How do I contact the custom application group to address an issue with an application?

Contact the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444.

How do you build a custom application?

We utilize an agile process for application development. Creating a successful user experience is critical to our success. We believe that our users' needs are paramount to the design process. We will seek input and offer updates throughout the sprints. Regardless of your technical background, we are here to help.

What are some generic examples of software the team has developed?

• Designed for department employees, countywide employees, and the whole population of Harris County and beyond
• Application that allows you to subscribe to alerts based on set parameters
• Web and mobile applications that collect and display data
• Applications that interact with maps (geographic data) to show information
• Applications that allow you to submit requests for help, permits, or other county services
• Applications that display county information to the public
• Applications that delegate authentication and authorization responsibilities to internally-hosted identity provider
• Applications with custom reports and dashboards

What are some of the technologies used to build custom applications?

• Microsoft (C#, ASP.NET, MVC, WPF, WCF, Web API, SharePoint, MS Azure, .NET Core)
• Web Front-End (Angular, Vue.js, React JS, Bootstrap, JavaScript, TypeScript)
• Mobile (Android, iOS)
• CRM (CRM 2013, 2015, 2016, MS Dynamics CRM, Data Integrations, QuickBase)

What kind of custom development does the team offer?

• Software Application Development Services
• Application Integration Services
• Mobile Application Development
• CRM Application Development Services 
• Application Maintenance & Support Services

How do I delete a mobile report that is no longer needed in RMS?

You will need to access the report from Moblan and delete the report from there. Any report that isn't in NEW, DENY, or INCL status cannot be deleted.

How do I find the Tiburon Calls for Service, aka Call slips?

You can search for the historical Tiburon Calls for Service in RMS, under “Modules,” in the “Investigators” column, “Calls for Service”.

How do I obtain access to Superion CAD, RMS, or MCT?

To obtain access to Superion, your supervisor will submit a request to helpdesk@us.hctx.net or by calling 713-274-4444 to open a Universal Services Help Desk ticket.

How do I reassign mobile reports created by a user that no longer works for my agency?

Mobile reports can be easily reassigned to any user in your agency by using the “Mobile Tools” (Tools Tab) utility in RMS.  Access to Mobile Tools is rights-driven.  Please contact your Agency Liaison to determine who in your agency has the access rights.

When I put in a TCIC/NCIC query, why do I not get a return?

All users with access to run state queries must be setup on the Harris County Message Switch.  You can submit a helpdesk ticket (helpdesk@us.hctx.net) to have your account created or checked.  Please include your TLETS user ID.

How do I request a policy exemption or firewall change?

Navigate to this website's Services page and follow the instructions there.

Does your team provide cybersecurity training?

Yes, we provide training in partnership with HRRM. All employees are required to take annual cybersecurity training. Navigate to the Training page to learn more.

How can I get the tool(s) I need to work from home?

We offer several different tools based on your business need, such as Outlook Access, Skype, Citric, RDC, and VPN. Navigate to the Remote Work Guide to get started.

How can I learn more about how to protect my family?

A good place to start is the videos on this website's Personal and Family Cybersecurity page. Watching these will give you a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts and protections in under 30 minutes. Next, consider the Additional Resources section. Always remember that cybersecurity is only one - albeit important - component of a comprehensive emergency plan. Broader information about emergency preparedness is available at Ready.gov.

How do I report a cybersecurity emergency?

If you or others are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1 first. You can report a cybersecurity emergency or possible emergency by emailing ReportCyberIncident@hctx.net or by calling 713-274-4444. Always err on the side of caution and report something as an emergency if you are not sure.

What best practices does your team follow?

As our team grows and matures, we work constantly to adhere to industry standards, best practices, and operating procedures. Along with other best practices in incident command and risk management, we work to abide by guidance issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST's Cybersecurity Framework is voluntary and consists of standards, guidelines, and best practices to manage cybersecurity-related risk.  The Cybersecurity Framework’s prioritized, flexible, and cost-effective approach helps to promote the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure and other sectors important to the economy and national security.

What does your team do?

Our team provides comprehensive cybersecurity support split into three main service areas: Governance & Compliance, Threat & Vulnerability Management, and Engineering & Operations. We interface with all of Universal Services to support technology and information security Countywide. 

General project areas include but are not limited to:

• Incident response and business continuity
• Cybersecurity education and response
• Threat monitoring and prevention
• Vulnerability management and remediation
• Major technology implementation support
• IT compliance and control governance
• CJIS, PCI and HIPAA compliance
• County cybersecurity strategy, policies, and  internal regulations

What is cybersecurity?

National Security Presidential Directive 54/Homeland Security Directive 23 (NSPD-54/HSPD-23) defines cyberspace as the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures, and includes the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers in critical industries. Common usage of the term also refers to the virtual environment of information and interactions between people and the Internet of things.

Cybersecurity is the practice of defending these resources, equipement and data from malicious attacks. It also known as information technology security or electronic information security or information security.

• Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
• Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.
• Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
• Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.
• End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.

How do I obtain a new or replacement fuel card or a new fuel card PIN?

For security reasons, your department liaison will assist you.

How do I purchase fuel for my county car now that I have a gas card and a PIN?

Fuel may be purchased at commercial or county-owned fuel stations, using your county fuel card.  First, insert the card into the reader and remove it quickly.  Enter your odometer reading, followed by your PIN.  You may purchase regular or diesel gasoline only.

How do I schedule a Preventative Maintenance and Safety inspection for my car?

