Management Information Systems (MIS)

The MIS division, currently staffed by four full-time employees , has some of the newest technology available to law enforcement today, keeping the Lowell Police Department at the forefront of developing technology. The MIS department has undergone many changes during the last several years. Currently, the MIS department is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting over 200 PC's, 27 Mobile Data PC's, and 16 individual servers, including mobile terminals and 14 off site locations.

Projects assumed by MIS include:

  • Networking the new digital voice recorder that allows instant access to live/pre-recorded radio/telephone transmissions
  • Network Infrastructure expanded from 10 Megs to 100 Megs
  • Upgraded or replaced 40% of department's computers.
  • Networked Identex finger print software to LPD system.
  • Upgraded LEAPS Terminal, Packet Cluster, Air Source and TFP equipment.

The department currently implements the following initiatives:

Packet Cluster

Packet Cluster software is a tool for law enforcement that is used in Mobile and Local Area Network (LAN) computers. It allows the cruisers and other locations the ability to connect with the Communications Center and NCIC. Presently there are 36 stations using Packet Cluster. This software allows instant accessibility to mission critical information, local or remote use of other applications, and there is planned connectivity to Lucent CAD/RMS systems. Now front-line officers can enjoy the benefits of direct access to national, state, and local databases such as NCIC, NLETS, the Photo Mugshot System and DMV without leaving their patrol cars.

TFP/Printrak

TFP/Printrak captures high quality front and profile facial views, along with scars, tattoos and other distinguishing characteristics. Investigations can now use queries, reports, and previous records to research crime histories by similar MOs and their listed suspects.

Airsource Pro (Network paging)

Designed specifically for the networked environment for Windows, Windows 95, and Windows NT users, this program is convenient for modem sharing and globalizes scheduling. This AIRSOURCE Messaging Server allows staff to instantly page members of the department with text messages.

Microsoft Windows NT Server

Administrate and monitoring NT performance locally and globally, NT Applications log, Security log and System log, user log file, and entire system security. Constantly administrate and monitor any unauthorized access attempt locally and globally and pin point exactly the location of the attempt. Create and administrate NT User account. Setup user account locally and globally WAN (Wide Area Network on all 14 off site locations).

Internet, Intranet and e-mail System

Setup e-mail account and Internet account on LAN and WAN, maintain E-mail and Internet account database, and maintain user access agreements.

Network Infrastructure

Design network infrastructure and Network Layer at the main headquarters, maintain and monitor Network Fiber Line, maintain and monitor Network Fiber Hub, diagnose and monitoring LAN Traffic (Local Area Network), and diagnose and monitoring all Fiber traffic.