Newsletter Vol 2, Iss 9 - Nlets
Newsletter Vol 2, Iss 9 - Nlets
Newsletter Vol 2, Iss 9 - Nlets
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DIRECTOR’S CORNER<br />
UPDATES<br />
Web Site Re-Design<br />
Brodie Assistance<br />
Fund<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
Strategic Partner<br />
Highliight<br />
2011 in Review<br />
Call for Success<br />
Stories<br />
ANNOUNCEMENTS &<br />
REMINDERS<br />
Internal Promotions<br />
Upcoming Meetings<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> Wiki<br />
New Employee<br />
New <strong>Nlets</strong> Reps<br />
CONTACT US<br />
Ask Steve<br />
Feedback<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
in this<br />
ISSUE<br />
DIRECTOR’S CORNER<br />
by Steve Correll, <strong>Nlets</strong> Executive Director<br />
The start of a new year always brings with it<br />
a sense of excitement. As we refl ect on what<br />
we have accomplished and have left undone<br />
from the year before, we are encouraged by<br />
the time that we have ahead with renewed<br />
opportunity for success.<br />
I have always looked at my career in a<br />
manner possibly a bit different from the<br />
norm. Instead of counting down the years<br />
until I can retire, I have always counted up<br />
from where I was to determine “how much<br />
time I have left”; time to make a difference,<br />
to make meaningful change and to bring<br />
value to my life’s work. The lack of time and<br />
a solid plan has always been a great motivator for me.<br />
January 2012 ׀ <strong>Vol</strong>. 2 No. 9<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> is very good at planning and measuring and achieving and remeasuring<br />
and then planning again. Through this discipline we are a lean,<br />
responsible and accountable organization with an achievable, measurable<br />
plan developed within a biennially renewed scope of work. This is a core<br />
tenet of our success.<br />
And the New Year is upon us, and the clock is ticking.<br />
This year, you will see <strong>Nlets</strong> continue to improve our systems and our<br />
availability as we extend the testing of our disaster recovery capability as<br />
our journey towards an active-active production environment. This will<br />
allow Phoenix and Louisville to share the daily load and act as online<br />
backups to each other. While the fi nal achievement is not scheduled in<br />
our plan for 2012, there are many milestones to be met this year in that<br />
planned course.<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> will rollout phase one of our online training program to the<br />
membership this year. This rollout is the fi rst deliverable in our two-year<br />
effort to create meaningful content that all may use to assist in training<br />
your organization’s staff as well as your customers.<br />
Last year’s work on a new <strong>Nlets</strong> website is about to result in the unveiling<br />
PG. 1
DIRECTOR’S CORNER, CONTINUED<br />
of a new, more capable and user-friendly product that will meet the requirements of our membership as well<br />
as those who need to see a public face of <strong>Nlets</strong> to learn more. Creating and maintaining a website often makes<br />
running an international criminal justice system and network seem easy.<br />
We are well into the fi nal planning stages for the <strong>Nlets</strong> Annual Business Meeting, scheduled for June 26-28<br />
in Kona, HI, as well as planning another <strong>Nlets</strong> Implementers and Developers conference for September in<br />
Scottsdale, AZ. Our commitment to leading the way into new and important technologies continues and there<br />
are signifi cant new advancements to be discussed by both practitioners and the industry at this important<br />
gathering.<br />
And, fi nally, <strong>Nlets</strong> is budgeted to provide nearly $700,000 dollars in 2012 to the membership to improve<br />
information sharing. Our planning, our measuring and our discipline have positioned us to provide meaningful<br />
fi nancial assistance for the fourth year to our community, even while we have not raised service fees These<br />
dollars are prioritized to assist in the interstate/interagency exchange of images such as DL Photo’s, but all<br />
appropriate requests will be reviewed. The Brodie Assistance Fund is managed by a committee appointed by<br />
the President, and they will have their work cut out for them, but it is a rewarding kind of work and the type we<br />
enthusiastically embrace.<br />
So the clock is ticking. Time is already running out on 2012. We have promises to keep, and we have miles to<br />
go before we sleep.<br />
UPDATES<br />
