Information Technology Division
The Information Technology Division (ITD) provides the District Attorney's Office with technology tools and services. The 27 employees that make up this unit are responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of all information technology hardware, software, business applications, and websites. They also provide support for prosecution in the courtroom and community outreach efforts. In addition, ITD provides direct support to the City Attorney's Office in their use of the District Attorney's Case Management System for criminal prosecution.
The team is responsible for supporting the organization's data network and servers where information and applications are stored and accessed such as data files, email, the DA Case Management System and the new eDiscovery system. The data network links 10 DA offices and more than 1,400 desktops, laptops, and printers to more than 200 servers and other networks including the County of San Diego, ARJIS, the Sheriff's Department and the Internet.
In 2012, ITD began implementing eDiscovery, a project that enables both the Public Defender's Office and private defense attorneys to retrieve discovery documents electronically, thereby reducing paper use, costs and improving quality of service. By the end of 2013, eDiscovery was fully and successfully implemented.
In addition, the team finished upgrading all server hardware and software. They also implemented high speed wireless access to all branches and increased secured remote access to applications and data. A mobile device management system was also implemented to secure, manage and monitor mobile devices. In 2013, wireless access was expanded to all courtrooms used by the DA's Office. The IT team is also working on implementing a new unified communications system to provide instant messaging, Skype integration, and desktop/mobile/web conferencing, which is projected to save about $500,000 in communications costs when fully implemented.
In preparation of future needs, the team worked on a roadmap for storage for the next five years based on an estimated 50 percent increase in information storage and in anticipation of digitizing all archives and current cases.
Web Design
The application development team manages content and design on the DA's public website, which receives thousands of views each week from around the world. In addition, the web team manages the DA's intranet and a growing portfolio of browser-based applications and is researching portal-based solutions to serve our external customers more effectively. The team developed a browser based application that allows Deputy DAs access to the DA's case management system in the courtroom through laptops and tablets. The team is also redesigning the DA websites to enhance the experience of our external and internal users. In anticipation of the increased amount of mobile users and tablet users, the web development team is enhancing and updating the DA web portal to become universal with all browsers.
Technical Assistance
The support team provides technical assistance to all DA employees via phone, email, self-service portal or on-site service. In 2012, the IT Division resolved more than 9,388 incidents for assistance through its service desk. An upgrade of desktop and laptop hardware and software is underway and is expected to provide improved performance, reliability, and security. Other projects include document scanning, technical support for defense counsel using eDiscovery, and a continuous effort to improve computing capabilities and services and to utilize emerging technologies. The team was effective in controlling and reducing costs dramatically to save more than 50 percent in mobile phone costs through monitoring and eliminating unneeded equipment and re-negotiating contracts and plans on regular basis.
ITD also implemented a new ticket and inventory system that is based on Microsoft System Center, which enhanced the control over tickets and inventory resulting in cost savings on equipment and services.
Below is an example of the savings on our mobile services:
