The Washington County Courts and Clerk’s office is using a new 21st century computer system provided by the Indiana Supreme Court.  The system, known as “Odyssey” connects the Washington County Court and Clerk offices to other counties’ courts, law enforcement, and state agencies, and makes court information available to the public.  Circuit Court Judge Robert Bennett, Superior Court Judge Frank Newkirk, Clerk Shirley Batt and Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan, Jr., will answer questions about the system and explain why Odyssey is an improvement for court staff, law enforcement, and taxpayers.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH
1:00 P.M. EDT
Washington County Courthouse, Circuit Court
 99 Public Square, #200
Salem, Indiana 47167

With Odyssey, the Washington County Clerk is able to receive electronic traffic tickets "written" by the Indiana State Police.  Washington County Courts are also able to send electronic information on traffic cases to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). “This 21st century technology is a result of great partnerships with the legislative and executive branches,” explained Justice Sullivan.  “Odyssey is designed to save taxpayer money by reducing paperwork and the duplication of services.  I am pleased to congratulate Washington County court leaders in person, especially the Judges, Clerk, and their staffs for their leadership in using this new court technology.”

Circuit Court Judge Robert Bennett expressed his appreciation to the Supreme Court for including Washington County as an early adopter of the new court computer system.  "I am delighted that the Indiana Supreme Court worked with Washington County officials to install this new case management system.  We are very pleased with the way it is operating and excited about its prospects for speeding the processing of cases and improving public safety."  Superior Court Judge Frank Newkirk also complimented the system, “The Indiana Supreme Court and its staff have been working with us for several weeks to install this new case management system.   It will help us process cases more quickly and provide easy access to the public.”

Odyssey was first installed in ten Indiana courts on a pilot basis in December 2007 under the direction of the Division of State Court Administration’s Judicial Technology and Automation Committee (JTAC).  It is part of the Court's effort to equip every Indiana court with a 21st-century case management system and connect courts with each other and state agencies. Courts pay no installation costs, training costs, license fees, or annual maintenance costs for Odyssey.  Those costs are paid by JTAC from the proceeds of a court filing fee dedicated to the project by the General Assembly.

"The Washington County Courts and Clerk have never been able to afford to transition from typewriters to a computer system.  Now, Odyssey allows us to save money by reducing paperwork.  Everyday tasks like combining multiple payments for one customer, searching for an account, or printing a receipt are now streamlined and up to date with technology.  It helps us manages cases and the collection of fines and costs in a much more efficient manner,” said Clerk Batt.

Odyssey is now operating in thirty-one Indiana courts in twelve counties, including the Marion County traffic court, the busiest court in the state.  Odyssey is designed to be implemented statewide.  Information on cases in Odyssey is available at no cost to the public online at courts.IN.gov.