The document discusses emergency communication options for Montgomery County, NC in light of new federal regulations requiring systems to be upgraded. It explores upgrading the current dual UHF/VHF system at an estimated cost of $2.8 million versus switching to the state's VIPER digital system at an estimated $1.5 million, with grant funding available. Opinions on the options vary among local responders. The experiences of other counties that have implemented VIPER systems are also discussed, with most finding improved communication capabilities but some initial issues to work out. A final decision for Montgomery County is expected soon.
A person named Kevin Barritt completed an awareness test for Hertfordshire Police Service and scored 100% on October 30, 2016 at 19:39. The test was related to general channels and had an identification number of 5214.
8 years later, Vermont's 100 digital coverage still incomplete.
This is an Emergency Broadband Action Plan (EBAP). It was prepared by the Vermont Department of Public Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 The internet has become the highway to essential everyday services. It is also key to a vibrant economy. And now the COVID-19 pandemic has forced this new clarity about the internet: it can keep people safe during a public health emergency. On March 25, 2020, Governor Scott issued an executive order directing Vermonters to stay home and stay safe. The EBAP seeks to ensure that all Vermonters have access to the internet at home when a public emergency requires that we shelter in place, whether during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or during a natural disaster such as Tropical Storm Irene. Today, 23% of the state -- comprising 69,899 business and residential locations -- presently does not have access to broadband at 25/3 Mbps – the service speed that defines “broadband” under federal law.2 At this time, nobody knows when the public health threat of the COVID-19 virus will be suppressed, if not defeated. It is unclear when a vaccine will become available, or whether we will face yet new waves of contagion and mass illness that will force more sheltering at home and again shut down the public square and our economy. What we do know is that universal broadband access can provide the flexibility to meet this uncertainty with confidence that no one will be left behind for want of access to the internet.
Building a sustainable future for Government operational telecommunicationsComms Connect
This presentation will outline the unique role of the Telco Authority in supporting the NSW Government including public safety agencies. Chairman of the Board, Rod Gilmour, will present an overview of who we are and what we do, as well as the key achievements of the Authority over the last 3 years.
Mr Gilmour will also discuss:
- the benefits of industry and government collaboration
- our strategic activities and vision to provide the best opportunities and outcomes
- the services we provide to NSW Government agencies, now and in the future
- how we can support agencies improve services to the NSW community while reducing waste
Rod Gilmour, Chairman, NSW Telco Authority
Surveys, Data and Stories to Inform Policy and InvestmentAnn Treacy
This document summarizes broadband access surveys from four rural Minnesota communities. Over 2,600 surveys were completed, with 25% of respondents indicating they only have cellular internet or no internet access at all. The top reasons for lack of access were no services being offered at their location or prices being too high. Respondents said they would use better broadband for education, work, communication, and entertainment. Stories from residents provided personal accounts of struggles with slow, unreliable, or expensive existing services like satellite that don't support needs like work-from-home VPN access or uploading school assignments. Community leaders are encouraged to consider these resident experiences and priorities when making broadband policy and investment decisions.
Enforcement changes under Queensland’s vegetation clearing lawsDeveloping InSight
This Developing InSight deals with the enhanced compliance and enforcement measures under the Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (VMOLA Bill).
14a-Interoperable Communications CIEM 2015 VERSION 2Phil Royce
The document discusses Florida's efforts to improve emergency communications interoperability. It describes governance structures like the Statewide Interoperability Governance Board and key statewide communications systems including the Florida Interoperability Network, Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System, and Emergency Digital Information Communication System. It also discusses projects to enhance data sharing and the statewide alert and warning network. Overall, the document provides an overview of Florida's approach to achieving interoperable emergency communications across jurisdictions and disciplines.
The document discusses updates from the International Wireless Communications Expo, including presentations on Project 25 compliance and wearable technology for public safety. It also provides an overview of the Office of Emergency Communications' 100-Day Plan, which includes initiatives such as developing grant guidance procedures and engaging state, local, and tribal agencies along international borders to support emergency communications goals. Finally, it expresses hope that these initiatives will help align emergency communication efforts with the updated National Emergency Communications Plan.
This presentation was given by Steve Proctor, Director of the Utah Communications Agency Network, to the Utah Broadband Advisory Council on January 12, 2012.
A person named Kevin Barritt completed an awareness test for Hertfordshire Police Service and scored 100% on October 30, 2016 at 19:39. The test was related to general channels and had an identification number of 5214.
8 years later, Vermont's 100 digital coverage still incomplete.
This is an Emergency Broadband Action Plan (EBAP). It was prepared by the Vermont Department of Public Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 The internet has become the highway to essential everyday services. It is also key to a vibrant economy. And now the COVID-19 pandemic has forced this new clarity about the internet: it can keep people safe during a public health emergency. On March 25, 2020, Governor Scott issued an executive order directing Vermonters to stay home and stay safe. The EBAP seeks to ensure that all Vermonters have access to the internet at home when a public emergency requires that we shelter in place, whether during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or during a natural disaster such as Tropical Storm Irene. Today, 23% of the state -- comprising 69,899 business and residential locations -- presently does not have access to broadband at 25/3 Mbps – the service speed that defines “broadband” under federal law.2 At this time, nobody knows when the public health threat of the COVID-19 virus will be suppressed, if not defeated. It is unclear when a vaccine will become available, or whether we will face yet new waves of contagion and mass illness that will force more sheltering at home and again shut down the public square and our economy. What we do know is that universal broadband access can provide the flexibility to meet this uncertainty with confidence that no one will be left behind for want of access to the internet.
Building a sustainable future for Government operational telecommunicationsComms Connect
This presentation will outline the unique role of the Telco Authority in supporting the NSW Government including public safety agencies. Chairman of the Board, Rod Gilmour, will present an overview of who we are and what we do, as well as the key achievements of the Authority over the last 3 years.
Mr Gilmour will also discuss:
- the benefits of industry and government collaboration
- our strategic activities and vision to provide the best opportunities and outcomes
- the services we provide to NSW Government agencies, now and in the future
- how we can support agencies improve services to the NSW community while reducing waste
Rod Gilmour, Chairman, NSW Telco Authority
Surveys, Data and Stories to Inform Policy and InvestmentAnn Treacy
This document summarizes broadband access surveys from four rural Minnesota communities. Over 2,600 surveys were completed, with 25% of respondents indicating they only have cellular internet or no internet access at all. The top reasons for lack of access were no services being offered at their location or prices being too high. Respondents said they would use better broadband for education, work, communication, and entertainment. Stories from residents provided personal accounts of struggles with slow, unreliable, or expensive existing services like satellite that don't support needs like work-from-home VPN access or uploading school assignments. Community leaders are encouraged to consider these resident experiences and priorities when making broadband policy and investment decisions.
