Irvine, Calif. (PRWEB) October 14, 2009
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced today that Alvaka Networks’ Executive Vice President Kevin McDonald has been appointed by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to create a new Volunteer Community Technology Advisory Council (CTAC). With McDonald acting as chairman, the CTAC is with providing advice and consultation to Sheriff Hutchens in support of the department’s overall mission. The CTAC will be fully independent and focused on technology, security issues and their related budgetary challenges.
The CTAC will consult with command and review the department’s technology platforms and strategies. The council’s Executive Board will then meet semi-monthly, hold annual strategic meetings, and provide summary reports to the Sheriff. These reports will cover the status of technology at the department and offer general comment, suggest new or potential alternative solutions, cost saving measures and where needed, provide testimonial support.
“We have a terrific staff at the department who are sworn and civilian personnel, however, with the complexity of today’s technology and our reliance on its mission-critical capabilities, it simply makes sense to seek completely independent advice,” said Sheriff Hutchens. “We are delighted by the talents and affiliations that Kevin McDonald and the council are bringing to the department. Kevin has a proven record of accomplishment in technology and managing these types of advisory groups.”
There are approximately a dozen top technology executives already applying for positions on the council. The positions will be filled by individuals who possess broad and deep professional and technical talents. The Executive Board will be populated by senior executives, academics and engineers with discipline focused knowledge and experience in software applications, network and communications infrastructure, IT management processes, accounting, security policies, security techniques and more. Like McDonald has, all OCSD CTAC applicants must undergo a full character and criminal background investigation prior to being approved for membership.
“In these extremely challenging economic times, having top-level technology professionals providing their advice and counsel for the good of the community is vital. We have some amazingly talented people applying to volunteer their time,” McDonald said. “Sheriff Hutchens understands the power of technology. She has reached out for the technology community’s support and we are all honored to help.” A new independent CTAC Web site will be available in coming months at http://www.sheriffadvisors.org
OCSD Information Systems (Systems) is responsible for designing, developing and supporting the Sheriff’s regional networking infrastructure and more than 100 law enforcement applications. The group supports the countywide Automated Jail System, Automated Warrant Service System, Specialized Dispatch/911 and Commissary and Crime Reporting. Systems also provide access to local, state, federal, and international law enforcement databases for over 58 outside criminal justice agencies. Electronic live scan fingerprint submissions are accepted by OCSD from locations throughout the county. Systems hosts the CA State and Department of Justice Disaster Recovery Systems and provides backup for the CA, DMV’s Photo system. Systems also manages the Sheriff’s state-of-the-art 24x7x365 Data Center. The call center handles more than 1,200 calls per month. Systems is part of the Support Services Division. It consists of nine units, employing 53 staff members (24 County and 29 contractors).
“We have some tough decisions to make with the budget cuts we’re facing,” said Sheriff Hutchens. “The council will help us make prudent decisions in the best interest of the community.”
For professionals or academics who wish to join the OCSD, CTAC write to: kevin.mcdonald(at)sheriffadvisors(dot)org
About Alvaka Networks
Since 1982, Alvaka Networks has provided high quality, high value and reliable computer consulting, design, implementation and security services. Alvaka Networks is an award-winning Managed Services and Security provider to businesses, governments and not-for-profits large and small. Alvaka will help clients leverage technology to grow and succeed. From the support of internal technical staff to a fully outsourced solution, Alvaka Networks will tailor consulting and support solutions to meet business needs. Alvaka Networks leverages its 27 years of doing business and more than 16 years as a primary leader in the proactive MSP space to deliver the highest quality of service and return on investment. http://www.alvaka.net
Technology Executive, Kevin McDonald Appointed By Orange County Sheriff - Coroner, Sandra Hutchens To Form New Community Technology Advisory Council
