Build 68

1. IMPORTANT! You should clear your browser's cache before opening POBITS to ensure the presentation is correct. If you don't, things can get weird.

2. I have added a new PHS questionnaire named "California", which is compliant with the California POST 2-251 (1/2024) revision. Note that the "Classic" version many still employ is based on the California POST version current when POBITS was built in 2008. If you are using the Classic version, I recommend you transition to the California version. Besides being modern and compliant with the current California POST PHS, it is constructed like the newer "Modern" PHS (based on the State of Oregon questionnaire) in that users can modify all questions. The California model has a few questions with California-specific language, such as references to California statutes, so you can and should modify those to conform to your state requirements as needed. In our view, both the Modern and the California versions have much better usability for candidates and investigators and both may be suitable for most states depending on local standards. It is my intention to discontinue the Classic version at some point, and I recommend anyone using the Classic version consider moving to either the Modern or the California version. Also, note that you can use any version for any position. PHS versions are assigned to the positions you create in your account, so create all the positions you need and assign the PHS version for your best use.

3. On the main screen of the case for the Modern and California versions, I have split the details from the investigative areas into separate tabs. I believe this is a good design but it was also necessary in supporting the concept of selectable investigative areas.

4. The California version and now the Modern version have the ability to select which investigative areas to apply (or eliminate) for a position. Between the selection of PHS version and applicable investigative areas, you now have a wide ability to structure your questionnaires to meet all needs. Note that after establishing the case, you can change the investigative area by opening the case and using the Investigative Area menu | Choose Investigative Area, to select or deselect investigative areas, but be cognizant of the stage of the investigation and the candidate's experience. Once the candidate has begun data entry, it's too late.

5. Two settings are now included in your Account Settings | Logo and Settings section. They are Do Not Require Neighbors and Do Not Require Housemates. Note that they are global settings across all PHS versions. By default, they are both off, meaning the system will present them. The new California PHS does not collect information on Neighbors and to be 100% compliant, you will have to check the box for Neighbors to exclude them if that is your requirement.

6. Reports have been improved a bit. However, our reports have never been able to process HTML (a limitation of the built-in report designer in the development platform), so I cannot provide rich text in your narratives. This will change soon. The platform developer is currently re-writing the entire designer with the primary intent to process HTML. This will be a much-needed upgrade to POBITS that I am eager to deliver. No timeline, but I suspect less than six months.

7. When inviting all references, the process will now step to the back to enable you to continue working. It's suppose to fall back after 3 seconds, but it takes a bit longer. I don't know why. I know this process has given you an excuse for a coffee break, but the coffee break is over. Sorry.

8. A status bar is now visible at the bottom of the Investigator's screen. This is primarily to support the process mentioned above in paragraph 7 because it displays the process completion status. Let me know if you hate it.

9. The screen for adding a New Candidate was modified a bit to funnel you toward assigning a position that will cascade to the case when created. Be reminded that cases are created only when an investigator is assigned to the candidate or when manually created. So, when creating a one-off candidate, you should choose the investigator and the position. Note that you can change the position up until you invite the candidate. After that, nope.

10. Four graph reports (using legacy graphing) were removed because of incompatibility with the current platform. I you're missing one, let me know as I can probably rebuild it in the modern structure.

11. I modified the presentation of screen notes. I hope you like it.

12. It turned out there was no facility to view archived investigators so I added a button on the Investigators list to enable it.

Wow! That's a lot of changes. What should I do?

1. I recommend you review all your positions to ensure the Supplemental Forms and Investigative Areas are setup to your needs. Due to the current data in your account, specific sections may be off. So please check all positions before creating new cases. Assign a PHS Version to every position.

2. In your Account Settings|Logo and Settings, set the Neighbor and Housemate settings as needed. By default, both are on.

3. If you currently use the Classic PHS version, review the questions and consider transitioning to the California version as they are very similar. You can download the latest California POST PHS here. The California PHS version mirrors it exactly.

I want to use the California PHS. What should I do?

1. In your Account Settings, go to the tab labeled CA PHS Questions and review all questions for applicability and suitability. While you cannot create or remove questions, you can customize the wording to suit your needs. If there is a question you specifically do not want use and have no replacement language, set the wording to "This question is depreciated, answer No." While the candidate will have to respond, the question will be moot in the questionnaire. Remember that the changes you make only effect cases created after the change and has no effect on existing cases.

2. In your Account Settings, go to the tab labeled Positions and create or modify any positions to use the California or Modern PHS as needed. For each position, you can set the applicable investigative areas and Supplemental Forms. This is a key process to ensure you have the right settings for your investigations, even if you only use one position, but most use more.

3. Also on the Logo and Settings tab, find the setting for default PHS version (near the top) and choose something. All this really does is if by some chance there is no selected version when the case case is created (probably can't happen), the default will be used, so make it something you want.

I have questions.

Sure! Call me or drop a support ticket to support@pobits.com. I'm also happy to provide a little webinar/training to you and your team as needed.

I found a problem!

I'm not surprised. In building out the California addition, I probably configured many tens of thousands of items. I tested VERY thoroughly but the number of permutations of configurations and actions is very high. I have no doubt some defects may come up as is true with any new release. I am standing by to remedy anything that you find and in most cases, will be able to do so within 24 hours. Don't hesitate to report anything that doesn't work or look right.