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Probation office installs electronic kiosk check‑in funded by local tech grant
Summary
Probation staff reported March 11 that two standing electronic kiosks funded by a tech grant from Chanel are now in use for client check‑ins; staff said the system improves efficiency but lacks a Spanish interface, and manual check‑in and interpreter support remain available.
Stephenson County probation staff told the Court Services Committee on March 11 that the office has installed two standing electronic kiosks for client check‑ins, funded through a tech grant associated with Chanel.
The presenter described how clients use the kiosk by entering their name, contact information and the purpose of the visit. “So when the probation client comes in, they put in their name, address, phone number, who they're here to see, and what they're here for,” the presenter said, adding that the system has made the intake process more efficient and allows staff to see who is in the office.
The presenter said upfront hardware costs were “a couple thousand” dollars, the first‑year membership is free and subsequent annual membership was estimated at about $400. The presenter noted the kiosk interface is not Spanish‑language; non‑English speakers can be assisted by a manual check‑in at the front desk, by an interpreter service the office uses, or by a bilingual officer who is available periodically.
Committee members asked how often the bilingual employee is needed; staff said bilingual assistance is used primarily during new‑client intake on certain days and that other officers and a contracted interpreter are also used as needed. No formal action was required on this informational report.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the presentation.
