Smarter public service

Background

Developed by the Atlanta CfA fellows
In Atlanta, when you receive a traffic infringement, no matter how minor, the simplest way to resolve it is to go to court and settle the matter. This results in people taking the day off work, only to stand in line waiting to get in.
So what courtbot offers, is on the spot information about traffic citations
Text your citation number, receive information on how to resolve your infringment

CourtBot can provide information on:

If a case can be paid immediately, the app offers a phone number and link to begin payment.
If a case requires a court appearance, the app allows users to sign up for reminders, served 24 hours in advance of the case.
If a case isn't in the system (usually because it takes two weeks for paper citations to be put into the computer), the app allows users to get information when it becomes available. The app continues checking each day for up to 16 days and sends the case information when found (or an apology if not).
Steps to take to challenge the citation

Doing justice locally and finding lasting solutions that strengthen the City of Yarra

Prevent and reduce criminal and other harmful behaviour in the Yarra community
Increase confidence in, and access to the justice system for the Yarra communities
Strengthen the Neighbourhood Justice Centre Community justice model and facilitate the transfer of its practices to other courts and communities
Twitter: @NJC_Collingwood
More info: www.neighbourhoodjustice.vic.gov.au

25% lower than comparative magistrates courts

I am engaging with the NJC in a process of research driven prototyping
I have been based there for ~3months so far focusing on research, this has involved extensive shadowing of staff, sitting in on interactions with clients and other providers and mapping processes
Some of the common themes that have come from my research are issues around interactions with clients of the centre, communicating and sharing knowledge, ideas and new findings,
The next steps have involved engaging staff to drive some possible prototypes we can attack based on my research findings as well as mixing in some of my ideas
We will spend a couple of months trialing, testing and reviewing the prototypes to see which have worked, what hasnt worked and what could be improved
Following that, we will focus on the prototypes that show the most promise for the NJC and spend a few more months refining them
As well as the above, we are also helping to connect the NJC with relevant skilled businesses and individuals in their locality, with the skills and passion to help the NJC continue its work