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CDC ANNUAL REPORT 2003

The Computer Development Center has been making tremendous strides with the computerization of all major inhabited Islands in the Bahamas, with connectivity of Grand Bahama in the North to Inagua in the South.  While this process has been very successful it was met with many challenges, making it essential for the constant examination of all logistics to ensure that all imperatives are effectively managed.

The staff prides itself as being one of the finest information technology support center in the business. This was concluded after visiting some of the more notable police forces in America and the Caribbean and customer support centers locally. The technological approach executed by the computer center staff is one that is guided by personnel efficiency, cutting edge solutions and the reality of budgetary constraints. With these in mind, the management team is able to encourage ingenuity amongst end users when utilizing the current inventory.

 As the Computer Development Centre continue its quest to maximize the current resources and provide quality services to officers and civilians who are very much exposed to new and emerging technology, significant demands were placed on the staff to provide the solutions that are essential to combat crimes committed by an ingenious criminal element during 2003.  Despite many demands, if one were to examine the computerization budget these requests can only descry bed as ‘wish lists’.  In light of this, difficult decisions had to be made, which placed the office in a very unpopular position but proved to be in the best interest of the organization. In an effort to accommodate the more realistic request, the firm but fear approach yielded significant results by way of efficiency, growth and the further modernization of the police computer network at every level.  In essence, resources were evenly distributed. 

Installation of Frame Relay

During 2003 the accomplishments were numerous, for which the staff ought to be proud. It was during the month of September that a major project was embarked upon with the introduction of Frame Relay.  Frame as it is commonly referred, is both a technology and a service, designed to ensure multiple vendors utilizing Frame with the flexibility to inter-operate, while combining a significant amount of the best features of both public and private networks.  

It is with great expectancy that we await the completion of this major undertaking.  Our projection suggest that a substantial saving is anticipated in the amount of (20 – 40%) while increasing reliability and efficiency in access utilization due to its mesh-type network to create “one-to-many” connections.  The transition to Frame Relay will eliminate monthly fees associated with leased modems and reduction in unreliable Data Circuits.  Further, existing equipment will be out sourced to upgrade current infrastructure in the Family Islands.  This move is greatly influence by the need to deliver efficiency and reduce excessive government spending.  The installation of a fiber optics ‘back-bone’ to support Frame Relay has been completed at all stations in New Providence with the exception of Carmichael, Fox Hill and Grove Police Station which are scheduled for completion by January 2004.             

 Inagua – Matthew Town connectivity to central computer

In mid November 2003 Matthew Town Police Station was brought on-line to the AS/400 central computer system in Nassau, New Providence which was yet another milestone accomplishment for the organization.  While met with many challenges; the installation of the appropriate communication infrastructure consumed a significant amount of manned hours and negotiations with the local communication carrier.  This challenge was conquered when the Bahamas Telecommunication Company installed a 64k Data Circuit Lease Line between New Providence and Inagua.  Additional components were acquired and the Technical team completed the installation saving the organization a significant amount of funds in configuration charges.  The Information Technology section were particularly pleased to have completed this project after assuring the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of the Bahamas during a presentation at the Cabinet Office led by the Commissioner of Police in 2002 that the idea was not beyond our technical skills nor managerial savoir-faire.  

 Exuma Detective Unit

While other islands received services and support, the more mentionable is the computerization of the Exuma Detective Unit.  In an effort to take a proactive approach in preparation for the opening of the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort which anticipates receiving thousands of guests annually and employing hundreds of Bahamians, the unit was outfitted with three (3) Personal Computers and one (1) IBM InfoPrint 1312N Printer to facilitate record keeping and preparation of professional correspondence.

 Bahamas Integrated Justice System (BIJIS)

The Information Technology (IT) section has played a significant role with the implementation of the BIJIS where Mr. John Rolle, Deputy Commissioner serves on the steering committee and Mr. Nelson Burrows, Assistant Superintendent of Police assist with technical issues. The project was successfully implemented but there were challenges experienced which is stagnating the effectiveness of the system. In the latter part of 2003, the Bahamas Integrated Justice Information System (BIJIS) Project commenced the testing phase with Police and Courts. Officers from the Prosecution Department, Criminal Records office and the training officer participated in the process and the same proved successful. As a result, integration with police and courts is scheduled to ‘go live’ by March 2004.  

