Information Technology Division & Trial Support Services
The Information Technology Division (ITD) and Trial Support Services (TSS) provide the District Attorney's Office with technology tools and services. Under the leadership of Chief Information Officer Ron Moskowitz, the 37 employees of ITD and TSS are responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of all information technology hardware, software, business applications, and websites as well as the mixed media support for the prosecution in the courtroom and community outreach efforts. In addition, as of November 2009, ITD provides direct support to the City Attorney’s Office in their use of the District Attorney’s case management system for criminal prosecution.
Information Technology Division
The Network Group is responsible for supporting the organization’s data network and servers. The data network links 12 DA offices and more than 1,400 desktops, laptops, and printers to more than 90 servers and to other networks including the County of San Diego, ARJIS, Sheriff, and the Internet. During 2009, the DA’s Network Infrastructure was upgraded with new equipment and technology. During 2010, all the server hardware and software will be upgraded. This will provide additional levels of performance, capacity, availability, and security for the information technology infrastructure. These upgrades will provide a solid foundation to support the implementation of new systems, applications, and technologies over the next few years.
The Support Group provides technical support to all DA employees via phone, email, or on-site service. During 2009, the IT Division resolved more than 6,800 calls for assistance through its Service Desk. Accomplishments include a printer and scanner project that reduced costs while providing both a greener environment and improved efficiency and the deployment of a new inventory software system for all desktops and laptops.
The Applications Group is responsible for the development and management of new computer systems to support both criminal case processing and the office’s general business activities such as personnel, payroll, training, travel, and budget management. The group’s primary goal is on continuously improving the capabilities of its adult and juvenile case management systems. During the past year, the applications unit played an instrumental part in the implementation of the DA’s Case Management System (CMS) for the City Attorney. A new Insurance Fraud Grant Fund tracking system and a specialized Extraditions Request system were also developed. Additionally, a new Automated Phone Billing System was created to replace an antiquated paper phone usage billing process. The Applications Group also continued to provide ongoing support to the SB618 Recidivism program by creating new, mandated state and local reports. For the upcoming year, the Applications unit will focus on initiation of an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) process throughout the office for both criminal and administrative documents, and intends to implement an additional ECM feature to provide criminal case discovery to defense counsel electronically. Finally, the team continues to participate in the Courts CCMS V4 project to create an integrated Court case management system for the county.
The Web Team manages content and design on the DA’s public website, which
receives thousands of views each week from around the world and has received
the first place award for Best in Public Service or Consumer Advocacy by
the San Diego Press Club for five consecutive years. During 2009, the Web
Team implemented a successful redesign of the DA's public website. In addition,
the Web Team also manages the DA’s intranet and a growing portfolio of
browser based applications.
Trial Support Services
Trial Support Services (TSS) is a unit of the IT Division led by Supervisor Roxanne Grooms. The primary mission of TSS is to provide Deputy District Attorneys with effective and timely mixed-media support in the courtroom. TSS helps prosecutors present the facts and evidence during trial through computer animation, 3-D modeling, audio and video, fingerprint verifications, photos, charts, graphs, maps, and timelines.
TSS also provides discovery (copies of relative information as it relates to the case) for DDAs and defense attorneys. In addition, TSS employees compare and verify fingerprints. The unit networks with CAL ID through a quick and highly-secure online connection, allowing for controlled access to booking information and fingerprint files. This allows the unit to quickly assist DDA’s in identifying individuals.