Enforcement changes under Queensland’s vegetation clearing lawsDeveloping InSight
This Developing InSight deals with the enhanced compliance and enforcement measures under the Vegetation Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (VMOLA Bill).
14a-Interoperable Communications CIEM 2015 VERSION 2Phil Royce
The document discusses Florida's efforts to improve emergency communications interoperability. It describes governance structures like the Statewide Interoperability Governance Board and key statewide communications systems including the Florida Interoperability Network, Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System, and Emergency Digital Information Communication System. It also discusses projects to enhance data sharing and the statewide alert and warning network. Overall, the document provides an overview of Florida's approach to achieving interoperable emergency communications across jurisdictions and disciplines.
The document discusses updates from the International Wireless Communications Expo, including presentations on Project 25 compliance and wearable technology for public safety. It also provides an overview of the Office of Emergency Communications' 100-Day Plan, which includes initiatives such as developing grant guidance procedures and engaging state, local, and tribal agencies along international borders to support emergency communications goals. Finally, it expresses hope that these initiatives will help align emergency communication efforts with the updated National Emergency Communications Plan.
This presentation was given by Steve Proctor, Director of the Utah Communications Agency Network, to the Utah Broadband Advisory Council on January 12, 2012.
This document discusses the challenge of interoperability between different public safety agencies. It describes how agencies currently have incompatible radio systems that prevent real-time communication, especially during multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is working on several initiatives to address this problem, including supporting new technology development, testing pilot programs, developing standards, and educating stakeholders. The NIJ's AGILE program takes a comprehensive approach, with the goal of improving information sharing between law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency responders to enable better coordination during incidents and emergencies.
Office of Emergency CommunicationsAugust 2013Emergen.docxShiraPrater50
Office of Emergency Communications
August 2013Emergency Communications Case Study:
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
DURING THE RESPONSE TO THE BOSTON
MARATHON BOMBING
The athletes competing in the 2013 Boston Marathon had prepared for months and even years to tackle the mental
and physical challenges of running 26.2 miles. From the elite athletes to the middle-of-the-packers, each runner
came to the starting line with a foundation of training and hard work. The same was true for the police, fire, and
other emergency personnel present to support the race. It was their foundation of communications planning,
training, and coordination that made a lifesaving difference when one of Boston’s best days became one of its
worst.
PLANNING FOR RACE
COMMUNICATIONS
The region’s public safety community was prepared
for a challenging, large planned event on the
morning of April 15, 2013. The Boston Marathon
is one of the world’s oldest and most cherished
races--attracting tens of thousands of participants,
international media attention, and more than half a
million spectators. The city has hosted its marathon
since 1897 and over the years has honed its
approach to the sprawling Patriot’s Day race as it has
improved communications technology, coordination,
interoperability, and planning across the region.
Steve Staffier, Communications and Interoperability
Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC),
says that for the last several decades the State has
worked with the Boston Athletic Association, Federal
authorities, and the eight communities affected by
the race to plan and coordinate communications
among the various agencies that support the
marathon.
In 2010, as part of assessing National Emergency
Communications Plan Goal 1, the Department
of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency
Communications (OEC) observed the Metro Boston
Homeland Security Region’s communications
capabilities during the marathon. In its
assessment, OEC recommended further integrating
communications into the event’s overall command
and control functions. The region responded
by requesting OEC technical assistance to train
additional Communications Unit Leaders (COML)
and used funding available through the Interoperable
Emergency Communications Grant Program to train
more Communications Unit Technicians (COMT).
COMLs plan and manage communications during
an event while COMTs support the technical needs
of the plan and communications unit. The region
also participated in a Statewide Communication
Interoperability Plan (SCIP) workshop, facilitated
by OEC, to ensure public safety organizations
understood the Statewide Plan and how to leverage
existing resources and capabilities. Boston then
participated in two additional SCIP workshops in
2012 to incorporate advancements in technology
into the updated plan.
RACE DAY TURNS TRAGIC
Before the 2013 rac ...
MPSCS presented at the 2013 Michigan Interoperable Communications Conference in Traverse City. The conference brought together federal, state, and local communications and emergency personnel to discuss statewide interoperability issues and technology. MPSCS staff discussed public safety broadband, lessons learned from recent incidents like Super Storm Sandy and the I-96 shooting, and tools for asset management. Director Brad Stoddard said the conferences help formulate communication strategies and look at components as a converged emergency communications system. MPSCS also uses the conference to gather feedback to plan future actions.
60
16
Resource Review
Products
18
62
Point of View
Calendar
The New Normal
64
20
Advertiser Index
In the Field
66
22
About Emergency Management
Tech Talk
24
68
Training & Education
Back Page
26
The Last Word
Grants & Funding
28
Point of View
30
In the Field
32
Tech Talk
34
Training & Education
36
Grants & Funding
38
Products
40
Resource Review
42
Universal Service Support for Rural HealthcareSamantha Haas
This document summarizes the Universal Service Support program for rural health care providers. It provides details on eligible health care providers and telecommunications providers. Statistics are given on funding amounts and numbers of health care provider sites from 1998 to 2009. An overview is given of the FCC's Rural Health Care pilot program established in 2006 to help build broadband networks for health care. National Broadband Plan recommendations are made to revamp the rural health care support program.
This white paper discusses how converged IP communications platforms can provide improved crisis communications capabilities over legacy systems through features that increase survivability, interoperability, and functionality. Survivability is enhanced by fault-tolerant hardware, automatic rerouting, and the ability to switch between VoIP and circuit-switched modes. Interoperability is improved through integrated dispatch systems that can connect various public safety devices. Additional benefits include enhanced 911 services, alert systems, personal communications portals, and one-number reachability across multiple devices.
- The document provides an overview of major changes and trends in the public safety industry in 2015 and predictions for 2016, as summarized in Winbourne Consulting's December 2015 newsletter. Some of the key changes and trends discussed include the continued expansion of NG9-1-1 planning and implementations, growth in the use of body worn cameras and digital evidence, and progress on FirstNet's nationwide public safety broadband network. The newsletter also summarizes mergers and acquisitions among public safety technology vendors in 2015 and highlights areas of focus for Winbourne Consulting.
Maryland's 12 Core Goals for Homeland Securitymdgov
The document summarizes Maryland's progress over 10 years in achieving its 12 core goals for homeland security. It discusses how Maryland has improved its interoperable communications systems between first responders, enhanced information sharing between law enforcement agencies, developed specialized hazardous materials and bomb squad response teams, improved protective equipment for first responders, established bio-surveillance systems to track disease outbreaks, improved critical infrastructure security, conducted statewide training and exercises, expanded CCTV monitoring of key areas, and enhanced medical information sharing.
