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The Information Services Bureau (ISB) manages a variety of services
used by the Commission, POST staff, law enforcement agencies, course
presenters, and the public. Information is offered through documents
such as bulletins, public notices, publications, and website items.
The bureau also responds to questions and correspondence received
from its law enforcement partners and the public.
Although providing information is a primary responsibility for
the bureau, it also manages support functions such as library services,
records processing, forms design and management, graphic design,
information release, mailing lists, media distribution, publications
management, records retention, rulemaking (administrative law process),
and the scanning of POST exams.
EDI Customer Service
ISB provides customer assistance and troubleshooting services to
law enforcement agencies and course presenters who use the web-based
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system. Through EDI, authorized
users may access and print their records in the POST database system
and complete online transactions related to appointment/termination
notices, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, and
course presenter functions.
Graphic Design, Forms and Publications
ISB is responsible for the design, production and overall look
of graphics-related projects that support POST in serving its clients.
This includes creating brochures, manuals, training and guideline
publications, forms, annual reports, newsletters, custom projects,
and web-related materials.
Several of the POST forms used to conduct business are available
electronically, with an eventual goal to provide all POST business
forms online. Bureau-managed publications include the POSTScripts
newsletter that provides items of interest to California law enforcement
and annual reports that demonstrate POST's teamwork and dedication
to the needs of its clients.
ISB also manages three web-based resources. The POST Administrative
Manual (PAM) contains POST regulations and procedures; Employment
Data for Law Enforcement offers information needed by individuals
who are seeking employment with a law enforcement agency in the
POST program. And finally, California Law Enforcement Job Opportunities
assists POST-participating agencies with their recruitment efforts
by allowing them to post job listings free of charge.
Library Services
As one of the nation's leading libraries for law enforcement materials,
the POST Library houses more than 46,000 entries in its library
databases. The electronic arm of the Library is the Clearinghouse,
which serves as a primary resource for California peace officers
to locate or exchange information on any law enforcement topic.
Law enforcement now has a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access to the
online Library Catalog through the Internet.
The Media Distribution Center annually distributes more than 10,900
publications. Approximately 75 POST-developed publications appear
in the online Publications List, along with copyright and ordering
information.
Records Processing
Bureau services include the key data entry of information from
POST-certified course rosters and appointment/termination notices
that, in turn, updates the employment and POST-certified training
history. This history, along with certificate records, is maintained
for each California peace officer, dispatcher, reserve officer,
and records supervisor employed by a POST-participating agency.
The bureau also maintains several other databases used for contacting
and mailing items to law enforcement, course presenters, associations
and other law enforcement partners. Other records services include
processing compliance reports and scanning POST-developed tests,
i.e., Entry-Level Law Enforcement Reading and Writing, Public Safety
Dispatcher, and PC 832.
Rulemaking and Information Release
Available on the Internet, notices of proposed regulation changes
keep those who are interested in the POST Program informed about
Commission regulation actions. To ensure that all POST regulations
are adopted in compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act,
the bureau serves as a liaison with the Office of Administrative
Law. This means all proposed regulations are noticed to the public
- especially law enforcement and course presenters - and the public
is given 45 days to comment on the proposed material. In this way,
law enforcement and other POST stakeholders are given a say in the
requirements for POST programs.
The bureau also has oversight responsibility for information bulletins,
information security, and the analysis of proposals and programs.
This includes responding to questions from law enforcement and the
public about the POST Program, selection, training, and peace officer
records. Other duties include both records and regulation management.
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