Jail Commissary - Barcode

The commissary component of the jail module allows for the use of a barcode reader to handle several of the most common actions that would normally be performed via the keyboard. By specifying the UPC code in the "Commissary Inventory" section of the jail module, purchased items can be identified and added to an inmate’s purchases quickly and easily.

In order for the jail module to distinguish barcode input from standard keyboard input, the barcode reader should be configured to use an ASCII 1027 ( CTRL+[ ) prefix and an ASCII 1029 ( CTRL+] ) suffix character. (Prior releases of Crimestar used an STX (CTRL-B) prefix character and an ETX (CTRL-C) suffix character however; these characters were in conflict with some standard keyboard commands such as Copy etc. so we discontinued their use). See the configuration manual for your barcode scanner, to get more information on how to set this configuration. During development of these features we used a Symbol Technologies LS-1004 "Spark’ handheld scanner AND a Symbol Technologies LS1900 "Cobra" handheld scanner.

The following is a description of the specific functions that can be performed from the various screens. Some functions require the use of pre-printed barcode "Control Labels" which can be printed from the jail "commissary inventory" form and kept near your workstation for reference.

Selecting an Inmate: From the Jail Management form you can print an identification bracelet insert that contains a barcode (Code 39) representation of his/her jail identification number. When the barcode of that identification bracelet is scanned the jail management form will automatically select that inmate by searching for the associated jail ID code.

Begin Commissary Shopping: Once the appropriate inmate is selected, scanning the "Begin Shopping" control label will active the "Commissary / Account Log" form. Once this form is active, you can begin scanning the product UPC barcode labels. For each UPC barcode scanned, the system will add that item to the inmate’s shopping list and will reduce that product’s inventory count by one unit. If the Commissary / Account Log form is on the "Account Deposits" page it will automatically switch back to the "Purchases" page as soon as the first UPC barcode is scanned.

Printing a Receipt: To print a receipt of the items purchased that day scan the "Print Receipt" control label. For a complete history list of all the items purchased by this inmate, click the "Print Receipt" button on the Commissary / Account Log form using the computer’s mouse and you will be prompted with an additional printing option not available by using the barcode scanner.

End Commissary Shopping: When the inmate has completed shopping you can end the shopping session by scanning the "End Shopping" control label. This will close the "Commissary / Account Log" form.

Once back at the Jail Management form you will be ready to select another inmate and process his/her commissary activity.