UTC Violation Comments, Court Narrative, and Officer Notes
Overview
There are different types of comments and notes that may be added to the UTC. Where they show on the printed citation depends on where you add them on the form.
Keep in mind that all comments and notes may potentially be viewed by judges, clerks, attorneys, the violator, citizens, others at your agency, and the media. Keep them clear and concise and avoid using slang, acronyms, or lingo.
Report Names & Printed Copies
The list below has the name of the report that you see in the Report Manager and the name as it appears on the printed copy of the UTC. Also noted is additional information that shows on each printed copy.
The Court Copy, Driver Copy, and Officer Copy have corresponding FLHSMV copies, which are regulated by the state. The format, layout, and verbiage cannot be changed unless the state mandates it. See the HSMV UTC Manual if further information is needed.
Report Name / Printed Copy Name
Court Copy / Complaint (Retained by Court)
- Witnesses do not appear on this copy. They are on the Officer/Agency copy, the UTC Court Info copy, and the Witness Court Info copy only.
Driver Copy / Violator Copy (Summons)
Officer Copy / Officer-Agency Copy
- Other Violation Comments
- Officer Notes
- Road, lighting, and other circumstances
- Vehicle Defects
- Witnesses (first three only)
This copy does not transmit to the COC. It is used by the officer for testifying in court. If you want the clerk to have this copy, you must print it out and deliver it.
UTC Court Info / UTC Court Information Report
- UTC with statute and charge
- Court Narrative
- Witnesses (all)
UTC Court Info was created by TraCS in place of the Officer Worksheet that is used when filling out paper citations.
This copy does not transmit to the COC in most counties. If you want the court to have the witness list & court narrative, you must print it and deliver it to the clerk. If your clerk would like to receive it electronically, they may request it by emailing TraCS Support.
If your clerk accepts this copy electronically (Indian River, Seminole), they will receive them for infractions that do not require a court appearance only. If a citation requires a court appearance, the officer must print out the UTC Court Info copy and hand it in with the signed copy of the UTC.
Witness Court Info / Court Information
- UTC / Warning list with statute and charge
- Court Narrative
- Witnesses (all)
You may select multiple citations and/or warnings that were issued to the same violator and they will print out as a list.
This copy does not transmit to the COC.'
Types of Comments & Notes
The different types of comments and notes that may be added are Other Violation Comments, Court Narrative, and Officer Notes.
Where they show on the printed citation depends on where you add them.
Other Violation Comments
Comments added in the Other Violation Comments field on the form will show on the Court Copy, the Driver Copy, and the Officer Copy.
Comments are combined with the charge description on the printed copy. They will display before the charge. Comments over 90 characters will be automatically relocated to the Additional Comments section near the bottom of the printed copy of the citation.
Court Copy - Comments
Court Copy - Comments Over 90 Characters
Officer Copy
Court Narrative
The Court Narrative shows on the Witness Court Info report only. That report does not transmit to the clerk in most counties. This copy must be delivered to the clerk by the agency if there are individuals or officers that need to be served a subpoena.
Officer Notes
Comments and circumstantial information added in the Officer Notes section of the form will show on the Officer-Agency Copy printed report along with anything added to the Vehicle Defects section.
According to FLHSMV, "PLEASE NOTE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES IN ADDITION TO THOSE CHECKED ON FACE OF COMPLAINT. THAT IS: 1. ANY SPECIFIC ACTION OF VIOLATOR WHICH INCREASED THE HAZARD OF THE VIOLATION; 2. WHERE VIOLATION OBSERVED AND CONTACT MADE; 3. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED DURING PURSUIT; 4. STATEMENTS BY VIOLATOR AND GENERAL ATTITUDE; AND 5. PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT."
NOTE: There is a character limit on the Officer Notes. Anything over 760 characters be will cut off on the printed copy. If you have lengthy notes, add a Court Narrative.