I tried using the DC court’s “automated deferral” system to reschedule jury duty. When I read that the system was “automated,” I assumed that it meant 24-7 availabiliy, both on the web and on the phone.
I tried their website, which is listed as an option on the juror form. No dice: page won’t load.
I then tried their phone-based system. I was dumped into their after-hours voicemail system, which says that the automated deferral system is only available during regular business hours.
What the?!?!?
What’s the point in promoting tech and automation when it’s only available during regular business hours? Such ineptitude – paid for with my tax dollars.
I don’t mind paying taxes, but I want ’em put to good use. From the complete non-function of this system, I’d say they’re wasting my money.
Justf
21 January 2006 — 23:05
Might your concern be better put to use by finding out who is in charge of the system, contacting the person directly and either finding out why it isn’t available 24/7 or suggesting that it be set up that way. It is the same party, that you would like to see improved,n’est-ce pas?
f
Grand Poobah
21 January 2006 — 23:12
That’s my plan: call their office on Monday, change the date, then inquire about the system. My guess is that their website is hosted on an employee’s computer, one that is shut off during the overnight hours. If that’s the case, perhaps they need to hire somebody to properly set up their website and servers (and no, I’m not offering myself to do the honors – I’m spread thin as-is).
But still, their phone system is automated, with a modern voicemail system. There’s realy no reason for them to leave the phone-based deferral system off-limits in the overnight and weekend hours. I just think that the fact that they give no indication that the automated systems are available only during business hours is quite misleading – especially given that said systems were likely put in place to accomodate after-hours rebooking.
sprite
22 January 2006 — 13:11
When I phoned in to defer my jury duty, I didn’t actually find that their phone system was automated. I actually had to talk to a live person to defer my service.
Could also be that their online system only works with Windows and IE… Not a smart idea in a world with more and more non-Microsoft alternatives, but a distinct possibility for a beaurocracy.
Justf
22 January 2006 — 15:31
It will be interesting to see 1)the kind of reception your query gets and 2)whether they care enought to implement a good suggestion.
f