Enterprise Mobility Transforming Public Service and Citizen EngagementSAP Asia Pacific
This document discusses how mobile technologies can transform public services and citizen engagement. It finds that government agencies globally agree mobile solutions can reduce costs, improve workforce productivity and satisfaction, and enhance public safety. The top four areas where mobile is having impact are: 1) Improving community awareness and citizen engagement through two-way communication. 2) Enhancing transportation systems through real-time updates and mobile payments. 3) Allowing public safety officials access to real-time information to better allocate resources. 4) Transforming public health through mobile health applications. Examples are given of governments achieving benefits in these areas.
- The document discusses broadband connectivity and internet use among Utah cities, towns, and businesses.
- It found that 32% of Utah cities and towns do not have a website, despite high residential broadband adoption rates.
- A survey of rural Utah businesses found that 72% do not have a website, limiting their ability to serve customers online.
- The document argues that all governments and businesses should have an online presence to better serve constituents and customers in the digital age. Establishing websites could help boost economic development across Utah.
The Waterford Fire & Rescue Department has expanded to provide paramedic-level emergency services to improve the quality of care available to residents. The department partnered with the Town of Vernon to obtain paramedic licensing and currently has two trained paramedics with plans to increase staffing over time. Response times have also improved dramatically through department reorganization.
This report analyzes the potential cost savings from Toronto's enhanced Streets to Homes program. Research shows that housing individuals experiencing homelessness reduces their use of expensive emergency services like shelters, hospitals and jails. The report provides preliminary estimates of savings and recommends further analysis once the program has operated for a full year. It also recommends requesting cost-sharing from other levels of government given the shared benefits across social service systems.
The document discusses Minnesota's consultation project for FirstNet, a nationwide public safety broadband network. It outlines Minnesota's expertise in public safety communications networks and the objectives of the consultation project. The project aims to prepare Minnesota to negotiate with FirstNet and develop a strategic plan. Tasks include education and outreach, surveys of agencies and personnel, coverage assessments, and workgroups to develop requirements. Challenges include uncertainty around FirstNet's partnership and asset leverage terms, as well as effectively engaging tribal stakeholders. Lessons learned include the importance of communication, leveraging expertise, and giving stakeholders opportunities for input.
The document discusses Minnesota's consultation project for FirstNet, a nationwide public safety broadband network. It outlines Minnesota's expertise in public safety communications networks and the objectives of the consultation project. The project aims to prepare Minnesota to negotiate with FirstNet and develop a strategic plan. Tasks include education and outreach, surveys of agencies and personnel, coverage assessments, and workgroups to develop requirements. Challenges include uncertainty around FirstNet's partnership and asset leverage terms, as well as effectively engaging tribal stakeholders. Lessons learned include the importance of communication, leveraging expertise, and giving stakeholders opportunities for input.
State officials in California will hold workshops to examine incorporating wireless technologies into emergency alert systems. The workshops on August 14th in San Francisco and August 21st in Los Angeles will bring together experts from government and the private sector. California's Governor's Office of Emergency Services is working to upgrade current alert systems to comply with federal standards and develop technology to send alerts to wireless devices within specific areas to save lives during emergencies.
Vermont Information Consortium 2014 ReportNIC Inc | EGOV
This document provides an overview of the Vermont portal's achievements over its first seven years and introduces some upcoming services. It discusses the launch of the electronic Current Use application (eCUSE) which allows landowners to apply for the Current Use Tax program online. It also summarizes an article about not rushing security breach notifications and following an incident response plan. Finally, it announces a new flexible template for the Content Management System that was designed to meet Vermont's needs and allow agencies to communicate more effectively with citizens.
1) The Vegas Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) partnered with SpectraRep to develop an emergency data transmission system called IncidentOne.
2) IncidentOne allows the Clark County School District in Nevada to digitally transmit up-to-date information like school blueprints, emergency plans, and live CCTV footage directly to first responders via the bandwidth in the Vegas PBS digital television signal.
3) The system provides the school district assured communication capacity in emergencies that won't be overwhelmed, allowing critical information to quickly reach police and emergency services.
Public Safety view of ESF - 18 ; Emergency Support Function 18David Sweigert
This document provides an agenda and background materials for a Public Safety Policy Committee meeting. The agenda includes presentations on offender data sharing and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, as well as legislative updates. Attachment A discusses two bills - SB 1278 regarding training for animal control officers, and AB 1532 concerning suspending driver's licenses for hit-and-run accidents involving injury. The committee will consider supporting or opposing these bills.
More Related Content
Similar to Interoperability Emergency Communications News Clips
This document discusses the challenge of interoperability between different public safety agencies. It describes how agencies currently have incompatible radio systems that prevent real-time communication, especially during multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is working on several initiatives to address this problem, including supporting new technology development, testing pilot programs, developing standards, and educating stakeholders. The NIJ's AGILE program takes a comprehensive approach, with the goal of improving information sharing between law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency responders to enable better coordination during incidents and emergencies.
Office of Emergency CommunicationsAugust 2013Emergen.docxShiraPrater50
Office of Emergency Communications
August 2013Emergency Communications Case Study:
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
DURING THE RESPONSE TO THE BOSTON
MARATHON BOMBING
The athletes competing in the 2013 Boston Marathon had prepared for months and even years to tackle the mental
and physical challenges of running 26.2 miles. From the elite athletes to the middle-of-the-packers, each runner
came to the starting line with a foundation of training and hard work. The same was true for the police, fire, and
other emergency personnel present to support the race. It was their foundation of communications planning,
training, and coordination that made a lifesaving difference when one of Boston’s best days became one of its
worst.
PLANNING FOR RACE
COMMUNICATIONS
The region’s public safety community was prepared
for a challenging, large planned event on the
morning of April 15, 2013. The Boston Marathon
is one of the world’s oldest and most cherished
races--attracting tens of thousands of participants,
international media attention, and more than half a
million spectators. The city has hosted its marathon
since 1897 and over the years has honed its
approach to the sprawling Patriot’s Day race as it has
improved communications technology, coordination,
interoperability, and planning across the region.
Steve Staffier, Communications and Interoperability
Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC),
says that for the last several decades the State has
worked with the Boston Athletic Association, Federal
authorities, and the eight communities affected by
the race to plan and coordinate communications
among the various agencies that support the
marathon.
