Policy Text
Ref: CALEA
Standards 41.3.7;
82.1.7 DEPARTMENTAL
GENERAL ORDER I-13 New Order
26 Oct 01
Index as: MDC Mobile Data Computer (MDC) System
Page 1 of 4
MOBILE DATA COMPUTER SYSTEM
The purpose of this order is to set forth Departmental policy and procedures regarding
the objective, usage and conditions, aut horization, qualifications, responsibility,
maintenance, and equipment of the Department's Mobile Da ta Computer (MDC) System.
The MDC System is comprised of hardware and software that is used to assist
Departmental personnel in the collection, retrieval and processing of law enforcement
related data.
I. EQUIPMENT
There are two primary hardware devices associated with the MDC System.
A. MDC
1. The MDC shall consist of either a fixed mounted terminal or a
"laptop" computer.
2. The MDC shall be installed in a ll marked patrol vehicles and
unmarked vehicles when author ized by the Chief of Police.
B. Modem
1. The modem receives and transmits information (data packets)
between the MDC and the networ k via radio frequency (RF)
signals.
2. The modem is installed in the tr unk of all police ve hicles equipped
with an MDC.
C. Hardware and software are the propert y of the Department and are subject
to the use and restrictions in accordance with the provisions of
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-13 New Order
26 Oct 01 OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Departmental Genera l Order I-1, PERSONAL COMPUTERS AND
ELECTRONIC MESSAGING DEVICES.
D. Only trained and authorized personnel shall install, m odify, or repair
hardware or software.
II. TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Bureau of Field Operations
The commander of the Bureau of Fiel d Operations shall designate a BFO
member or employee as the Mobile Data Systems Manager (MDSM). The
MDSM shall:
1. Maintain a liaison with the Info rmation Technology Unit (ITU) to
ensure that there is a continuous flow of information in both
directions regarding the needs a nd concerns of personnel and the
implementation of current technology.
2. Coordinate the scheduling of clas ses with trainers, ITU, and the
Training Section.
3. Ensure that classes are schedul ed to afford all personnel a
sufficient number of dates and times in which to attend and
successfully complete the manda tory user training course.
4. Issue user ID's and passwords.
5. Maintain lists of authori zed users and trainers.
6. Notify the appropriate deputy chief of any unreported damage to/or
unauthorized use of the MDC Sy stem in accordance with the
provisions of Departme ntal General Orders I-1 or J-5, DAMAGE
TO DEPARTMENTAL VEHICLES.
B. Information Technology Unit shall:
1. Obtain the necessary training from hardware and software
manufacturer's representatives in the areas of operation,
instruction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
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DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-13 New Order
26 Oct 01 OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
2. Coordinate installations, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance of the
MDC System.
3. Conduct "Train the Trainer" clas ses with selected authorized
personnel to ensure an adequa te number of instructors are
available.
4. Provide training for the MDSM.
5. Maintain a list of qualified tr ainers and authorized users.
6. Ensure that all software being used is free of known viruses.
C. Members and Employees shall:
1. Use the MDC System in a manner prescribed by the provisions of
Departmental policy, proce dures and unit directives.
2. Forward MDC System training requests to the MDSM through
their Unit/Section Commander. Members and employees assigned to field duties shall be given training priority.
3. Complete and forward a Mob ile Data Computer System
Maintenance Report (TF-3136) to IT U to request maintenance or
report damage to the MDC System.
D. Training Section shall:
1. Initiate, conduct, and up date MDC training courses in the Basic
Academy and Professional Development Academy as necessary.
2. Maintain a list of qualified tr ainers and pers onnel (including
employees) who have completed user training and submit the list to
the MDSM.
III. USER ID AND PASSWORDS
A. Trainers shall forward a list of members and employees who have
successfully completed the us er training to the MDSM.
B. The MDSM shall issue a user ID and password w ith the approval of the
Personnel and Training Division Commander.
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DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER I-13 New Order
26 Oct 01 OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
C. The MDSM shall be responsible for ma intaining the accuracy of the user
list and shall add new users, remove non-users, and reset passwords as
needed.
D. User Responsibility for ID and Password
1. Personnel shall not allow their personal ID or password to be used
by any other persons) in accordan ce with Departmental General
Order I-1.
2. Personnel shall not allow unautho rized use of the MDC system.
IV. MAINTENANCE
A. Personnel shall conduct a pre-shift in spection of the MDC System in
accordance with the provisions of Departmental General Order N-12,
LINE AND STAFF INSPECTIONS and BFO Policy and Procedures. Any un