New DMV computer also causing delays for dispatchers, police

Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999 | 4:28 a.m.

Police said the new Genesis computer is more time-consuming and error-prone. When stopping motorists, officers use it to access DMV records and databases of warrants kept by the state criminal repository.

"This is a totally new system for the dispatchers and a comfort factor has been violated," Sparks police Sgt. Tom Carson said. "It is the learning curve and the situation where dispatchers are having to do extra work."

The most frustrating problem for dispatchers is the need to call up the same data on two separate screens in order to retrieve information on DMV records and outstanding warrants, police said.

Under the old system, one screen was used for both data searches. Dispatchers now often have to tell officers in the field to wait longer for the information.

The wait can be a couple of minutes to several minutes, depending on how quickly the computer is running. Backlogs can slow the return of information.

"In my mind, that needs to be fixed," said Tom Sauls, communications supervisor for the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. "It should be one step and you get it all, because it worked that way before."

But Sauls acknowledged DMV officials have been working hard to fix the problems and to make the system more user-friendly.

"Very slowly, it is getting better," he said.

Officials at the Nevada criminal repository said they're trying to rectify the issue of using two screens for the search.

"As of (Friday) morning, I believe it has been resolved," said Stephanie Hicks, a program officer.

Dispatchers also have been receiving incorrect information on the status of commercial driver's licenses.

Hicks said police agencies have received phone numbers to call to check the validity of such licenses until the problem is fixed.

Sauls said the new system will have its advantages once it's working properly. Under the Genesis system, much of the information is written in plain language, rather than coded with numbers dispatchers must look up.

Meanwhile, waits at DMV counters continue to shrink following Gov. Kenny Guinn's Oct. 7 announcement of a plan to deal with the computer problems.

Motorists now face typical waits of two to three hours to renew their registrations or get a driver's license, rather than up to six hours like before.