Strategic Plan 2008
Objectives
Background: The three critical objectives identified in the first Technology Strategic Plan in 1997 were hardware and software related. They focused on building key infrastructure areas that had been neglected for many years. These objectives have been reached. MCPD has an excellent network system, communications capability, and data structure. It has become a benchmark for other agencies around the nation. In the 2002 Technology Strategic Plan we highlighted three new objectives: Partnerships, Growth, and Utilization. We are now firm partners with state, regional and county agencies in data sharing, GIS, communications and planning. We have built out infrastructure in desktop, mobile and law enforcement applications. MCPD has grown in utilization of existing systems and in the functional value of the applications for our daily mission.
The success MCPD experienced in building a technical infrastructure has opened paths to change and growth. For 2008 the strategic vision shifts to three new areas: Development, Transition, and Integration.
Development
The MCPD Technology Division will assist the department in the identification, evaluation, implementation and effective use of new applications and processes based on current systems and data sources. Operationally MCPD will experience new opportunities stemming from the implementation of the RMS. Real-time, accurate data is now available. We will develop data tools and applications to use that data and our mobile infrastructure to impact operational actions. Administratively we will develop and merge data sources to provide effective management of administrative, budgetary and resource areas.
Transition
Technical transition is a key objective for Montgomery County Government. Existing MCPD technical and communications systems provide an opportunity for the department to transition business processes in parallel with the County. The Technology Division will assist with increased technical training so managers and employees can access and use new information resources. We will expand information networks within the department to make effective transitions to EPR modules.
Integration
We anticipate that the most critical and visible technical challenge in the next few years is managing the integration of hardware, software and data into common platforms and interdependent systems while maintaining effective security. Wireless communications is allowing personnel to take their office with them. MCPD must integrate the full mobile office concept for police officers in patrol vehicles. We must provide senior managers with effective integrated handheld phone and data hardware that provides both operational and administrative support.
The Future
Technical change is challenging for all personnel. The short life cycle of technical systems causes constant change. The challenge, in a technology strategic plan, is to anticipate the coming change, plan for the best path and identify the resources required to facilitate the change. MCPD has embraced new technology in all aspects of department operations. Technical systems are mission critical. Maintaining and advancing those technical systems requires strategic vision from all levels of department personnel. Effective long term strategic planning is therefore critical.
The methodology employed in this strategic plan examines the anticipated changes in the mission and organization of the department, as well as the anticipated changes in expanding technology. This plan also examines the role of the department in the technical data web that connects it to other county, state, and national agencies. It allows us to blend both tactical (short-term) and strategic (longer-term) technology and business issues in a continuous planning and implementation cycle. Input for the development of this plan came from all levels of the department.
We anticipate a dramatic change from multi-platform software systems that rely on a multitude of both software and hardware requirements to a more uniformed web based single structure. This will enable rapid changes and centralize security and maintenance of large information systems
Technology Issues for
the next 3 to 5 Years
In April 2008 a survey was sent to senior department personnel seeking their vision for technology requirements for the next five years. In May 2008 operations personnel from divisions and technical personnel meet to discuss and prioritize vision and needs for the department over the next five years. The following is a synthesis of that vision combined with the issues identified in previous years.
The plan for a combined commercial and public safety broadband data network
was placed on hold in the spring of 2008 when no vendor submitted a successful
bid to the FCC for the Block D frequencies.
The 700 MHz voice project for Region 20 was approved and will first be
implemented in
MCPD Impact: MCPD will continue with commercial wireless
as the prime provider of mobile broadband service. MCPD may have to reposition current P-25
capable radios to boarder areas with
There is a tremendous demand for data sharing across different networks. The capability to use trusted systems and biometrics for authentication is expanding rapidly. In the near future law enforcement will be able to capture data, share video, and forge communications links across multi-agency lines.
MCPD Impact: MCPD is already providing leadership in
regional data sharing through the LinX
system and COG. Additional
regional and federal data sharing and fusion centers are being planned and the
COG Region Data Exchange Hub offers network sharing opportunities. DTS is examining options for improved single
sign on and security acceptance across networks. AFIS and facial recognition
systems have been installed between Prince Georges County, District of
Columbia,
In the near future Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will be built into devices such as radios, computer equipment, vehicles or stick on tags. Led by the commercial retail world these tags will enable the tracking and inventory control of multiple devices or individuals.
MCPD Impact: RFID is a maturing technology that can be incorporated into inventory management throughout the department. As we implement ERP modules, MCPD will make use of RFID and scanning capabilities in these modules.
Smaller handheld devices now incorporate phone, internet, text, GPS, and computer functions. The principle limitations are cost, screen size, and interface with user inputs. Administrative and operational law enforcement functions for these handheld devices are increasing.
