Axon Computer Applications Specialist

This is a highly technical position is responsible for specialized computer applications in support of the function of the police department's goals and objectives. The performance of essential functions of the position requires a background closely related to the functional responsibilities of the department combined with the technical dimensions associated with computerized information systems. This position manages and supports technology-related equipment and systems, including Axon body-worn cameras, in-car cameras systems, and evidence management platforms, used in law enforcement activities. Work activities involve contact with the public, City officials, and employees.

• Works with and assists the IT Department in the planning and organizing of data systems management functions to support the police department's mission utilizing functional literacy and technical expertise.
• Learns the supported computer applications specific to the police department, including understanding their interrelationship and dependencies, working with the IT Department as required.
• Works with vendors to maintain and support designated applications, performs or installs upgrades to equipment as required by vendor, and coordinates implementation and training related to new features as released.
• Identifies and considers both the business and the technical needs of customers to provide quality solutions that meet the user's needs.
• Ensures that solutions implemented align with the supported specific departmental mission.
• Configures assigned computer applications to achieve desired results.
• Determines facility, equipment, and supply requirements for data systems activities to facilitate analysis, reports, forecasts, estimates, computations, records maintenance, and department operational needs.
• Maintains necessary records and prepares reports and documentation.
• Develops relationships with business units, external consultants, and vendors, as required or directed by department supervision/management.
• Assists in interprets laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they affect the organizational mission.
• Identifies project requirements, determines appropriate courses of action, and organizes data to prepare reports supporting existing or proposed policies and ordinances.
• Performs high-level troubleshooting of technical issues related to assigned application functionality.
• Tracks and follows assigned program or computer application issues through to resolution; communicates to all stakeholders.
• Assists in researching and developing computerized solutions to business and operating needs of the public safety departments using desktop spreadsheet, database, and word processor systems.
• Assists the IT Department in implementing, supporting, and maintaining new computer software packages.
• Manage application projects of simple to moderate complexity, which may include sub-components of larger-scale projects as directed by Management, in coordination with the IT Department.
• Tests, analyzes, and maintains assigned computer applications, such as Axon, Flock, etc. coordinating with vendor support components and the IT Department as needed.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• May require 24/7 availability in support of Mission Critical applications.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.
• Oversee a comprehensive inventory of body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, TASERs, signal devices, VR equipment, and related accessories, ensuring all items are accounted for, functional, and ready for deployment. Assist with installations of in-car video equipment, performing tasks such as wiring, fuse replacement, and mounting cameras as necessary.
• Deliver onboarding and certification training for new users of Axon products. As a certified TASER Instructor, provide additional training on TASER and Virtual Reality use, ensuring all personnel understand safe and effective equipment handling.
• Review monthly footage from body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and interview recordings, confirming operational integrity and reliability of captured evidence.
• Review publicly uploaded evidence to identify and secure sensitive content and mark department-held sensitive evidence as restricted or confidential to uphold privacy and information security.
• Oversee evidence retention schedules and policies, ensuring adherence to established departmental protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Administer and optimize Axon's auto-tagging features for seamless integration with the department's records management system to maintain accurate and efficient data handling.
• Review audit trails for Axon products, maintaining transparency and accountability, and provide technical support for internal investigations related to Axon equipment.
• Assists in managing the department's mobile devices and Axon modem devices, including assignment, configuration, secure data wiping, and coordinating SIM card operations related to Axon products and services in coordination with the IT Department.
• Review requests for mobile applications from department personnel, ensuring compliance with security standards and safe integration into the department's systems and makes recommendations to department management and the IT Department.
• Collect, assess, and secure electronic equipment, such as laptops and cell phones, from departing employees to maintain asset accountability in coordination with the IT Department
• Review and validate monthly wireless bills for cost management and provide logistical support in transporting BPD fleet vehicles as needed.
• Act as a backup administrator for the Flock License Plate Reader system, offering technical support to the Intelligence Unit as required.
• Serve on the Incident Management Team, providing Axon-related equipment and technical assistance during critical incidents to facilitate efficient response efforts.
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• May require 24/7 availability in support of Mission Critical applications.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical.
• May formulate policies for the department utilizing City requirements and sound research procedures; prepares correspondence and maintains detailed documentation of actions.
• Develops and maintains troubleshooting, solution processes, and procedure documentation to build an enhanced knowledge base.
• Provides individualized training to others using computer-based information retrieval and processing.
• Position may be required to attend meetings and visit job sites other than the primary work location.
• Performs related work as required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Technology Governance and Authority
• To ensure consistency, security and compliance across City systems, the IT Department retains authority and responsibility for all enterprise technology systems and services, including but not limited to:
• Cybersecurity controls, monitoring and CJIS compliance enforcement
• Network infrastructure, servers, cloud systems and storage platforms
• Systems architecture, integrations and data exchange between systems
• Software approval, procurement and implementation
• System-level configuration, administrative access and permission management This position supports the operational use of department technology and:
• Performs application configuration limited to operational settings (e.g., tagging, workflows, user-level settings)
• Coordinates vendor activities, upgrades and system changes through and in partnership with the IT Department
• Provides first level troubleshooting and escalates system level issues to IT This position does not independently:
• Implement system-level changes or integrations
• Modify security configurations or access controls on enterprise systems hardware, software, and network infrastructure
• Procure or deploy software outside established City processes
• Perform administrative functions on enterprise systems without IT authorization