WEB SITE RE-DESIGN<br />
In Fall 2011, a team of <strong>Nlets</strong> staff began working to restructure the existing Web site to streamline the navigation, as<br />
well as give it a more dynamic and less stagnant appearance and layout. The team convened a council of reps (the<br />
Outreach Committee and the site’s top fi ve users) to research what changes should be made with the reconstruction. This<br />
month, the fi rst phase of the reconstruction is ready to launch! Here are some major changes to expect:<br />
• A new color scheme now continues with the <strong>Nlets</strong> branding from presentations and publications.<br />
• A new home page has an accordion style layout giving users updates on newsfeeds, resources and events<br />
immediately upon entering the site.<br />
• A simplifi ed navigation system<br />
eliminates the previous layers to fi nd<br />
anything on subsequent pages.<br />
• A username and log in will only be<br />
required to access rep direct contact<br />
information, <strong>Nlets</strong> meeting minutes and<br />
meeting presentations.<br />
• The Annual Report and monthly<br />
newsletter are now dynamic pages that<br />
will no longer require downloading a<br />
fi le to the desktop to view.<br />
• Files and links 6 months and older will<br />
be stored in an archive—with the new<br />
site, fi les will be automatically moved to<br />
the archive once they have been posted<br />
for 2 months.<br />
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this<br />
effort! More changes will be coming soon,<br />
so visit the new Web site often!<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
PG. 2
UPDATES<br />
BRODIE ASSISTANCE FUND<br />
In 2011, 33 states utilized the Brodie Assistance Fund (BAF) resource that <strong>Nlets</strong> offers to the states—4 for<br />
Driver’s License and Corrections Image Sharing, and 29 for <strong>Nlets</strong>’ STARS conference, held in May of last<br />
year. <strong>Nlets</strong> encourages its reps to utilize this resource for any needs their states may have to support as many<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> message keys and initiatives as possible While the BAF serves as a resource to states in a multitude of<br />
capacities, the Board of Directors have allocated nearly $700K to the BAF with the intent to make the goal<br />
of supporting Image Sharing in every state a priority, using the BAF to assist the states as they take strides<br />
toward this goal.<br />
Reps who have served on the BAF committee, as well as some whose states have benefi ted from this<br />
fund discuss the value of the resource. “The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) has<br />
used funds from the BAF to send staff to the Annual Implementers Training Workshop and the STARS<br />
Conference. The vital information provided at these training events equipped ACJIC staff members with<br />
the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance our agency’s information sharing applications, and improve<br />
our auditing and training programs,” says Jeff Matthews (AL). “Only through the assistance of the BAF has<br />
ACJIC been able to positively affect the state’s criminal justice community to the level it has.”<br />
Rep Leon Frederick (IA) utilized this resource to benefi t his state in recent critical information sharing<br />
endeavors as well. “Iowa could not have moved forward with providing correctional information, including<br />
photos, to our in-state criminal justice community and the <strong>Nlets</strong> community without the funding made<br />
available to us by the Brodie Assistance Fund. The BAF is a vital way that <strong>Nlets</strong> can give back to the<br />
membership,” says Frederick.<br />
Jillian Watts (MD), current Finance and Management Chair, as well as the members of the F&M Committee<br />
have approved additional resources allocated to the BAF to serve as a greater resource to all states in 2012.<br />
“The fund has been very successful assisting states with training dollars. The F&M recommended to the<br />
Board that funds be allocated to the BAF to support implementing and enhancing DL photo sharing, and<br />
the Board unanimously adopted the recommendation. These funds provided by <strong>Nlets</strong> will enable states to<br />
participate that have been unable to obtain the resources within their own state budgets,” states Chair of the<br />
F&M committee, Jillian Watts (MD). “The benefi ts will be seen not only by the requesting agency sharing<br />
the photos but other criminal justice users nationwide. This additional application of the fund will make it<br />