Maintenance should be scheduled every 6,000 miles, 2-4 weeks in advance of the due date.  You may call one of our locations to schedule an appointment or email us at itcfleetdispatch@hctx.net.  Please include the shop location, equipment number, and request type (e.g., routine maintenance or other services) in your email.

How to get an estimate on body damage?

If you experience damage to your county vehicle, report it immediately to your supervisor.  To obtain a damage assessment, reach out to your department’s liaison for instructions.

What do I do if my car breaks down or has a flat tire?

Towing services are managed by location.  If you are:

The upper left side of the vehicle's windshield contains a listing of county vehicle maintenance locations.  Be prepared to inform the wrecker driver of the towing destination.  Drivers are permitted to change a flat tire instead of being towed to the nearest shop location.

How do I contact the GIS for support/services?

You can send an email to GIS@HCTX.NET or contact the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444

Are there methods to search for location-based information using an address?

Yes. HCUS-GIS provides a couple of sites to look-up information based on an address

• Tabular Search:  https://www2.harriscountytx.gov/itc/gis/ais/DisplayGISData.aspx
• Map-Based Search:  https://www.gis.hctx.net/geo1

How does one gain access to ArcGIS Online?

Like the repository, HCUS maintains an organizational ArcGIS Online (cloud-based) GIS system.  To gain access, send a request to the GIS@HCTX.NET, and we will send an invite.

How does one gain access to the GIS tools and the data repository?

We maintain a centralized repository of GIS data common to every Harris County department.  Simply send a request via email to GIS@HCTX.NET.  The team will enable access to the database using active directory credentials and ArcGIS desktop software setup if needed.

The County entered into an Enterprise License Agreement with Esri; what does that mean?

The ELA centralizes licensing for Esri software.Much of the server technology, core software, and extensions are now unlimited in terms of users.New technology and capabilities are part of the ELA.Various teams deployed Portal, an on-premises version of ArcGIS Online, that will eventually replace the database and application servers currently employed.Notebook in the ArcGIS enterprise expands data science and automation possibilities for the County.The Geo-event server integrates live-streamed data sources into GIS applications

How is Internet Explorer (IE) downloaded if I have a newer machine?

Microsoft Edge is the preferred browser by Microsoft, however Internet Explorer 11 is a built-in feature of Windows 10. There's nothing that needs to be installed. If you can't find Internet Explorer on your device, you'll need to add it as a feature. If your agency is rolling out new devices, Internet Explorer 11 can still be added. Click this link to find instructions on how to “add” Internet Explorer 11 if it’s not installed.

What hours are the Justice Applications supported?

The normal scheduled maintenance time for Justice Application is from 5:00am-6:00am CT.  The day in which maintenance is performed is coordinated, approved and scheduled in advance using our internal governance and approved by the supported agencies.  While all maintenance has the potential of downtime from 5:00am-6:00am the timeframe the actual downtime is typically much less.

Which browsers are supported for Justice Applications?

Most of the Justice applications were developed to run in Internet Explorer version 11. Unless otherwise indicated applications were not designed to run in earlier versions of Internet Explorer or in other web browsers.  JIS-Can be accessed in any web browser, however Chrome is recommended.

Who are the customers for Justice Applications?

Users for the Justice Applications include Harris County Justice and Law Enforcement Agencies and non-Harris County Agencies.

How do I obtain access, report an issue, or report an outage to LENS, LEMS, CAD OLO?

How do I request a new app or modifications to an existing Public Safety Application or Quickbase Apps?

By contacting (US) PublicSafetyDev at CTSPublicSafetyDev@hctx.net

How do I request new or modified Public Safety reports?

By contacting (US) PublicSafetyDev at CTSPublicSafetyDev@hctx.net

How do I get boxes transferred to the Records Center?

If you are an existing customer, utilize Total Recall to initiate the request.   If you are a new customer, contact us at 713-274-9005, and we will arrange a meeting to understand your record types, volumes, and services required to get your department started using the Records Center.

We have records that have been damaged by water – what do we do?

Since time is of the essence to ensure these records are dried and recovered, contact the Help Desk immediately at 713-274-4444.

I have a large number of records that need to be scanned; how can you help me?

We have a new service offering that converts physical (paper and microfilm) records to electronic files (pdf) for storage in either OpenText or your departmental records management system.  Please contact us at 713-274-7730 to get your project in our queue.

We want to improve our records and information management capabilities – can you help us?

We provide consulting services to Harris County organizations to improve their record and information management processes.  We use workflow mapping to help describe the information origin, flow, access controls, then provide recommendations on how to improve those processes, security, and accessibility of your information.

How do I obtain access to view cameras?

We provide consulting services to Harris County organizations to improve their record and information management processes.  We use workflow mapping to help describe the information origin, flow, access controls, then provide recommendations on how to improve those processes, security, and accessibility of your information.

How do I request new or additional devices (badge reader, duress button, camera, etc.)?

You can request new devices by contacting the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444.These requests often involve a “site walk” with our technicians to determine the scope and cost of work, so we request that an on-site point of contact be designated for each request.

How do I request recorded video for a camera?

You can request camera footage by contacting the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444.  Please include the camera name and date/time range of the footage and a reason for the request.

How do we request an intrusion alarm arm/disarm code?

You can request new or additional intrusion alarm arm/disarm codes by contacting the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444.  Please include the employee’s full name in the request.

What do I do if something is not working?

You can request repair service by contacting the Universal Services Help Desk at helpdesk@us.hctx.net or 713-274-4444.  We will dispatch a technician as soon as possible.