In 2010, as part of assessing National Emergency
Communications Plan Goal 1, the Department
of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency
Communications (OEC) observed the Metro Boston
Homeland Security Region’s communications
capabilities during the marathon. In its
assessment, OEC recommended further integrating
communications into the event’s overall command
and control functions. The region responded
by requesting OEC technical assistance to train
additional Communications Unit Leaders (COML)
and used funding available through the Interoperable
Emergency Communications Grant Program to train
more Communications Unit Technicians (COMT).
COMLs plan and manage communications during
an event while COMTs support the technical needs
of the plan and communications unit. The region
also participated in a Statewide Communication
Interoperability Plan (SCIP) workshop, facilitated
by OEC, to ensure public safety organizations
understood the Statewide Plan and how to leverage
existing resources and capabilities. Boston then
participated in two additional SCIP workshops in
2012 to incorporate advancements in technology
into the updated plan.
RACE DAY TURNS TRAGIC
Before the 2013 rac ...
MPSCS presented at the 2013 Michigan Interoperable Communications Conference in Traverse City. The conference brought together federal, state, and local communications and emergency personnel to discuss statewide interoperability issues and technology. MPSCS staff discussed public safety broadband, lessons learned from recent incidents like Super Storm Sandy and the I-96 shooting, and tools for asset management. Director Brad Stoddard said the conferences help formulate communication strategies and look at components as a converged emergency communications system. MPSCS also uses the conference to gather feedback to plan future actions.
60
16
Resource Review
Products
18
62
Point of View
Calendar
The New Normal
64
20
Advertiser Index
In the Field
66
22
About Emergency Management
Tech Talk
24
68
Training & Education
Back Page
26
The Last Word
Grants & Funding
28
Point of View
30
In the Field
32
Tech Talk
34
Training & Education
36
Grants & Funding
38
Products
40
Resource Review
42
Universal Service Support for Rural HealthcareSamantha Haas
This document summarizes the Universal Service Support program for rural health care providers. It provides details on eligible health care providers and telecommunications providers. Statistics are given on funding amounts and numbers of health care provider sites from 1998 to 2009. An overview is given of the FCC's Rural Health Care pilot program established in 2006 to help build broadband networks for health care. National Broadband Plan recommendations are made to revamp the rural health care support program.
This white paper discusses how converged IP communications platforms can provide improved crisis communications capabilities over legacy systems through features that increase survivability, interoperability, and functionality. Survivability is enhanced by fault-tolerant hardware, automatic rerouting, and the ability to switch between VoIP and circuit-switched modes. Interoperability is improved through integrated dispatch systems that can connect various public safety devices. Additional benefits include enhanced 911 services, alert systems, personal communications portals, and one-number reachability across multiple devices.
- The document provides an overview of major changes and trends in the public safety industry in 2015 and predictions for 2016, as summarized in Winbourne Consulting's December 2015 newsletter. Some of the key changes and trends discussed include the continued expansion of NG9-1-1 planning and implementations, growth in the use of body worn cameras and digital evidence, and progress on FirstNet's nationwide public safety broadband network. The newsletter also summarizes mergers and acquisitions among public safety technology vendors in 2015 and highlights areas of focus for Winbourne Consulting.
Maryland's 12 Core Goals for Homeland Securitymdgov
The document summarizes Maryland's progress over 10 years in achieving its 12 core goals for homeland security. It discusses how Maryland has improved its interoperable communications systems between first responders, enhanced information sharing between law enforcement agencies, developed specialized hazardous materials and bomb squad response teams, improved protective equipment for first responders, established bio-surveillance systems to track disease outbreaks, improved critical infrastructure security, conducted statewide training and exercises, expanded CCTV monitoring of key areas, and enhanced medical information sharing.
Enterprise Mobility Transforming Public Service and Citizen EngagementSAP Asia Pacific
This document discusses how mobile technologies can transform public services and citizen engagement. It finds that government agencies globally agree mobile solutions can reduce costs, improve workforce productivity and satisfaction, and enhance public safety. The top four areas where mobile is having impact are: 1) Improving community awareness and citizen engagement through two-way communication. 2) Enhancing transportation systems through real-time updates and mobile payments. 3) Allowing public safety officials access to real-time information to better allocate resources. 4) Transforming public health through mobile health applications. Examples are given of governments achieving benefits in these areas.
- The document discusses broadband connectivity and internet use among Utah cities, towns, and businesses.
- It found that 32% of Utah cities and towns do not have a website, despite high residential broadband adoption rates.
- A survey of rural Utah businesses found that 72% do not have a website, limiting their ability to serve customers online.
- The document argues that all governments and businesses should have an online presence to better serve constituents and customers in the digital age. Establishing websites could help boost economic development across Utah.
The Waterford Fire & Rescue Department has expanded to provide paramedic-level emergency services to improve the quality of care available to residents. The department partnered with the Town of Vernon to obtain paramedic licensing and currently has two trained paramedics with plans to increase staffing over time. Response times have also improved dramatically through department reorganization.
This report analyzes the potential cost savings from Toronto's enhanced Streets to Homes program. Research shows that housing individuals experiencing homelessness reduces their use of expensive emergency services like shelters, hospitals and jails. The report provides preliminary estimates of savings and recommends further analysis once the program has operated for a full year. It also recommends requesting cost-sharing from other levels of government given the shared benefits across social service systems.
The document discusses Minnesota's consultation project for FirstNet, a nationwide public safety broadband network. It outlines Minnesota's expertise in public safety communications networks and the objectives of the consultation project. The project aims to prepare Minnesota to negotiate with FirstNet and develop a strategic plan. Tasks include education and outreach, surveys of agencies and personnel, coverage assessments, and workgroups to develop requirements. Challenges include uncertainty around FirstNet's partnership and asset leverage terms, as well as effectively engaging tribal stakeholders. Lessons learned include the importance of communication, leveraging expertise, and giving stakeholders opportunities for input.
The document discusses Minnesota's consultation project for FirstNet, a nationwide public safety broadband network. It outlines Minnesota's expertise in public safety communications networks and the objectives of the consultation project. The project aims to prepare Minnesota to negotiate with FirstNet and develop a strategic plan. Tasks include education and outreach, surveys of agencies and personnel, coverage assessments, and workgroups to develop requirements. Challenges include uncertainty around FirstNet's partnership and asset leverage terms, as well as effectively engaging tribal stakeholders. Lessons learned include the importance of communication, leveraging expertise, and giving stakeholders opportunities for input.
State officials in California will hold workshops to examine incorporating wireless technologies into emergency alert systems. The workshops on August 14th in San Francisco and August 21st in Los Angeles will bring together experts from government and the private sector. California's Governor's Office of Emergency Services is working to upgrade current alert systems to comply with federal standards and develop technology to send alerts to wireless devices within specific areas to save lives during emergencies.
