be due if a real ticket was issued).
Towing	The amount due if the vehicle had to be towed.
Comments	Any additional notes included by the enforcement officer.

Explanation of the Back of the Ticket/Warning The back of the ticket provides details about the issuing organization, office hours, and clear instructions on how the violator can pay or formally appeal the ticket. It also includes a section for the violator to identify themselves and sign off.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Monitor your sync status: Always note the sync reminder bar at the top of the screen. While you can continue working when it appears, if the bar is flashing, ensure you sync your data before powering down. To trigger an auto-sync, simply return to the main menu and wait 30 seconds, or manually tap Synchronize Data.

• Heed secondary permit warnings: Pay attention to secondary checks when issuing a ticket. The handheld unit will alert you with a warning message if the plate actually holds a valid permit. You may still proceed with creating the violation at your discretion if the infraction is for something unrelated to permit validity (e.g., parked in a fire lane).

• Add context photos post-printing: Take additional images of the vehicle after printing the physical ticket. Adding a photo of the printed citation visibly placed on the vehicle's windshield provides undeniable proof of issuance during an appeal.

• Do not force prints without hardware: Never tap Save & Print if a printer is not actively connected. Doing so will trigger an application error, though it will safely log the violation to the local database as a fallback.

Displaying Towing Charges on a Violation

The Displaying Towing Charges on a Violation feature allows organizations to print a default $0.00 towing fee on all physical parking tickets. Its primary purpose is to serve as a visible deterrent, reminding parkers that their vehicle could potentially be towed for infractions, even if a tow is not ordered for the current offense. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators and field enforcement personnel configuring the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

This setting is configured directly within the system settings of the individual handheld enforcement device.

Admin Side: Administrators or supervisors must configure this setting on the physical devices used by the enforcement officers.

1. Tap System Settings from the main menu of the handheld application.

2. Scroll to locate the specific towing charge options.

3. Enable the Show $0.00 Towing Charge checkbox.

Default State By default, this setting is disabled. If the checkbox remains disabled, the towing charge line item will be completely hidden on standard printed tickets unless a real fee is applied.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel do not need to perform any special actions to use this feature; it operates automatically when a physical violation is printed.

Printing Tickets with the Notice

1. Issue a standard plate or person violation on the handheld device.

2. Tap Save & Print on the violation entry screen.

3. Review the printed ticket. The physical citation will now automatically include a "Towing" line item explicitly displaying a "$0.00" value.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Understand actual towing charges: If a real towing charge is manually applied to the violation by the officer, the towing charge will always appear on the printed ticket regardless of whether this setting is enabled or disabled. This toggle strictly controls the display of the $0.00 placeholder value.

• Align with institutional policy: Organizations should ensure that displaying a towing reminder aligns with their official parking and enforcement policies. Displaying this warning is an effective deterrent, but it should be supported by actual lot signage and organizational towing rules to avoid confusing your parkers.

Virtual Chalking

The Virtual Chalking (or e-chalking) feature in the legacy OPSCOM Android application is an electronic process that mirrors manually chalking a vehicle's tire to track parking durations. Its primary purpose is to provide enforcement officers with a time-efficient way to manage time-limited parking areas and grace periods, automatically generating time-stamped photographic evidence for potential violations. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

Virtual chalking is a native feature of the enforcement application.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that parking lots with timed parking or permit grace periods are properly configured within the core OPSCOM administrative portal.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Enforcement officers must have the legacy OPSCOM Android app installed, be logged into an active account, and have granted the application permission to use the device's camera.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel can use the handheld application to record a vehicle's presence at a specific time. Note that vehicle plates are automatically chalked when initially searched via LPR, but officers can perform a manual chalk to add contextual information and specific images.

Performing a Manual Virtual Chalk

1. Tap Search Vehicle to open the vehicle search window.

2. Enter a plate number and tap the search icon.

3. Tap and Hold the listed vehicle in the search results to access the advanced information screen.

4. Tap the Virtual Chalk button to access the chalking function.

5. Tap the image icon to open the camera and snap a picture of the vehicle.

6. Tap Save on the thumbnail view to record the chalking timestamp.

Visual Cues and Status Indicators

• Elapsed Time Indicator: If you search for the same vehicle again later, the screen will refresh and display red text indicating exactly how many minutes ago the vehicle was last chalked.

• Time and Date Stamp: Tapping the information box on the advanced listing screen will display a full-frame view of the captured image, complete with a visible time and date stamp located at the bottom right corner of the image.

