4.4. SR 02-19-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Police Department Technology Systems Overview The police department has seen tremendous change in the area of computers, network and technology in the past several years. A common theory amongst those who plan these systems is that the technology utilized will experience a major change every 14 months. In fact, that time span decreases by half every ten years. We have experienced those changes and know that additional changes are coming each and every day. Our current system integrates electronic mail, Internet, mobile communication, records management, word processing and other software products. It also houses the records system for the City Prosecutor. It will soon include a link to the city global information system as well as an optical imaging system. All of this creates a large amount of work for our department. It requires constant monitoring of the network security and general server health. It also means being prepared to move forward with new changes when proposed by the state, software vendors or consultants. We often are not afforded the luxury of being able to put off changes until we are ready. They often are created by changes in operating systems, service pack updates or are the result of enhancements we pay for in our annual maintenance contracts. The police department needs the support of a full time person to not only address the needs listed above, but the issues and system management needs that are arising as we prepare to build our new facility. It is extremely important to plan the development and installation of the new network to insure that it provides the service we need now, as well as fulfilling the technology needs of the city for years to come. Having a working understanding of the current system is important to being part of the planning process. The integration of all aspects of the network, as well as linking to the City Hall site will be a major part of this new assignment. Because the network is utilized by each and every police employee during their shift, it is one of the most critical features of our workplace, and one that we want to insure is built and maintained in a manner that provides the employees - and thus thc citizens, the best services that we can provide.