even more advantageous and successful.”<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> encourages all states to take full advantage this resource for their state, especially with the new 2012<br />
emphasis of the goal for Image Sharing with every state. For more information about the BAF, or to apply<br />
on behalf of your state, please contact Bonnie Locke at blocke@nlets.org.<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
PG. 3
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
STRATEGIC PARTNER HIGHLIGHT:<br />
Starting in 2012, the <strong>Nlets</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong> will feature a new section highlighting our strategic partners. Each<br />
month, we will feature a different strategic partner within the section. For the fi rst issue, we asked <strong>Nlets</strong>’s fi rst<br />
strategic partner, Datamaxx, to pilot the section and share some information about one of their latest initiatives<br />
to be included in our newsletter. We invite all of our strategic partners to take this opportunity to share<br />
important news and updates with the <strong>Nlets</strong> membership.<br />
To submit an article or press release for the Strategic Partner Highlight, please email submissions to Kayelyn<br />
Means, Communications Specialist, at kmeans@nlets.org.<br />
STRATEGIC PARTNER HIGHLIGHT:<br />
The Cloud – The New Vision for Public Safety<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
by Brad Long, Director of Business Development – Datamaxx Group<br />
Cloud Computing at a Glance<br />
The cloud solution enables users to run applications through a virtual data center instead of<br />
from installed software. But, for law enforcement agencies handling sensitive and critical data,<br />
it is imperative to choose a secure data center that understands the unique needs of the public<br />
safety industry.<br />
Omnixx Fusion Core Secure Cloud Solution, available this month, is an extension of the Fusion Core.<br />
“Cloud” is a new buzzword attached to an old practice, but the idea has become more relevant to the public<br />
safety industry, as we are no longer immune to the budget pressures that abound in this economy. Using a<br />
cloud-based environment for your data management saves time and money. But public safety agencies and<br />
organizations have a legal responsibility to ensure their data is secure. Some of the most forward-thinking<br />
industry leaders today are already reaping the benefi ts of the cloud, but keeping their information secure, by<br />
utilizing the Datamaxx Secure Cloud – the only <strong>Nlets</strong>- and FBI CJIS-audited cloud offering CJIS solutions,<br />
data access and analytics.<br />
Why go to the cloud?<br />
Reduced Cost<br />
Using a cloud-based environment removes the need for expensive up-front capital expenditures and the<br />
typical costs associated with on-premise solutions such as storage and staffi ng. And cloud technology is<br />
subscription-based taking the load off of capital budgets…saving money and allowing funds to be shifted to<br />
mission-critical services.<br />
Highly Automated<br />
Agencies and organizations do not need to be concerned with keeping software up-to-date. Required updates<br />
are automated and handled through the secure cloud.<br />
Flexible and Mobile<br />
Cloud computing offers much more fl exibility than past models; it can be easily scaled up or down according<br />
to demand. Additionally, the mobility of the environment means that staff can securely access data they need<br />
PG. 4
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
from anywhere at any time, whether it’s through a desktop computer, a<br />
laptop or a handheld device.<br />
Easily Deployed<br />
Instead of having to manage and deploy complicated on-premise<br />
applications, agencies need only connect to the secure cloud, which<br />
hosts all the solutions the user needs to get the job done. Plus, Datamaxx<br />
continually adds valued services, so organizations can easily take<br />
advantage of new solutions.<br />
But not just any cloud will do...<br />
For agencies and organizations handling sensitive and critical data, it<br />
is imperative to choose a secure cloud center run by a provider that<br />
understands your unique needs. The Datamaxx Secure Cloud is located<br />
within the only privately held facility that meets <strong>Nlets</strong> and FBI CJIS<br />
Security Policy requirements and is audited by <strong>Nlets</strong> and FBI CJIS<br />
on a routine basis no different than a CJIS System Agency. And Datamaxx is a premier solution provider<br />
exclusively to the law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, and homeland security markets for more<br />