Court-Admissible Evidence Virtual chalking provides photographic proof that is seamlessly attached to a violation. This evidence is generally acceptable in a court of law or formal appeal, provided the date and time stamp is clearly visible on the image. The chalked image remains a permanent part of the violation unless the patrol officer manually deletes it.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Capture contextual images for manual entries: If you enter a plate via text or voice when chalking, you must manually take a contextual image to record the time stamp. The system only captures these automatically when using LPR/OCR camera mode (which automatically grabs both a close-up of the plate and a contextual full-back image).

• Take multiple images when issuing violations: When capturing the plate a second time to issue the actual violation, take multiple images. Using both the timestamped chalk image and the time printed on the ticket allows you to definitively prove the time the vehicle was parked. There is no limit to the number of images you can attach.

• Leverage chalking for grace periods: Use virtual chalking to manage grace periods fairly. For example, if a vehicle is parked and the owner is walking to a pay station to purchase a permit, chalking the vehicle allows a fair grace period for them to obtain it before a violation is issued on a subsequent patrol pass.

Printers & Printing

Reprint Violation

The Reprint Violation feature allows enforcement officers to print a duplicate copy of a previously issued parking ticket directly from their handheld device. Its primary purpose is to quickly replace lost, damaged, or misprinted citations while officers remain active in the field. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel using the legacy Android application.

Setup and Configuration

This feature is a native function of the enforcement application and does not require specialized backend configuration. However, it relies on properly configured external printer hardware.

Admin Side: Administrators must ensure that field personnel are equipped with functioning mobile Bluetooth printers and that these devices are authorized within the OPSCOM system.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): Enforcement officers must ensure their handheld device is actively paired and connected to their designated mobile printer before attempting to reprint a ticket.

Using this Feature

Field personnel can rapidly retrieve and reprint recent violation notices directly from the application's main menu.

Reprinting Tickets

1. Tap Reprint Violation from the main menu of the legacy Android enforcement app.

2. Review the list of recently issued tickets displayed on the Reprint Violation Notice screen.

3. Tap the specific violation record that you want to reprint.

4. Follow the subsequent on-screen printer instructions to complete the physical printing process.

Check printer readiness Before navigating to the reprint screen, always verify that your mobile printer is powered on, has sufficient battery life, and is loaded with ticket paper. This prevents application timeouts or connection errors during the print command.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Verify the correct ticket: Always double-check the ticket details on the screen before tapping to reprint. Confirming the license plate and time of issue ensures you are leaving the correct duplicate citation on the offending vehicle.

• Address the root cause of misprints: If you find yourself frequently reprinting tickets due to faded ink, connection drops, or paper jams, report the hardware issue to your administrator. Continuous reprinting wastes time and thermal paper resources in the field.

Ticket Printing (Legacy) - Zebra Printer Configuration (Android Only)

The Legacy Zebra Printer Configuration Android process allows administrators and field officers to connect Zebra mobile printers to Android devices for use with the legacy OPSCOM Parking Enforcement application. Its primary purpose is to establish proper communication and printing settings, enabling the issuance of physical parking tickets directly from a mobile device. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and enforcement personnel setting up their handheld devices.

Setup and Configuration

This involves a one-time setup process to pair the mobile device with the printer hardware and configure the software to utilize the correct drivers.

Admin Side: Administrators must install the application, pair the printer via Bluetooth, and configure the internal application settings.

Application Permissions Every time a pop-up window appears asking for permissions (e.g., Microphone, Camera, Location access), you must choose Always or While Using App. If these permissions are denied, the application will not work properly.

Application Installation

1. Power on your Zebra printer.

2. Navigate to the Google Play store on your Android device and install the OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. (Note: If you already have the application installed, uninstall and reinstall it to ensure a clean setup and prevent potential connection issues.)

Connect to Bluetooth

1. Open System Settings on your device and enable Bluetooth if it is not already active.

2. Tap Scan on the device, then tap and hold the feed button on the physical printer until the Bluetooth symbol appears. Release the button once it appears to put the printer into discoverable mode.

3. Tap your printer name (or printer serial number) from the list of available devices and tap Pair.

4. Compare the pairing code on the Android screen to the one printed by the printer, then tap Pair on the popup to confirm.

Connect to the Enforcement App

1. Open the OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app and log in.

2. Tap the Menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner and tap System Settings.

3. Scroll down to the Printer Settings section.

4. Tap the Printer Driver drop-down menu and choose Zebra.

5. Tap Saved Bluetooth Printer to prompt the app to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.

6. Tap your specific printer from the list of discovered devices.

7. Tap the Save button when prompted to save the printer.

8. Tap the Menu button, then tap Home to return to the main screen and start using the app.

Using this Feature

Once the setup is complete, the printer is fully integrated into the violation workflow and handles ticket generation automatically.