Warrant Badges & Identification Cards

The introduction of new police Identification and Warrant Badges was a major undertaking accomplished in 2003.  For many years officers were complaining about the existing Warrant Cards that were not durable, especially its inability to withstand the elements:  additionally, it was seen as unprofessional representation of officers in modern day policing.  Responding to this deficiency the Commissioner of Police in September 2003 officially issued new Warrant Badges & Identification Cards which consist of a metal badge with the officer rank engraved and an ivory representation of the police crest. Additionally, a PVC photo identification card with particulars of the officer and the oath of his office printed on the front of the card with a holokote embedded.  On the reverse side of the card is an excerpt of the Judges Rule and holokote embedded.  This cost effective project was one that had set backs ranging from the acquisition of badges to implementation of software in the initial stages.  Using the SI-3000 Software supported by an international vendor, photos were taken at Criminal Records Office and transferred over the network to the imaging server house at the Computer Development Centre.  Approximately 85% of the Warrant Badges & Identification Cards were issued in 2003. 

 ACCP Intelligence & IT Task Force Data Standards Workshop

Mr. Nelson Burrows, ASP, System Manager accompanied by Mr. Duane Miller, Senior Computer Operator were appointed to a regional task force by the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) to examine the development of a regional crime information/intelligence sharing system among ACCP member countries.  The aim of the workshop was to develop a common standard for crime data collection and dissemination in the region.  Mr. Burrows, ASP also serve as one of the presenter at the work shop that was held in St. Georges, Grenada.

Technical Services

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has the largest single network in the government service which stretches from Grand Bahama in the north to Inagua in the south.  Technical Services is the bedrock upon which the Royal Bahamas Police Force network sits.  The section is charged with the overall maintenance of all computer equipment in the organization inclusive of Router, Hubs, Switches, Dumb Terminals and printers.  There were approximately two hundred and thirty (230) calls for service per month inclusive of user profile being disabled; ink & toner refills; routine maintenance; installations; software upgrades and equipment repair. 

The section worked on a number of projects set at the beginning of the year to help achieve the overall goals of the organization and to further aid the development of computerization initiative which included but were not limited too:

Southern Police Station - replacement of all coaxial cabling at the station, upgrading of nine Personal Computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000 and the installation of Category 5 Cabling to add three PC’s and a Xerox Document Centre to AS400 network .   South Eastern Police Station - upgrading of four personal Computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000 and the installation of Category 5 Cabling to add four PC’s to AS400 network. Carmichael Police Station - installation of Category 5 Cabling for the  configuration to setup Carmichael Divisional Detective Unit (connected 8- PCs, 1- Hub and 1- Router) to the AS 400 network. Central Police Station - all coaxial cabling damaged by water were replaced with Category 5 cable; and replacement of elements.  Cable Beach Police Station – work was completed for the future Divisional Detective Unit. All coaxial cabling at the station were replaced with Category 5 cable. Police College - upgrading of 15 Personal Computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000 and the installation of Category 5 Cabling to add 4 Personal Computers to the AS/400 network. Grove Police Station - installation and configuration of a Data Entry Section to allow access to the AS400 network (6 Dumb Terminals). Wulff Road Police Station - The Replacement of all coaxial cabling at the station with Cat5 cable, installation of four computers to the AS400 network. Elizabeth Police Station - Installation of Cat5 Cabling and configuration to setup a future Criminal Records Office.  Traffic Police Station - Upgrading of fourteen personal computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000.  Central Detective Unit - Configuration of thirty personal computers to access the AS400 network.  Research and Planning - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to connect four PC`S and one Xerox Document Centre to access the AS/400 network. Restoration of the AS/400 link at Compstat.  Legal Office - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to connect two PC`S to the AS/400 network. Human Resource Section - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to setup a data entry pool down stairs, reorganization of several PC`S. Fire Services - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to connect three PC`S to the AS/400 network. Complaints and Corruption Branch - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to connect four PC`S and one Xerox Document Centre to the AS/400 network.  Inspection and Review Branch - Replacement of Cat5 Cable link to the AS/400 damaged by rodents.  Central Intelligence Bureau - Replacement of fiber optic Cable link to the AS400 damaged by trenching. Attorney General Office - Configuration of five PC`S to access the Police AS/400.  Inagua - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to connect three PC`S to the AS400 network.  Harbor Island Police Station - Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration to allow access to the AS400 by way of dumb terminal. Criminal Records Office - Upgrading of four personal computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000.   Pay Office - Upgrading of six personal computers to Windows XP/ Windows 2000. Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration of four PC`S to access the AS/400. Security and Intelligence Branch - Upgrading of eight personal computers to Windows 2000. Installation of Cat5 cabling and configuration of eight PC`S to access the AS400.

