Planned support and continuous training are the keys to the successful integration of technology and its use. Examples of available support include:

Office Professional Institute

Each year, a one-day institute is offered that focuses on helping employees utilize technology tools and develop best practices that will help them perform their roles more efficiently. The day is filled with a mixture of demonstration and hands-on sessions that provides skill-building and networking. Registered participants may attend several different sessions and can select from various topics. These sessions will be full of tips and tricks useful to beginners as well as more experienced users.

Day & Evening Classes

Day and evening classes cover a broad range of office-based software packages, as well as other applications of information technology. Unlimited help desk, phone, and web support is provided to all class participants. Topics include but are not limited to:

Web-Based “Slices” of Classes

One-hour web-based classes called “Slices” are available. Several audio and/or chat options will be provided in order to allow the participants to communicate with the trainer and others in attendance. Topics include but are not limited to:

Workshops & Demonstrations

Throughout the year, the MHRIC presents workshops and demonstrations covering many areas of interest, including current, developing, and innovative technology.

Telephone, Email & Online Support

The MHRIC offers a helping hand to its municipal partners. Personalized help is only a phone call, email, or “Go-To-Meeting” away.

The MHRIC Security Service offers a range of technology solutions and options to secure buildings utilizing state-of-the-art, IP-based video cameras with image recording capability, door access control, visitor management systems, panic devices, or infrared license plate readers, as well as bring awareness of vital security planning, training, and best practices. Includes:

IP Video Security System Option

This service provides an interior and exterior IP video surveillance system for your buildings and grounds. The system can be integrated into your existing IP network infrastructure. Cameras may be monitored in real time from multiple locations, and playback of stored video is available as needed. If an event involves police or fire agencies, it is possible to link to the system from agency vehicles and view real-time images within the building from the vehicle. A variety of cameras are available including: static mounts, pan tilt zoom (PTZ), infrared, exterior weather protected, vandal resistant, and digital zoom. Video recordings are stored on a Network Video Recorder (NVR), located at your site. Access to your images is secure and password protected.

Door Access Control Security System Option

The Door Access Control service provides perimeter security for exterior entrances, although, depending on the need, interior doors may also be protected for high value or sensitive locations. The system may be accessed by several means, including proximity cards or key fobs, swipe cards, bar codes, or biometric readers. The system is protected from power outages by battery backup. In the event of a power failure, all doors will be “fail closed” to maintain security. There is the provision for employee ID cards to be incorporated into the security door system, if appropriate.

Emergency Communication Services

The products in this service are designed to provide your organization with the means to quickly alert both staff and emergency response personnel when an emergency situation arises. In addition, these tools allow you to easily manage the situation and maintain communication with appropriate personnel throughout. Features include the ability to:

Visitor Management System Option

Visitor management systems (VMS) help keep unwanted visitors out, while tracking those allowed in your building. Simply scan a visitor’s driver’s license (or other state issued ID) and the system instantly screens for registered sex offenders, domestic dispute offenders, and other trespassers. When a visitor is cleared, the software prints a badge with the visitor’s information and destination in the building. The MHRIC has several different VMS options available. Systems can include web-based access and, in the event of a potential threat, the ability to instantly alert designated officials via email, text messaging, and/or page.

Security Communication Technology Tools – Radios

Security tools such as radios and indoor/outdoor positioning locator technologies are available. These tools allow designated officials to communicate important information with a click of a button via WiFi functionality and/or communication platforms using a private frequency. There are many products and communications options available, such as:

OUS WAN Service

This service provides Wide Area Network (WAN) capacity that interconnects buildings at bandwidths ranging from 100 Mb/s to 10 Gb/s (based on agency preference and availability). It also connects the agency hub to the county hub, allowing access from the agency to other locations within the Mid-Hudson region and the Internet. Presently this service is available to agencies located in Orange, Sullivan, or Ulster counties.

Phishing Tests & Staff Awareness Training Service

Network and data security is the responsibility of ALL staff and network users. Information Technology (IT) staff regularly install, maintain, and update agency firewalls, servers, workstation operating systems, enterprise anti-virus, and anti-malware systems.

Even with all those controls in place, the human factor can derail the best network and data security plan. Statistics show that most breaches (about 90 percent) occur through phishing attacks. Phishing is the term used to describe the nefarious action of trying to obtain financial or other confidential information from Internet users, typically by sending an email that looks as if it is from a legitimate organization, but contains a link to a fake website where the user is tricked into either giving information or, unknown to the users, installing malicious software on their computer.

The MHRIC Phishing Security Audit Service provides access to online training programs that staff may complete at their own pace. The concepts and examples will educate staff about the types of emails they may wish to delete or bring to someone’s attention. Staff awareness training is the most effective and most economical way to fight cyber attacks. Through a combination of periodic email phishing tests sent to your staff, as well as online security awareness training, you can dramatically improve your defenses against a network, data, or cyber attack. The service also provides detailed phishing participation reports, which are generated and sent for review and potential follow-up.

Board Meeting Management & Communication

As municipalities endeavor to provide their communities with up-to-date goals, initiatives, and accountability information, it is essential that board members have access to an online management system to access policies and documents, and share vital strategic planning information. The MHRIC partners with organizations that can provide a variety of integration to streamline agenda preparation, facilitate board member communication, link policies to action items, and enhance the effectiveness of public meetings.

Automated Calling & Broadcast Systems

Rapid Broadcast and Routine Calling Systems are automated phone, email, and text messaging notification systems for emergencies and community outreach opportunities. The MHRIC partners with best-of-breed systems to meet your communication needs. The MHRIC coordinates and works as a liaison, overseeing the implementation of the automated demographic files from your databases into the broadcast system. Products and vendor services are chosen via a RFP process to obtain the best pricing possible.