Police Information Technology Specialist

General Statement of Duties
The purpose of this position is to perform technical installation, maintenance, and repair duties in support of the Police Department's computer, hardware, software and other technology needs.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
Under the direction and oversight of the Services Division Commander, the Police Information Technology Specialist is a civilian position which performs technical and administrative work managing various law enforcement specific technology functions of the Police Department. The Police Technology Specialist facilitates open communications with staff, supervisory and command level personnel and the public. Successful performance ensures that critical data is retrieved and analyzed in a timely manner. The work consists of related technical duties in support of the Police Department's computer information system. The difficulty associated with troubleshooting and diagnosing problems contributes to the complexity of the work.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Tasks

• Advises and assists staff with evaluating and recommending hardware, software, applications, networking solutions, and other technology related implementations.
• Helps plans and install police network infrastructure; installs cable, connectors, and wall plates; connects to centralized routers.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots servers, computers, laptops, printers, network equipment, scanners, in car/body worn equipment and other related hardware Installs, updates, and troubleshoots all software; Trains end users in new software applications and hardware.
• Assists police personnel with any technical/computer-based submissions to external entities.
• Assists police personnel with, updating, and maintaining the department’s web hosted media sites.
• Performs help desk responsibilities as needed; responds to end user reports concerning hardware or software problems.
• Responds to after-hours calls, which could include nights and weekends.
• Setups, configures, and installs departmental applications on computers and relocates computer related hardware and personal information for organizational needs.
• Troubleshoots and maintains Police Department equipment which includes: Card Access System, A/V projectors, mobile devices, sound systems, radio system, network-based camera system, interview rooms recording systems, VoIP phones system, camera tower system, speed signs, message boards, office printers, televisions, cable network system, in-car and body worn digital recording systems, and acts as the liaison with vendor for all applicable devices.
• Troubleshoots and maintain LAN and WAN, to include a wireless network, and server-based platform that manages storage and emails: identifies problems and provides resolution to issues; makes modifications to configurations to correct errors and problems; conducting audits; monitors compliance of assigned systems with established policies, procedures, guidelines, and industry standards and best practices; identifies deviations, errors, and problems; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations; escalates problems to Department staff and vendors as needed; and ensures systems and equipment are functioning properly and per agency standards.
• Supports and maintains Police Records Management System, SQL databases, Mobile Computer Terminals, Printers, equipment and/or hardware in a complex multi-site environment.
• Design and map infrastructure for information technology-based products with staff from the Services Division and provide specifications for purchasing.
• Maintains and repairs assigned equipment: ensures availability and proper operation of products for maintenance and repair activities; configures equipment; reviews, tests and analyzes function and operation of installed and repaired products per agency standards; identifies deficiencies and makes repairs, modifications or replacements as needed; completes maintenance and repairs in timely manner and with minimal disruption to customer; removes equipment from service as needed; and maintains related documentation.
• Establishes and maintains security for the Police Department’s computer network in compliance with Police Department policies, CALEA standards, and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS); sets up users and maintains system access. Responsible for incorporating technology policy changes mandated by the FBI and CJIS policy.
• Helps establish backup procedures and ensures daily backup of all critical systems based off of best practice standards.
• Tests and restores back-up files.
• Conducts annual audits of the computer hardware and software to ensure license and authorization.
• Provides technical support for law enforcement digital evidence collection equipment and ensures that equipment and systems operations are in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances.
• Conducts forensic data extractions.
• Coordinates repair service with outside vendors as necessary.
• Manage warranty and service contracts for various law enforcement specific technology equipment.
• Conducts training programs for new employees/users on all information technology platforms and components.
• Maintains an awareness of new applications, technologies, technical methods, trends, and advances in the profession: reviews professional publications, technical manuals, and websites to increase knowledge of digital evidence collection, cloud-based and server-based storage platforms, and related emerging technologies; and attends and participates in related committees, conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
• Communicates with supervisor, other Police Department employees, vendors, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs other administrative functions for the Police Department as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.