Vermont Information Consortium 2014 ReportNIC Inc | EGOV
This document provides an overview of the Vermont portal's achievements over its first seven years and introduces some upcoming services. It discusses the launch of the electronic Current Use application (eCUSE) which allows landowners to apply for the Current Use Tax program online. It also summarizes an article about not rushing security breach notifications and following an incident response plan. Finally, it announces a new flexible template for the Content Management System that was designed to meet Vermont's needs and allow agencies to communicate more effectively with citizens.
1) The Vegas Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) partnered with SpectraRep to develop an emergency data transmission system called IncidentOne.
2) IncidentOne allows the Clark County School District in Nevada to digitally transmit up-to-date information like school blueprints, emergency plans, and live CCTV footage directly to first responders via the bandwidth in the Vegas PBS digital television signal.
3) The system provides the school district assured communication capacity in emergencies that won't be overwhelmed, allowing critical information to quickly reach police and emergency services.
Public Safety view of ESF - 18 ; Emergency Support Function 18David Sweigert
This document provides an agenda and background materials for a Public Safety Policy Committee meeting. The agenda includes presentations on offender data sharing and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, as well as legislative updates. Attachment A discusses two bills - SB 1278 regarding training for animal control officers, and AB 1532 concerning suspending driver's licenses for hit-and-run accidents involving injury. The committee will consider supporting or opposing these bills.
Similar to Interoperability Emergency Communications News Clips (20)
1. 1
Interoperability & Emergency Communications News Clips
June 26, 2009- July 10, 2009
Emergency communications options explored................................................................... 2
DHS: DHS Announces Sites for Multi-Band Radio Pilot .................................................. 5
Pilot Organizations Announced for DHS' Multi-Band Radio Project ................................ 6
A need for discourse ........................................................................................................... 8
SPECIAL REPORT: Tech Solutions energize the good to be even better......................... 9
DHS takes step forward on interoperability...................................................................... 12
Law enforcement agencies struggle to communicate despite technological advances..... 13
New York State Hosts First Public Safety Interoperability Symposium with Focus on
Governance ....................................................................................................................... 16
US States Make Strides in Advancing Interoperable Communication............................. 19
D.C. Train Crash Shows Major Cities Better Prepared for Emergency Response........... 20
HAM radio operators practice emergency response skills ............................................... 21
Disaster responders train on new system.......................................................................... 22
2. 2
Emergency communications options explored
July 10, 2009
Montgomery Herald
By Linda Beaulieu
URL:
http://www.montgomeryherald.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/top_stories/doc4a4b69ed98
23c234584209.txt
A good communication system is the core of emergency response services, allowing
various agencies to quickly respond to incidents and communicate with each other on
scene. Changes in federal regulations, brought about by communication problems during
the terrorist attacks at New York’s Twin Towers on 9-11 and Gulf Coast hurricanes,
mean that Montgomery County emergency agencies will have to either upgrade their
current communication systems or switch to another system.
New federal regulations, commonly referred to as “narrow banding” and meant to
increase the number of UHF and VHF channels, go into effect in 2013 and would require
substantial cost to upgrade current equipment.
Montgomery County agencies currently use two different systems, with law enforcement
using UHF (ultra high frequency) systems while fire, EMS and rescue use VHF (very
high frequency). While this system has worked fairly well for many years, it does have
problems, most serious being dead spots across the county where responders can’t get
radio signals.
Shortly after coming to work in 2007, Alan Griffin, the county’s emergency management
director, raised the issues of the new federal regulations and signal problems. In January,
a seven-person committee led by Griffin with representation from different county
emergency agencies began a communication study, which Griffin expects to present to
county commissioners this month.
According to Griffin, the study compared two options. One is upgrading the current
UHF/VHF dual system and additions that will allow interoperability among agencies.
Griffin estimates a cost of $2.8 million for this option.
“It will be tough to get large scale grant funding for this,” Griffin explained, since this
option will not support the system the state is using to meet federal interoperability
standards. The state system, called VIPER (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency
Responders) is a digital 800 MHz system, and the state is bearing the cost of installing
VIPER towers, including some in Montgomery County.
Estimated cost for full VIPER compliant equipment for the county is close to $1.5
million, with numerous grant opportunities available for local equipment, according to
Griffin. Grants have already been received or approved for part of this cost, with funding
in place for the first phase of VIPER, which makes the 911 communication center VIPER
compatible. FirstHealth EMS has also been approved for a grant for VIPER capability
3. 3
and the Sheriff’s Office has been approved for partial grant funding covering 14 VIPER-
capable hand held radios.
The biggest costs will be for the county’s 10 fire departments, since they have the largest
number of radios, and Griffin has applied for two grants, one which will require an
$80,000 county match and another, a BRAC grant that would cover the full remaining
cost.
There are conflicting opinions among some members of the study group about which
option is best. Troy Fire Chief Joe Huntley has said from what he’s learned so far, the
VIPER system doesn’t allow for signal penetration into structures as well as the VHF
system; the county would have to keep part of the current system in place since VIPER
doesn’t work for firefighters’ paging systems. “I realize digital is more modern but I still
feel like the fire departments will be better off with the old system,” Huntley said, adding
that he hadn’t yet taken advantage of the opportunity some other local agencies have had
to try out the VIPER radios the county already has.
Tracy Parsons, outgoing captain of the Montgomery County Rescue Squad, however, is a
VIPER fan. Parsons said rescue personnel have used the VIPER radios several times,
including the recent search operation for the Raleigh youth group on the Uwharrie River.
“We cover the whole county and have lots of areas where we can’t get a communication
signal,” Parsons said. “We’ve used VIPER on the Uwharrie Trail and other places and
I’m tickled to death with it; it’s got great service anywhere I’ve been and I really like it.”
Star Police Chief Dempsey Owens, who was also on the study committee, said he
believes the county will go to VIPER sooner or later. “We’ve got the interstate, and the
Highway Patrol is pushing it,” he said. Although Griffin is applying for grants that could
eventually phase in local law enforcement, “There’s a lot of what ifs,” Owens said. Just
in case the countywide grants don’t come through, Owens is applying for a grant that will
get the Star P.D. enough VIPER compliant equipment to use as a secondary
communication system.
Other counties’ experience
Currently, 67 N.C. counties or municipalities are part of the state’s VIPER partnership.
According to Capt. Everett Clendenin, with N.C. Crime Control and Public Safety,
VIPER is not mandatory and agencies moving to VIPER must find their own funding.
“It’s up to counties to decide but it is the way North Carolina is moving,” he said. “The
towers are going up and it’s advantageous for local responders. It gets emergency
responders all on the same channel and they can talk instantly among different agencies.”