Crimes Management Training

There are eight (8) modules of the HTE software which are Crimes, Crackdown, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Fleet Management, Jails, SI-3000 Imaging Software, Schedule Manager and Personnel.    

Crimes Training sessions for the year commenced on 13^th January through the 7^th November, 2003 which yielded some fifteen (15) sessions. As set out in the year 2002, the Computer Development Center in conjunction with the Police Academy joined hands and facilitated sessions at the Police Academy during the months of September, October and November, 2003.  This combined undertaking was successful and advantageous as it allowed officers to gather in greater numbers in a scholastic environment as opposed to an office environment where fewer officers could be accommodated. 

Subjects for the course’s curriculum vary according to the ranks throughout the Police Force.  The curriculum included topics such as:

Ø      Introduction and Background Of the Software,

Ø      Security and Integrity of System,

Ø      Initiating Incidents, Fixed Penalties and Accidents,

Ø      Name, Vehicle, Property and Location Searches,

Ø      Initiating Be On Look Out Information (BOLO),

Ø      Updating Personal Files e.g. Sick Certificates,  

Ø      Crimes Subsets,

Ø      Case Assignment,

Ø      Accessing Media Log (Roll-Over), and

Ø      Generating Investigative/Administrative Analysis.

Training of Commanders and senior officers is schedule to commence in early 2004.  This will allow senior manager the opportunity to review report land other case management report to make more informed decisions as they strategize.

The table below gives details on the number of officers trained from January – November  2003.

Application Programming

During the year 2003 the in-house programmer completed several development of advance database software to enhance productivity in areas where the existing crime software did not facilitate, eg. Help Desk Database System, Firearms Database and Inventory Databases for various sections in the organization.

Due to the significant number of call for services, the tracking of work orders and the accurate accounting of supplies issued posed a major challenge as we seek to account for inventory and prioritize call for services. Hence, a request was made to develop software that would eliminate the daunting task face by the technical staff.  The Help Desk Database Software was developed to capture information on all persons requesting call for services and to prioritize each call.  The software has proven to be a success and an asset.

Further, the Firearms section of The Criminal Record Office for many years was face with the challenge of searching through thousands of manual records to track firearms records.  To bring some relief to the staff, Mr. Reginald Ferguson, Assistant Commissioner of Crime, requested the development of software that will make the operation of the Firearms Section operate more efficiently in an effective manner.  A Firearms Database was developed, to combat all challenges faced by the Firearms Section in Nassau and Grand Bahama. The software is base on advance security feature, which connects both Nassau and Grand Bahama to share the same database. The Communication Branch and Police Stores express their wish to automate there inventory.  A database software (Stores Inventory Database) is currently being develop which will allow a quantity be assigned to each item in stores and be able to give a balance of a particular item issued.  This software is scheduled for completion by February 2004.During 2004 efforts will be geared towards upgrading the database software at the Police Armory to extend the issuing of firearms to officer with firearms certificate; this process will eliminate the printing of Firearms Certificate for officers, thereby allowing all authorize firearm issuing station access to the database to confirm whether an officer has a firearms certification and the type of weapon he/she is permitted to carry. 

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Being a crucial part of the overall response of call for services, services provided by Control Room and Mobile Division are monitored by the CAD Administrator.  This administrator is responsible for training and support for officers and equipment in the fore mentioned areas.  To ensure Mobile Data Terminals are functional, the CAD Administrator is schedule to return to the Control Room to better manage the dispatching area and mobile units.  This is necessary since Communications and Control Room falls under one section.

The Computer Development Centre has accomplished much during 2003 and will no doubt explore new initiatives in 2004.  The notion of Video Conferencing amongst Nassau and the Family Islands will be a priority.