Systems Applications Programmer II - Police Department

About the role

The San José Police Department relies on mission-critical technology systems that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support public safety operations. The Department maintains one of the largest and most complex technology environments within the City of San José, including 21 remote facilities, more than 1,000 desktop workstations, approximately 450 Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), and over 80 application and database servers operating within a Microsoft Active Directory environment.

Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and enhance mission-critical public safety systems, including Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), Automated Field Reporting (AFR), Mobile Data Computer (MDC), and other departmental applications.
• Design, develop, test, implement, and maintain software applications, interfaces, scripts, reports, and automation solutions that improve operational efficiency and business processes.
• Provide programming, scripting, coding, troubleshooting, and technical support for CAD, RMS/AFR, and other Department applications.
• Collaborate with Department personnel, business stakeholders, City departments, and software vendors to analyze business requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement technical solutions.
• Support Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms and cloud-based applications utilized by the Department.
• Perform regular system audits, quality assurance reviews, and data validation activities to ensure system integrity, accuracy, security, and compliance.
• Develop, create, and deliver user training, technical documentation, and procedural guides tailored to the operational needs of various Department units.
• Compile, analyze, extract, and report data from Department systems to support operational, administrative, and executive decision-making.
• Develop reports, dashboards, data visualizations, and business intelligence solutions utilizing reporting tools such as Power BI and SQL-based reporting platforms.
• Implement, test, and support application upgrades, patches, releases, interfaces, and new technology deployments.
• Develop and maintain Department-specific applications, tools, workflows, and integrations to improve business processes and operational effectiveness.
• Support application programming interfaces (APIs), data exchanges, and integrations between internal and external systems.
• Provide customer support through phone, email, walk-in assistance, remote support, and the Department's Help Desk ticketing system.
• Track, document, and follow through on issues involving CAD, RMS/AFR, mobile applications, and other Department systems while coordinating with vendors and stakeholders through resolution.
• Participate in project planning, testing, implementation, and support activities for technology initiatives and public safety modernization projects.
• Ensure compliance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Department of Justice (DOJ), City, and Department technology policies and standards.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide after-hours support for critical public safety applications operating in a 24x7 environment.

Requirements

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to successful completion of advanced undergraduate course work from an accredited college or university in computer science, business administration or related field and two (2) years of computer systems applications programming experience.

Background: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation as required by the Police Department.

Qualifications

Desirable competencies for this position include:

• Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of application development, systems analysis, software implementation, systems integration, database management, and enterprise application support.
• Communication Skills: Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. Prepares clear technical documentation, reports, training materials, and user communications. Demonstrates active listening skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle SQL Plus, Visual Studios, SharePoint, SimplGov, Azure, JavaScript, HTML, XML, Web Technology, Powershell, and SaaS applications and cloud solutions.
• Decision Making: Identifies issues, evaluates alternatives, and exercises sound judgment when developing solutions. Demonstrates the ability to balance operational requirements, technical considerations, security requirements, and customer needs when making decisions.
• Problem Solving: Analyzes complex technical and business issues, gathers relevant information, identifies root causes, and develops effective solutions. Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and persistence in resolving problems while maintaining system reliability and service continuity.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Builds and maintains productive working relationships with colleagues, customers, vendors, and stakeholders. Collaborates effectively across organizational boundaries, supports team objectives, and demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, and respect in all interactions.
• Customer Service: Provides responsive, professional, and solution-oriented support to users and stakeholders. Demonstrates a commitment to delivering high-quality service, managing customer expectations, and ensuring timely resolution of issues in a mission-critical public safety environment.