ST. THOMAS - An upgrade to the data-entry system at the V.I. Bureau of Motor Vehicles means automobile information is a radio call away for officers on-scene.

The improvements mean vehicle registration information is entered into the system when taken instead of once weekly, according to V.I. Police Commissioner Novelle Francis Jr.

"Officers can contact the E-911 system who in turn tap into the BMV database and provide real-time vehicle information to officers on patrol," he said. "The ability to access vehicle information is a vital investigatory tool and addresses a safety factor allowing officers to have instant access to owner information. Officers are now better prepared when stopping suspicious vehicles and during traffic checkpoints."

The system was installed two weeks ago in the St. Thomas-St. John District, Jerris Browne, Bureau of Motor Vehicles director, said. It was part of a territorywide improvement project estimated at more than $200,000, Browne said. St. Croix's system was installed within the last year, he said.

But, the upgrade is not without its challenges. With the new system, there are more screens to navigate for registration and it takes more time to navigate. That adds to the time it takes to handle each case. Browne anticipates that will add to waiting times at the department, which has a reputation for long waits. A way to avoid a potentially long wait, would be visit the bureau in the middle of the month, he said.

"When you come at the end of the month then you know, you will have a long wait," Browne said. "Come at the end of the second or the third week. Try not to come at the end of the month or after a long weekend or holiday."

The bureau is short two employees, since they had borrowed two workers affected by the mold in the V.I. Bureau of Internal Revenue Services building in Mandela Circle. IRB workers returned to work in a new building next to the Charlotte Amalie High School track today, leaving them with two vacancies at motor vehicles, Browne said.

"If a person is out sick or has an emergency, it's a problem for us," he said. "We did have some hires but it's going to take a couple of weeks to get the people on-board."

Browne asks the public for time as everyone comes up to speed on the new software.

"We just wanted to let the customers know to have patience with our employees," he said.

-Contact reporter Ailene Torres at 774-8772 ext. 304 or e-mail atorres@dailynews.vi.