Budget Services

The Budget and Information Technology Division is comprised of three distinct areas of operation: budget and fiscal management, technology development and information systems and supportive services. The Budget Unit’s functions relate to the management of the agency’s financial resources such as grants, purchasing, budget and fiscal report preparations. On a day-to-day basis, it regulates the department’s expenditures and receipts. The Technology and Systems Development (TSD) Unit concerns itself with the development and effective use of technology resources within the provisions of the department’s operations. TSD’s services include wide area network (WAN) operations and administration, computer hardware/software maintenance and development, and the use of information technology resources for research, planning, and management. The Supportive Services Unit maintains office supplies, provides mail courier service and operates a print shop in conjunction with a variety of other services as needed.

In 2005, the department’s expenditures were $64,920,665.

Technology and Systems Development

In concert with JIMS (Justice Information Management System) and CTC (Central Technology Center), the Technology and Systems Development Unit maintains the system that tracks juveniles, their offenses, pre-adjudication activities, case docketing, dispositions, and post-adjudication services and activities. The Unit also maintains the department’s computer network (WAN), which encompasses the administrative building and sixteen remote office and/or institution sites. Network users have access to JIMS’ facilities, local PC applications, the Internet, and E-fax, as well as specialized applications developed by Technology and Systems Development staff programmers.

The Technology Unit provides maintenance and upgrades of personal computers, printers, and related peripheral hardware, as well as providing user training and help desk activities.

The Application Development Unit engages in a diverse set of activities, which include development and maintenance of Delphi and Visual Basic applications as well as supporting legacy mainframe applications. Currently, they are working with several other Harris County agencies to rewrite all programs into a web based application. The new application will better facilitate the exchange of information across the department’s WAN and with its affiliates.

The Research Unit provides statistical information for the Media, Judges, Administration, Federal State and Local Agencies. They also assist graduate students and universities with statistical information.

The Data Control Unit maintains all electronic and paper files of the Department. They process all referrals from police agencies, Courts and other jurisdictions. All new referrals are imaged and indexed which assists staff at remote locations to obtain information electronically.