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge and ability to work with various computer software programs, including word processing and spreadsheets; Microsoft Office Suite, Visio, and MS Project preferred.
• Familiarity with Axon products and systems, digital evidence workflows, and law enforcement technology tools.
• Knowledge of relational databases and SQL Querying for computer applications specific to the employing department.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise networking, including LAN/WAN, wireless technologies, and network security.
• Familiarity with virtualization, cloud services, and enterprise storage systems.
• Knowledge of cyber-security risks, vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with ability to resolve complex IT issues.
• Skill in operating micro-computer equipment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate the efforts of one or more employees in completing specified projects with little supervision.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• Ability to perform in a functional capacity concerning the employing department.
• Ability to learn the operation of the police department and its functions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with business users and technical staff.
• Ability to interact and maintain effective relationships with supervisors and other employees to accomplish the required tasks.
• Ability to interpret business and technical needs to provide quality solutions that meet the user needs and ensure that solutions implemented align with the police department's mission.
• Ability to conduct department activities with competence, initiative, and professionalism.
• Ability to work within the principles, practices, and project management techniques.
• Ability to manage inventory, records, and documentation with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to provide training and support to end users with varying levels of technical proficiency.
• Ability to follow and enforce established policies, procedures and CJIS security standards.
• Ability to apply knowledge of computerized capabilities and processes to implement new vendor supplied software packages.
• Interest and ability to learn new applications and related capabilities as required.
• Experience in maintenance, support, configuration, or implementing applications specific tolaw enforcement agencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times in a stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Computer Applications, Information Technology, or a field related to the essential duties of the position or function of the department; three (3) years of experience in a computer application or information technology support role; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Valid Florida Driver's License required
• Must maintain a valid telephone number
• Three (3) years of experience in performing the following functions is highly desirable:
• Preparing and maintaining data using electronic systems.
• Developing data collection and reporting programs.
• Analyzing and auditing automated data reports
• Experience with Axon products and services preferred
• CompTIA A+ certification preferred.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• This position may be designated as Mission Critical by the City Manager
• Required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Bartow Police Department upon hire

Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Requires work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 50 pounds of force, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

Mental Demands:

• Required to use written and oral communication skills.
• Read and interpret data, information and documents.
• Work under deadlines with constant interruptions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex IT issues.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job risks exposure to some environmental hazards such as crashed motor vehicles or response to active crime scenes as required. Work may require exposure to extreme heat or extreme cold, rain, etc. Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs other related duties as assigned. All City of Bartow employees are considered EOC essential in times of emergency. An e-role will be provided to each employee when an emergency is declared. As a City of Bartow employee, you are a public servant of a local entity and are responsible to adhere to the Florida State Statute governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees Florida State Statute Chapter 112. Additionally, all Bartow employees are subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes which governs public records.