The Chalks Tab is a dedicated section within the Search Vehicle Results screen on the legacy OPS-COM 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 OPS-COM 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 OPS-COM 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. --- ## 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.