than 20 years. The Datamaxx Secure Cloud is based in our state-of-the-art Network Operations Center<br />
(NOC). The Datamaxx NOC has been carefully designed to meet stringent <strong>Nlets</strong> and FBI CJIS Security<br />
Policy requirements by housing sensitive hardware and software in a biometrically access controlled area,<br />
powered by redundant uninterruptible power supplies and protected by state-of-the-art fi re prevention<br />
systems. All Datamaxx personnel must pass <strong>Nlets</strong> and FBI CJIS Security requirements and attend and<br />
maintain a security awareness training certifi cation.<br />
Agencies such as the South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (SDLETS) are ahead<br />
of the curve and already taking advantage of<br />
the Datamaxx Secure Cloud. “The affordability<br />
and fl exibility of the cloud environment<br />
paired with the security and law enforcement<br />
knowledge offered from Datamaxx made this<br />
an easy decision for us.” said Delton Tipton,<br />
SDLETS Manager. “Utilizing the cloud to host<br />
our Datamaxx solution suite saves our state<br />
valuable resources that can now be focused on<br />
accomplishing our mission.”<br />
All of the Datamaxx solutions, which are<br />
currently being used by 70 percent of the law<br />
enforcement communications market in North<br />
America, are available in the cloud, including our<br />
fl agship solution suite, Omnixx Enterprise. For more information on the Datamaxx Secure Cloud and our<br />
solutions, visit www.Datamaxx.com or email at marketing@datamaxx.com.<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
STRATEGIC PARTNER HIGHLIGHT (CONTINUED)<br />
THE DATAMAXX CLOUD<br />
Specifi cally designed<br />
with the public safety and<br />
homeland security market<br />
in mind<br />
Real-time access to the data<br />
you need<br />
Secure – the only <strong>Nlets</strong>and<br />
FBI-audited cloud<br />
Cost-effective<br />
Flexible and accessible<br />
from anywhere<br />
Easily deployed and<br />
updated<br />
24x7 support<br />
PG. 5
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
2011 IN REVIEW<br />
NEW REPS:<br />
1. AI—James Hill<br />
2. AZ—Jeff Raynor<br />
3. CG—Charles Fehrman<br />
4. DC—Ted Zalewski<br />
5. DS—Frank Dubiel<br />
6. FB—Jim Gerst<br />
7. GA—Terri Fisher<br />
8. MT—Jennifer Viets<br />
9. NJ—James Sherrard<br />
10. NM—Tim Struck<br />
11. OH—Jeremy Hansford<br />
12. OP—Paul Heppner<br />
13. PA—John Dougherty<br />
14. PS—Jeff Johnson<br />
15. SA—Ronald Jesz<br />
16. SS—Mary Meyers<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
STRATEGIC PARTNER HIGHLIGHT (CONTINUED)<br />
NEW PARTNERS:<br />
1. Gatso USA<br />
2. Transcore<br />
3. Central Station Alarm Association<br />
4. Elliott Investments<br />
5. Federal Signal/PIPS Technology<br />
6. Brekford<br />
7. iNet<br />
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:<br />
1. ICE Director’s Award<br />
2. Governor’s Celebration of<br />
Innovation Finalist<br />
BRODIE ASSISTANCE FUND:<br />
1. Renamed from NAF to BAF in honor of Russ<br />
2. DL & Corrections Photos: 4<br />
3. STARS Conference: 29<br />
NEW EMPLOYEES:<br />
1. Tony Abate<br />
2. Matt Butler<br />
3. Jay Cruse<br />
4. Randy DeForest<br />
5. Kayelyn Means<br />
6. Joel Miranda<br />
GRANT 7 PROJECT SUCCESS:<br />
1. CHIEF: (28 in 2010) 29<br />
2. Phase IV approved<br />
3. NISP/NCIEN: (24 in 2010) 26<br />
CONFERENCE & MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:<br />
1. New offi cers<br />
2. New Board of Directors<br />
3. Training Committee established by BOD<br />
4. Board of Directors approved $250 donation to<br />
offi cers killed on duty<br />
5. President’s Award: Charles Schaeffer, FL<br />
6. Hall of Fame Award: Frank Minice, Sr.<br />
PG. 6
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS<br />
INTERNAL STAFF CHANGES<br />
from Steve Correll, <strong>Nlets</strong> Executive Director<br />
KYLE DARNELL, SR. PROJECT MANAGER<br />
As many of you know, Kyle stepped up last year and earlier this year to support our project management<br />
efforts both before and after Russ’s passing. He self initiated his PM coursework and training and passed<br />
the PMI Certifi cation test earlier this year which was a goal that <strong>Nlets</strong> had set for Kyle to achieve – all while<br />
driving forward with the growing PM needs of the corporation. He has met the requirements necessary to be<br />
successful in the Senior position and he has worked hard for this deserved promotion.<br />
KEITH MEYERS, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE<br />
