Government > Departments > Police > Administrative Services Bureau > Computer and Technology Unit

Computer and Technology Unit

Overview

Under the command of the Administrative Services Bureau, the Computer and Technology Unit (CTU) serves the computing and technical needs of the Albany Police Dept. We provide CAD and FMS support to the Albany Fire Dept as well as other internal agencies connected within the City of Albany Network. Our aim is to provide support and advice on all aspects of Information Technology. 24x7 Tech Support is maintained for the City of Albany and all connecting law enforcement agencies.

Core Services

We provide the central hub for Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) services, which is available to our Communications Division and all attached Police divisions.  Other local police agencies also utilize our CAD systems within Albany County and Schenectady County.  A Records Management System (RMS) is supported through our office to maintain crucial departmental records that aid in the investigative function as well as the overall function of the department. Our electronic photograph and fingerprint technology provides us with an instantaneous identification process through the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Arrests that are processed through this system can now be electronically submitted to DCJS. Within minutes fingerprint verifications are made and DCJS responds with positive or negative hit identification. We provide these services to any agency that wishes to connect within the 518 area code.

Software and Hardware Support

We provide support for the installation of hardware, computer networking facilities and individual software packages. We offer support for database applications, reference management packages, office suites, electronic mail applications, web browsers and internally developed applications. The Unit has also started to support SPSS, a statistical package for personal computers, which is used to analyze and research crime data. 

Training and Documentation

The Unit provides core instruction to its officers on new software applications and hardware advances.  New police recruits are trained in the use of the Mobile Client application, which they can use within their patrol vehicles to access warrant information, DMV information, and any other data they need to perform their duties within the confines of their police unit. This training occurs immediately following graduation from the police academy.

Network Services

The Unit is responsible for the department’s computer network. This network is also connected to Local, State and Federal agencies that provide Law Enforcement Services. We are currently using fiber optic and wireless techniology to communicate with law enforcement technologies.

Other Important Services

CTU administers Unix, Linux and Windows file servers, as well as IBM DB2 and Universe database backends, which provide all background services. The unit also provides purchasing advice to the department, virus information and help for those who access the department computer services from remote sites.

Contact Information