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Driver Services staff deliver essential training for court clerks

"Great session!" "Incredibly valuable!" "Very helpful!" "Always learn something new!"

These are just some of the comments that keep Driver Services Program Specialist Amy Kearns and Suspension Unit Supervisor Lisa Helton coming back year after year to the court clerk’s conference in Boise.

This year was no exception. In late October 2014, Kearns and Helton presented to nearly 80 court clerks from across Idaho gathered at the Idaho Institute for Court Management.

Kearns said some of the topics included: reporting issues, updates on automation of processes, best ways to contact us, data transmission and court-restricted permits.

“This is a good way to build better communications and open the door to productive collaboration,” said Kearns. “It is always nice to personally meet some of the people we talk to on the phone regularly.”

Driver Services Manager Ed Pemble said this portion of the annual event is well received and is considered a core part of the institute.

“The presentation was packed with information essential to ITD/Court cooperative efforts in fulfilling legislative mandates, while maximizing operational efficiency and customer service,” said Pemble.

Court clerks from all 44 counties send orders into ITD each day, electronically or by fax, which then have to be processed and posted onto a driver’s record.

Helton described how the face-to-face communication is easier in helping everyone get on the same page and speak the same language.

“Efficiency wise, it is nice to narrow down what is good for both sides so the courts are not sending the same orders twice and the department does not have extra paperwork,” said Helton. “It is a positive experience for our department and for the courts.”

One court clerk in attendance said, “Wow! I only went to this because everything else was full, but I was glad I did. I learned a lot of things and I’ve been here since 1994.”

Helton credited the clerk’s conference for the formation of a partnership between ITD and Ada County. Three court clerk supervisors will spend a half day in Driver Services in February to learn what happens once a clerk sends an order to ITD.

“We hope soon to be able to send some technicians to Ada County to observe the process of getting the order sent over to the department,” said Helton.

Kearns is honored to keep getting invited back each year to present this invaluable information. This was her seventh year presenting, and Helton’s third year.

“It has been a great opportunity to share information, answer and address questions and sometimes even ask questions of them and try to make all of our jobs easier,” added Kearns.

Pictured above: Kearns (left) and Helton (right).