From the list of 67 VIPER partners, the Herald picked four at random and spoke with
emergency management directors about how they’re using the system.
4. 4
Stanly County used Homeland Security grants to purchase VIPER equipment being used
as a secondary system, giving one radio each to different agencies, including outlying fire
departments, police departments, sheriff’s department, the hospital and public health
department, that allow them to communicate with each other and outside agencies in
disasters or mutual aid situations.
“It’s there for back up and it works well,” said Brian Simpson, Emergency Management
director. “We can talk from all over, even in poor signal areas.” Stanly has no current
plans to expand its VIPER capability, citing the expense to completely transition their
current UHF/VHF system.
Hoke County is moving to full VIPER according to EM Director Freddy Johnson. “It will
be our primary system for fire, rescue and EMS and we’re in the process of implementing
it now,” he said. Law enforcement will be phased in as funding becomes available. Based
on testing and current use, he said the system works very well and they’ve found no
problems of communication among individuals on scene and have found only a handful
of large structures where signal penetration is an issue. Hoke County is installing a
$12,000 repeater that will handle that problem.
Johnson is also president of the Cumberland County Fire Chief’s Association and said
Cumberland’s VIPER system is up and running and everyone is pleased with it. “It’s a
good thing; it’s the future,” he added.
In Bladen County, rescue, fire, ambulance and sheriff’s departments are fully VIPER
compatible. Fire departments have VIPER radios in their trucks and handhelds for line
officers. “We’re still working out the bugs in paging and using both systems at the same
time right now,” said EM Director Mitchell Byrd, who noted they’ve had to install more
repeaters and that the system is expensive. Byrd’s FEMA grant applications were not
successful and the county commissioners opted to finance the cost, estimated at $1.8
million. Noting that Bladen is in “hurricane alley,” Byrd said he feels the ability to easily
communicate among different local and outside agencies will be helpful, “so the right
hand knows what the left hand’s doing.”
Steve Hale, EM director in Rockingham County, said VIPER will be their primary
communication system and the county’s base site is operational.
In 2004, Rockingham County officials did a communication study that showed poor
interoperability among agencies using different UHF/VHF bands. “Narrow banding was
an issue we knew was coming,” he said, and the county included communications
upgrades in its five-year capital improvement plan for county-funded agencies, including
sheriff, EMS and emergency management.
He’s working with the 21 volunteer fire departments on grant applications to help with
their costs.
5. 5
“There was a lot of skepticism at first and people had concerns, but we handed out the
cache of state VIPER radios to fire chiefs and police departments and other agencies to
try them,” Hale said. “They were concerned about the cost and said they couldn’t afford
to have these radios, but now they want more. Communication is the most important part
of the situation and the only thing that hasn’t moved forward in firefighting is
communication technology.”
Griffin, responding to questions about signal penetration in buildings, said he’s tested the
VIPER equipment with a few of the committee members in several local structures,
including a Troy industrial building, the hospital and the Wadeville Fire Department.
“The coverage was fine and we could talk mobile to mobile and back to the 911 center,”
Griffin said. “There may be some spots with signal issues, but less than what we have
now.”
He also noted that if full grant funding doesn’t come through, the VIPER system, which
is his recommended option, can be phased in gradually as funds become available.
###
DHS: DHS Announces Sites for Multi-Band Radio Pilot
July 7, 2009
TMCnet.com
URL: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/07/07/4261591.htm
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate
today announced the 14 lead organizations for the upcoming pilot phase of testing and
evaluation (T&E) for the Multi-Band Radio project. The pilots comprise the final phase
of a three-part T&E process that includes laboratory testing, short-term demonstrations,
and pilot projects.
In 2008, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate awarded a contract to demonstrate
a multi-band radio that enables emergency responders-police, firefighters, emergency
medical personnel and others-to communicate with partner agencies, regardless of the
radio band on which they operate. Currently, radios only operate within a specific
frequency band; subsequently, responders are often unable to communicate with other
agencies and support units that operate in different radio frequencies. Comparable in size
and weight to existing portable radios with similar features, multi-band radio would
provide users with much-improved incident communications capabilities.
The pilot phase provides a unique opportunity for agencies to access the latest technology
and implement it in their daily operations. Feedback from local, state, and federal
participants during the first two phases was incorporated into a production-ready multi-
band radio to be used for this pilot.
The 14 lead organizations in the pilot are: * 2010 Olympic Security Committee (Blaine,
Wash., and Vancouver, B.C. Canada) * Amtrak (Northeast Corridor) * Boise Fire
6. 6
Department (Boise, Idaho) * Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group
(Ottawa, ON Canada) * Customs and Border Patrol (Detroit) * Federal Emergency
Management Agency (Multiple Locations) * Hawaii State Civil Defense (Honolulu) *
Interagency Communication Interoperability System (Los Angeles County, Calif.) *
Michigan Emergency Medical Services (Lower Peninsula Areas) * Murray State
University (Southwest Kentucky) * Phoenix Police Department and Arizona Department
of Emergency Management Greater Phoenix and Yuma County) * Texas National Guard
(Austin, Texas) * U.S. Marshals Service (Northeast Region) * Washington Metro Area
Transit Authority Transit Police (District of Columbia) Each agency will conduct a
minimum 30-day pilot in fall 2009. The pilots are designed to focus on the capabilities
and effectiveness of the technology, with users primarily in a command-and-control role
or involved in special operations with multiple entities. The agencies and sites were
chosen to represent a broad range of communication environments. Factors such as
operating bands, partner agencies and disciplines, interoperable conditions, and
geographic landscapes were considered when selecting pilot sites.
Results will be documented at the conclusion of the test, and all findings and lessons
learned will be published in a comprehensive report that is expected to be posted on the
SAFECOM program Web site, www.safecomprogram.gov, in early 2010. The report will
provide details to manufacturers about the needs of the response community and assist
officials in making informed radio purchasing decisions in the future.
###
Pilot Organizations Announced for DHS' Multi-Band Radio Project
July 7, 2009
Government Technology
By Elaine Rundle
URL: http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/699470
On July 2, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology
Directorate announced the organizations that will participate in the pilot phase of the
Multi-Band Radio Project. The project's goal is to address the challenges of
interoperability and produce a radio that enables emergency responders to communicate
regardless of the radio band they operate on. In 2008, the directorate awarded Thales
Communication Inc. a $6.2 million contract to demonstrate a portable multiband radio.
"The fundamental issue in interoperability is the inability of agencies from different
jurisdictions arriving on scene at a major emergency to communicate with each other,"
said David Boyd, director of the DHS' Science and Technology Directorate's Command,
Control and Interoperability Division. "Most of the resources that arrive in any
emergency, especially initially, are local and then the next level at state and then typically
the federal government comes in after that. Our challenge is to allow all of them to
communicate with each other seamlessly."