Printing a Ticket

1. Issue a standard parking violation through the application.

2. Tap the on-screen prompt to print the ticket when the violation entry is complete.

3. Retrieve the successfully printed physical ticket from the Zebra printer.

Advanced Media Settings Configuring specific printer hardware settings, such as media size, rewind handling, and orientation, can be done through the separate Zebra Printer Setup Utility found on the Google Play Store.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Perform a one-time setup per device pair: Remember that this configuration must be performed for each unique combination of a mobile device and a Zebra printer.

• Maintain Bluetooth range: Ensure the mobile device remains within the effective Bluetooth range of the printer. For a stable connection in the field, keep the devices within approximately 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.

• Troubleshoot connections efficiently: If you experience printing issues, always verify that the printer is powered on first. If it is on and charged, re-selecting the printer from the Saved Bluetooth Printer menu within the application settings can often quickly re-establish a dropped connection.

System Settings

Reset Settings for OPSCOM Parking Enforcement

The Reset Settings feature within the legacy Android application allows users to clear local device configurations and force the handheld to pull fresh data from the server. Its primary purpose is to troubleshoot and resolve synchronization or configuration issues on the mobile device. This article is intended for OPSCOM administrators and field enforcement personnel acting under the guidance of support staff.

Setup and Configuration

This troubleshooting feature is natively built into the application and does not require any backend configuration to activate.

Admin Side: Before initiating a reset, ensure the handheld device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network, as the application will need to download a fresh batch of data upon the next login.

Using this Feature

Enforcement personnel should only use this feature when experiencing specific device issues and only under direction from the support team.

Resetting the Application Settings

1. Log in to the OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app.

2. Tap System Settings from the main menu.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the settings list and tap the Reset Settings checkbox to select it.

4. Tap the device's back button and log out of the application completely.

5. Fully close the application from the Android recent apps menu.

6. Restart the tablet or handheld device.

7. Log in to the OPSCOM Parking Enforcement app. The system will automatically re-download all system settings and related data during this initial login.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Ensure a stable network connection: Always verify your device has a strong cellular or Wi-Fi signal before logging back in. Because the reset clears local data, a stable connection is required to successfully pull the fresh settings from the database and resume normal operations.

Authorized Use Only Do not perform a settings reset as a standard troubleshooting step. The reset settings function should only be performed if you have been explicitly told to do so by an OPS-COM Support representative.

OPSCOM Parking Enforcement Admin System Settings

The OPSCOM Parking Enforcement Admin System Settings feature allows administrators to configure core global variables that synchronize directly to the mobile enforcement handhelds. Its primary purpose is to ensure all printed tickets and app interfaces consistently display the correct organizational details, locations, and legal footers. This article is intended for OPS-COM administrators.

Setup and Configuration

These foundational settings must be configured within the core administrative portal before the handheld units can be properly deployed to the field.

Admin Side: Hover over System Configuration and click System Settings to access the main configuration portal.

User Side (Enforcement Staff): No configuration is required on the handheld device to receive these settings. The mobile enforcement units will automatically download these core variables during their next routine synchronization with the server.

Using this Feature

Administrators can use this interface to update the organization's core identity details and customize the legal text that prints at the bottom of physical citations.

Setting the Organization Name and Country

1. Click General System Settings from the list of components on the left side of the screen.

2. Type your organization's official title into the Organization Name field.

3. Type your location into the Country field.

4. Click Save Settings to apply the changes to the database.

Editing the Handheld Footer

1. Click Violations from the list of components on the left side of the screen.

2. Locate the Handheld Footer field in the top portion of the configuration form.

3. Type the exact legal or instructional text you want printed at the bottom of all physical parking tickets.

4. Toggle the appearance of the pin numbers on the violation in this same area, depending on your organization's payment portal requirements.

5. Click to save your configuration changes.

Example Footer Message A standard and effective ticket footer message should look something like this: This parking ticket is due within 14 days. Failure to settle this parking ticket will result in the account becoming delinquent and subject your vehicle to collections and/or towing.

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Best Practices and Considerations

• Configure across proper environments: Administrators must be aware that settings pushed to a specific site environment (preview or production) do not automatically sync to the other. If you configure a handheld device while connected to the production site, it will not be configured for the preview site, and vice versa.

• Follow the recommended device setup sequence: Always add and configure the handheld device through the preview environment first, and then set it up on the production environment. This specific deployment sequence ensures that the device settings are properly written to the PA_Common tables for both environments simultaneously, preventing future synchronization conflicts.