COPS feature
Kiosk check-in for court-ordered classes and appointments
COPS kiosk check-in is a walk-up sign-in screen where participants choose their location, sign in with the method your program configures, and check in to their available classes and appointments, with a signature captured and the check-in time kept on their attendance record.
Front desks at DUI schools, batterer intervention programs, parenting classes, anger management groups, and treatment programs spend the first ten minutes of every session on clipboards. COPS is a HIPAA compliant web app that works in all browsers on desktop, tablet, and mobile, so a kiosk can be a tablet or computer at the door. Check-ins land on the same client record that holds enrollments, fees, and court reports. Programs on COPS have managed 7.8 million+ class attendance records.
How it works
How does kiosk check-in work in COPS?
A participant walks up to the kiosk, selects the location, signs in with the method your program configured, and sees the classes and appointments available to check in to. The check-in is saved on that participant's attendance record with the time it happened.
The problem
Paper sign-in sheets have to be retyped, handwriting is hard to read, and late arrivals squeeze in a name after the fact. When a court asks whether someone was really there, staff are matching a scribble to a roster.
How COPS solves it
- Participants select their location and sign in with the configured sign-in method.
- The kiosk shows only the classes and appointments available to that participant.
- Kiosk sign-in captures a signature with the check-in.
- COPS keeps check-in and recorded attendance times, so reports can show when a participant arrived.
- Staff still see the class roster and can mark Check in or Absent for anyone who did not use the kiosk.
Related: COPS attendance tracking · DUI class attendance tracking
Settings per location
Can each location control when and how participants check in?
Yes. Kiosk Mode is enabled per location, with settings for early and late check-in limits, the sign-in method, how far ahead classes are shown, and a passcode.
The problem
A program with a morning DUI class and an evening BIP group at two offices cannot use one sign-in rule for everything. Without limits, someone can sign in for a class that ended an hour ago.
How COPS solves it
- Turn Kiosk Mode on only at the locations that use it.
- Set early and late check-in limits so sign-in matches your attendance policy.
- Choose the sign-in method participants use at that location.
- Control the range of classes shown on the kiosk.
- Protect the kiosk screen with a passcode so it stays in kiosk use.
Beyond the front desk
Can participants check in from the client portal instead of a kiosk?
Where a program turns it on, Kiosk Mode includes an optional portal check-in setting, so participants can check in through the COPS client portal. The portal uses MFA sign-in.
The problem
Programs with virtual or hybrid sessions still need a check-in record, but a lobby kiosk does not help a participant joining from home.
How COPS solves it
- Enable optional portal check-in in Kiosk Mode settings where it fits your program.
- Record session delivery mode (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) and filter attendance reports by it.
- Keep portal and kiosk check-ins on the same attendance record staff already review.
Related: Remote check-ins for DUI programs
From check-in to report
What happens to a kiosk check-in after class?
The check-in becomes part of the participant's attendance history, which feeds attendance reports, monthly progress reports, court letters, and completion certificates in COPS.
The problem
When sign-in data lives on paper or in a separate tool, it has to be reconciled before every report, and mistakes reach the court.
How COPS solves it
- Attendance from the kiosk counts toward the sessions and hours each enrollment requires.
- Missed sessions show in the session balance so make-ups can be scheduled.
- COPS includes 11 built-in report types, including attendance and court/attorney reports.
- Monthly reports are drafted and finalized as PDFs with history.
- Courts and probation officers receive the reports; they do not need to log in to COPS.
Related: Court and probation compliance reports · Completion certificates
Checklist
Kiosk check-in setup checklist
- Pick the locations that will use a kiosk and turn on Kiosk Mode there.
- Set early and late check-in limits that match your written attendance policy.
- Choose the sign-in method participants will use and set a kiosk passcode.
- Place a tablet or computer at the door and open COPS in its browser.
- Decide whether optional portal check-in fits any virtual or hybrid sessions.
- After class, review the roster and mark anyone who did not use the kiosk.
Industries
Programs this feature helps.
Watch: Kiosk Check-In
See COPS in a short demo.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Does COPS kiosk check-in capture signatures?
Yes. COPS kiosk sign-in captures the participant's signature with the check-in, and the check-in time stays on the attendance record.
What hardware does the COPS kiosk need?
COPS is a web app that works in all browsers on desktop, tablet, and mobile, so a kiosk can run on a tablet or computer with a current browser. There is no native app to install.
Can participants check in to appointments as well as classes?
Yes. After signing in at the kiosk, participants see their available classes and appointments. Staff can also check in one-time appointments such as intakes from the COPS calendar.
Can we stop participants from checking in too early or too late?
Yes. Kiosk Mode settings include early and late check-in limits per location.
Is kiosk check-in the same as GPS or location monitoring?
No. Kiosk check-in records attendance at scheduled classes and appointments. COPS does not do GPS tracking or electronic monitoring.
Is kiosk check-in an extra-cost module?
No. Every COPS module is included for all clients and switched on during onboarding based on what each program needs.
Can we try kiosk check-in before buying?
Yes. Start a 10-day free trial at https://cops.develoapps.com/signup, or book a demo to see kiosk check-in with your own class schedule.
Ready to retire the paper sign-in sheet?
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