7. 7
Boyd said at least several hundred organizations were interested in participating in the
project's pilot phase. Criteria for participating agencies included a willingness to play,
according to Boyd. "We're not just handing out a radio," he said. "We're looking at
collecting data back, lessons learned, experiences in the field. So we're after something
that's larger than just 'We'll give you a radio and walk away,' because we're trying to
prove out what this equipment is and find out what else we may need to do with it."
The Science and Technology Directorate also was looking for a variety of agencies to
participate. Boyd said the project needed small organizations to pilot the radios to ensure
that the technology works for rural first responders, but the radios also need to work with
urban and multijurisdictional environments to address their needs. Finally the department
wanted to test the technology in geographically different areas.
The 14 organizations participating in the pilot are:
2010 Olympic Security Committee (Blaine, Wash., and Vancouver);
Amtrak (Northeast Corridor);
Boise, Idaho, Fire Department;
Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (Ottawa);
Customs and Border Protection (Detroit);
Federal Emergency Management Agency (multiple locations);
Hawaii State Civil Defense (Honolulu);
Interagency Communication Interoperability System (Los Angeles County,
Calif.);
Michigan Emergency Medical Services (Lower Peninsula areas);
Murray State University (Southwest Kentucky);
Phoenix Police Department and Arizona Department of Emergency Management
(Greater Phoenix and Yuma County);
Texas National Guard (Austin, Texas);
U.S. Marshals Service (Northeast Region); and
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority Transit Police (District of Columbia).
The organizations will each conduct at least a 30-day pilot beginning in fall 2009, and the
results are expected to be published in early 2010.
Responder Feedback
The pilot testing represents the final phase in the testing and evaluation portion of the
Multi-Band Radio Project. During the first two phases -- which included laboratory
testing and short-term demonstrations -- the directorate received feedback from local,
state and federal participants that was incorporated into the multiband radio that will be
used in the pilot.
Boyd said some of the feedback included making the radio's knobs larger -- firefighters
found it difficult to handle the knobs when they were wearing protective gloves. "The
second one is that initially the panic button was located right next to the antenna, which
8. 8
meant that they couldn't get to the thing," he said. "So they wanted it relocated; it's been
done."
The directorate also is working with the vendor to improve the radio's volume level.
Boyd said audio level is an issue for all radios because of the loud environments
emergency responders work in.
###
A need for discourse
July 6, 2009
The Wapakoneta Daily News
By Karen Campbell
URL: http://www.wapakdailynews.com/content/view/114426/1/
Communication seemed to be the biggest problem when emergency responders teamed
up for a full-scale exercise this month. “Like with most exercises, we knew before it
started that communication would break down,” said Wapakoneta Fire Chief Kendall
Krites. “It happens every time we have an exercise,” he said.
Part of the problem this time was that for a practice exercise, not all resources can be put
in place exactly as they would be if it were a real emergency, said Auglaize County
Emergency Management Agency Director Troy Anderson. The Local Emergency
Planning Committee recently reviewed the joint exercise with Logan County held June
20. “It went extremely well,” Anderson said. The state has approved a rough draft of the
exercise which was submitted by the county and cost approximately $775 to perform.
“There were problems there, but we worked well together,” Anderson said. “It was a real
test of the system.”
He said some of the communication trials included cell phone service with hit and miss
signals and interference in the area with communications at the scene. The MARCS
(Multiagency Radio Communication System), which should improve interoperability
between agencies at the scene, had its first real test and Anderson said it worked without
any problems.
Members of the LEPC and the community assisted with establishing a shelter, providing
food and other resources. Other LEPC members worked in communication and
transportation, with hazardous materials, public information and law enforcement.
Michael Wurst, who heads the Medical Reserves Corps, said it was the first exercise for
the group to participate in and it was a real eye opener, showing them ways they can
improve.
“It gives us a chance to work with the departments that we don’t get to work with on a
day-to-day basis,” Anderson said.
9. 9
He said they aim to do a full-scale exercise every four years, as required by the state. This
time they did a mock bus crash in Auglaize County and responded to a bomb explosion in
the stadium at Indian Lake High School. The exercises are used to update the county
emergency plan every year. Every four years, a total of 13 objects need to be met. The
fourth year, the Emergency Management Agency tries to plan a full-scale exercise to
encompass several of those objectives.
###
SPECIAL REPORT: Tech Solutions energize the good to be even
better
July 6, 2009
FederalNewsRadio
By Jason Miller
URL: http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=215&sid=1711374
The Homeland Security Department's Tech Solutions office leaves the perfect solution to
someone else.
As one of the Science and Technology Directorate's technology incubators, Tech
Solutions funds potential answers to problems that would pay off in less than 15 months.
"We are talking about modifying technologies that are already out there and making it
useful for first responders," says Jose Vazquez, director for first responder technologies
in the Tech Solutions office. "For example, the military developed a digital multi band
radio. We've worked with Thales Communications and are working to get radios out
there with instead of military frequencies but public safety frequencies that would allow
for interoperability."
DHS July 1 announced 14 organizations will test and evaluate these multi-band radios for
at least 30 days.
"The pilots are designed to focus on the capabilities and effectiveness of the technology,
with users primarily in a command-and-control role or involved in special operations
with multiple entities," DHS states in a release. "The agencies and sites were chosen to
represent a broad range of communication environments. Factors such as operating
bands, partner agencies and disciplines, interoperable conditions, and geographic
landscapes were considered when selecting pilot sites."
Vazquez says this project is one of several examples of technology adaptation that Tech
Solutions is funding. The office allocates about $10 million a year to 10-to-12 projects.
"Ours are quick hits," he says. "We look for something where by putting small amount of
money we can move that technology along faster and close a gap. The technology may
not fill the gap completely, but our other divisions are working on long term solutions,
10. 10
which will solve that. If we can close the gap by applying a small amount of money and
get an interim solution that is our goal."
First responders guide the office's investments. Vazquez says a team of fire, police and
emergency medical experts validate a need before DHS goes out with a Broad Agency
Announcement or to another contract vehicle.
"First responders can input his/her request into our Web site, www.firstresponder.gov,
and that will get validated by subject matter experts," he says. "If that group says it is a
high priority requirement, we will then go look to see what project could be mounted in a
12-to-15 month period to get a solution."
Vazquez adds that if there aren't technologies that can be modified in less than 15
months, the requirement is given to other DHS divisions that work on long-term projects.
Along with the multi-band radio project, Tech Solutions will test later this year a lighter
weight breathing device for firefighters.