MCPD Impact: Today MCPD uses Blackberry technology for
administrative purposes. In 2007 we
tested a prototype
MCPD Impact: MCPD has quickly reacted to these long awaited upgrades and current plans are in place or are being implemented to incorporate these advances in MCPD systems. Funding is needed to expand limited Electronic Citation pilot project efforts. Additional training will be required for department personnel on these systems.
Federal mandates
to reband the 800 MHz public safety spectrum for voice and data are underway
and will be completed within the next one to five years.
MCPD Impact: DTS radio engineer sits on regional planning teams. MCPD will have to replace 80% of our current portable and mobile radios over the next three to five years at a cost of $30M. MCPD will require funding and staff support for this change.
There is a demand to increased functionality in the patrol car environment. In-Car video, streaming video, mobile AFIS, electronic citations, printing, photo capture and transfer are available for integration in patrol vehicles. Offices also need mobile office functions including MS Office and Outlook features.
MCPD Impact: MCPD must work with DTS to guarantee the timely replacement and upgrade of mobile data computers. MCPD must identify funding and insure effective project management to develop and integrate these systems. Increased bandwidth bust be available from Sprint WiMax or other sources. MCPD will work with all commercial wireless vendors to insure that MCPD is supplied the fastest, reliable and secure mobile networks in law enforcement.
A flood on digital images is impacting all public safety agencies. Image sources include in-car video, interviews, surveillance, crime scene, investigative and security. Many of these require evidentiary standards for their storage. All require storage space, indexing, transfer, purging, copying and some level of oversight.
MCPD Impact: In 2008 MCPD gained responsibility for the Montgomery County Security Division and over 290 security cameras. MCPD has in place recording on interviews of suspects and witnesses. The IDMS system holds over 500,000 digital still images in secure storage. Plans call for implementation of in-car video as soon as funding allows. MCPD must implement a program to install a digital image management system to manage all these sources and provide secure storage. This system would have the capability to index, secure, archive and retrieve in several formats and codec’s. System storage capabilities, software engine and security will need to allow for the multitudes of sources and formats.
A current management of timesheets, schedules and personnel qualifications is a collection of manual, segmented databases and paperwork that has no uniformity or central record keeping. Scheduling of vacations, sick leave, special activities and court callbacks have been confusing and sometimes unfair process that relied on several non documented procedures. The division recognized this Departmental need and has proceeded to secure a vendor with the proper knowledge to proceed. Together with the new county MC Times and ERP initiatives, this resource system will help integrate a solution.
MCPD Impact: In 2009 Montgomery County Department of Finance will be accepting only electronic forms of timesheets. MCPD will work with MCTimes to insure proper integration of its resource management system with MCTimes. The Division will work closely with Personnel and all members of the department to insure a successful installation and performance.
Short Term Issues
The last year has seen a period a relative stability for the CAD and Mobile Data systems. There is demand for new applications on mobile data and MCPD must work with DTS to track bandwidth requirements and insure stability. New back-end pipelines will be explored. The current T-1 structure will need improvement as additional capabilities become available from wireless vendors.
CAD will be reviewed
by an outside contractor upgrade recommendations. The current CAD and RMS are
based on Oracle 8i which will have increasing support issues. MCPD will also
closely watch the progress of
The demand for Crime Analysis products has increased because of MCPD Command needs for accurate and current data and citizen requests for additional access to current crime data. The utilization of CrimeReports.com has provided automated access for citizens and MCPD needs an automated dashboard for internal department use.
MCPD units have increasing need for data access and exchange with other County agencies. The needs for links will continue to increase as the County builds for the long term ERP solutions. Managing these connections and accounts will become more complex. Many of the applications cross AD security measures. The use of LDAP and other account management methods will need to be enhanced to insure greater availability and security.
MCPD Technology
Planning and Review
The 2008 Technology Strategic Planning process included three efforts to gather ideas, document needs and establish a level of priority.
a. Technology Division Planning, January, 2008: This session examined new technologies
impacting the department in the next 5 years and issues or requirements facing
the department during that period.
b. Department User Survey, April 2008: A general survey requesting suggestions for technology needs for the department was sent out and a specific targeted survey was sent to officers and employees who have been previously involved in technology projects. Over 30 responses were received and incorporated into the review conducted in May.
c. Department Review and Prioritization, May
2008: This session brought in
representatives from ISB, FSB and MSB to review the items identified in the
Planning Meeting and establish a priority for the department.
The results of this three step process were not surprising and largely reflected the same themes and priorities developed in previous planning groups.
MCPD 2008 Technology Priorities