After careful consideration and in consultation with the F&M, <strong>Nlets</strong> Board, <strong>Nlets</strong> has promoted Keith to<br />
the position of Director of Finance and Administration beginning January 1, 2012. Keith has been Acting<br />
Director of Finance and Administration since July and has led us through the last round of F&M and Board<br />
meetings with exemplary results. With two internal promotions, will be back-fi lling Keith’s department early<br />
in 2012 with an accounting expert to assist in the day to day needs of the corporation.<br />
BARBARA GRABER, SR. ACCOUNTANT<br />
This is a new position where Barbara will take over the duties previously completed by Keith, without the<br />
managerial component. Barbara has continuously demonstrated the skills and experience necessary to be<br />
successful in this role during her tenure with <strong>Nlets</strong> and has worked diligently to reach this level of success.<br />
FRANK MINICE, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />
The Board of Directors has approved a new position within <strong>Nlets</strong> – Deputy Executive Director. After careful<br />
consideration and in consultation with the F&M and the Board, beginning January 1, 2012 Frank Minice<br />
will fi ll this role. In support of our internal goal to have depth in position and with our continued growth here<br />
at <strong>Nlets</strong>, it was important that <strong>Nlets</strong> have a clearly defi ned second in command. We will not be fi lling the<br />
vacated CITO Position. As a component of the Deputy Executive Director, Frank will continue to serve <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
technology needs as he did in his role of CITO.<br />
KATE SILHOL, LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER<br />
In this new role, Kate will be responsible for leading the organization’s application development and analysis<br />
functions within the <strong>Nlets</strong> suite of services. She will be overseeing activities performed by our employed and<br />
contracted application workforce in order to drive the quality of application solutions. Included in her new<br />
responsibilities, Kate will assist with capital/expense planning as it pertains to application development.<br />
Joe Wagner, Information Security Analyst, has taken a position with another company. We wish him<br />
luck in his future endeavors.<br />
<strong>Vol</strong>ume VOLUME 2, ISSUE <strong>Iss</strong>ue 41<br />
PG. Pg. 7₇
ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS<br />
UPCOMING MEETINGS<br />
Mark your calendars!<br />
2012 Spring TOC:<br />
March 27th-28th, 2012<br />
Charleston, SC<br />
2012 F&M:<br />
April 10th-11th, 2012<br />
Phoenix, AZ<br />
2012 Board of Directors:<br />
May 9th-10th, 2012<br />
Deadwood, SD<br />
2012 Annual Conference:<br />
June 26th-28th, 2012<br />
Waikoloa, HI<br />
CONTACT US<br />
ASK STEVE<br />
Steve Correll, <strong>Nlets</strong> Executive Director, is always available to answer your questions.<br />
FEEDBACK<br />
We welcome your feedback on:<br />
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4<br />
WIKI USER GUIDE<br />
You must be logged into the member site<br />
to access the Wiki.<br />
The Wiki User Guide is a<br />
resource for <strong>Nlets</strong> reps and State<br />
resources (as approved by the<br />
rep) seeking further explanations<br />
or assistance regarding <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
systems and services.<br />
In addition to email alerting,<br />
subscription to an RSS feed of<br />
any page is available to track any<br />
changes or updates.<br />
To view the Wiki, visit:<br />
https://www.nlets.org/member/userguide<br />
To register for <strong>Nlets</strong>.org and Wiki<br />
access, visit:<br />
https://nlets.org/request-an-account<br />
Please send your questions to asksteve@nlets.org.<br />
• Questions or comments regarding the current issue;<br />
• Ideas for future newsletter content; or,<br />
• Corrections.<br />
Contact us at info@nlets.org.<br />
NEW EMPLOYEE<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> is pleased to announce Joel<br />
Miranda as the newest <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
employee! Joel will serve as a<br />
part-time employee at the <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
24/7Operations Center.<br />
NEW NLETS REPS<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> is pleased to announce<br />
Mary Meyers as the new <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
rep for the Secret Service!<br />
<strong>Nlets</strong> is pleased to announce Dr.<br />
Natalie Chrastil as the new <strong>Nlets</strong><br />
rep for the state of Wyoming!<br />
PG. 8