"All fire personnel have a scuba tank like device on their back and it weighs 45 pounds or
so," Vazquez says. "We have been looking to make the tanks out of composites. We are
talking about a cylinder 10.5 inches thick right now that is going to be reduced to about
two inches thick, and 45 pounds would be brought down to under 20 pounds. It would
reduce heat stress and make their life easier. This is the biggest project we have right
now."
He adds when DHS went to the first responder community with this idea, it was widely
lauded as something that needs to be done immediately.
"One of our strategies as far as commercialization is to work with companies already
working in that arena," Vazquez says. "We are working with the International association
of Firefighters, the Mine safety Appliances and Scott Health and Safety. Our hope is
whatever is developed can go to out to marketplace even faster to be available to first
responders."
Vazquez also points to a concrete buster and fire ground compass as two other examples
of taking existing technologies and modifying them to solve existing first responder
challenges.
The concrete buster, for instance, uses a shotgun-like shell to break open walls during an
emergency. Vazquez says it cuts the time it used to take with a jackhammer by at least
half.
For the fire ground compass, DHS funded the development of a relatively simple, but
effective idea to help firefighters orient themselves in a building.
11. 11
"Our contribution was doing some testing and evaluations under real life conditions with
real firefighters utilizing it and seeing it when does it work and when doesn't it work,"
Vazquez says. "The bottom line is when you hold a compass three feet away from large
metal object or floor you get a reading within 20 degrees. It's not perfect, but if that tells
you that is door you want to go through, that is helpful."
The compass is available now for less than $100. Vazquez says it's hardened to withstand
heat and smoke, includes a light and is big enough for firefighters with gloves on to use
it.
Not every project is a guaranteed success. Vazquez says Tech Solutions just is beginning
a program to develop a single hand-held device to detect multiple chemical gases and
another single device to detect multiple biological agents through eye scans. Currently,
first responders must carry an assortment of detection gadgets for the different chemicals
or biological agents.
The office also has funded a device-in the spirit of Star Trek's Dr. McCoy-where
emergency medical professionals could use a wand, called a Standoff Patient Triage
device, to measure the health of patients during mass casualty event.
"The technology exists today to be able to monitor some of those vital signs remotely
without having to touch the person. From 20-to-30 feet away, you can sense what a
person's heart rate is or breathing rate and make a determination who needs to be triaged
first," Vazquez says. "If you are at a mass causality scene and you have 30-to-40 people,
rather than having to put hands on every single person to establish who you need to treat
first, you can take this device, point it to them and get an assessment of who needs to be
treated first."
The prototype still is more than a year away, and it could be two or more years until the
triage device is available commercially.
With the rate of development fairly quickly, Vazquez says he meets regularly with other
agencies working on similar technologies.
The Defense, Energy and Justice departments have similar programs to fund technology
innovation.
"There is a policy that say anything available to DoD that has first responder application
they are suppose to tell us about it," Vazquez says. "We meet monthly with them on that
issue."
###
DHS takes step forward on interoperability
July 6, 2009
HS Today
12. 12
By Phil Leggiere
URL: http://www.hstoday.us/content/view/9221/149/
The first pilot demonstrations of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Unified
Incident Command and Decision Support (UICDS) system have been completed, Science
Applications International Corporation, San Diego, Calif., an engineering and systems
integration firm serving as prime contractor on the project, reported late last week.
The first test demo was held April 29 in coordination with Virginia Emergency
Operations Center (VEOC) in Richmond, Va. A follow-up testing event took place in late
May.
UICDS, an information architecture blueprint for managing and sharing incident
information across state and local jurisdictional lines and with DHS and other federal
agencies, is sponsored by the Science and Technology Directorate of the US Department
of Homeland Security.
The project is designed to enable police, fire, emergency medical and other response
organizations to use incident management technologies to share information and provide
decision support to help prevent, protect, respond, and recover from natural,
technological, and terrorist events.
"This demonstration illustrated how information can be shared through a diverse set of
interfaces, data formats and networks using non-proprietary, open standards," said Chip
Mahoney, SAIC UICDS project manager. "From long-standing applications like
computer-aided dispatch and asset management, to more recent video surveillance,
detection technologies, and situational awareness tools - the UICDS architecture enables
the information exchanges that emergency responders need to help save lives, protect
property, and minimize economic loss."
The prototype implementation, Steve Panzer, vice-president of the government division
at ObjectFX, Minneapolis, Minn., a developer of geospatial mapping applications and
participant in the demo, told HSToday.us, integrated information from 23 commercial,
government and academic technology provider applications, demonstrating how this
information is shared among applications and the jurisdictions they serve. The
demonstration included six incident vignettes occurring in a simulated East Coast storm,
with each vignette showing information sharing among five to seven applications
currently in use by police, fire, emergency medical, emergency management, and other
response organizations.
“The whole idea of UICDS is to provide emergency responders with information to aid
situational awareness more quickly. There’s been a lot of discussion and work done on
overcoming silos that exist in interoperably public safety communications. There’s an
incredible amount of situational awareness data that’s siloed, and far less useful that it
could be.”
13. 13
One aspect of the UICDS demo, according to Panzer, was to link videocam information
collected at 800 traffic cams throughout the Washington DC metro area.
James W. Morentz, Ph.D., director of UICDS Outreach for SAIC, said, “Despite all the
efforts devoted to data interoperability in recent years, the 23 technology providers
represented in the demonstration came to the UICDS program with virtually no instances
of sharing data with each other. Using the software development kit for the UICDS
middleware and the National Information Exchange Model data exchange formats, these
“first adopter” technology providers successfully demonstrated nearly one hundred real-
time information exchanges. This demonstration points the way to a successful
continuation of this government-sponsored, technology provider-driven information
sharing across the full range of prevention, protection, response, and recovery.”
In March, testifying before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on
Homeland Security, Acting Under Secretary Bradley I. Buswell, Science and Technology
Directorate, had discussed UICDS, listing it as a priority item for testing deployment in
2009.
“This national architecture, a response to issues identified in the 9/11 Commission
Report,” Buswell said, “is aimed at establishing a set of standards to which solution
developers for incident management tools will adhere in order to ensure that recipients of
DHS funds at the state/local level will procure incident information management systems
that comply with uniform standards in order to solve the information interoperability
problems.”
This fall, according to Panzer, UICDS testing will further ramp-up with a wider testing
event to involve nine Northeastern states.
###
Law enforcement agencies struggle to communicate despite
technological advances
July 3, 2009
The Dallas Morning News
By Ed Timmsand Tanya Eiserer
URL: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/crime/stories/DN-
radio_03met.ART.State.Edition2.4bf08b8.html
Despite unprecedented advances in technology, law enforcement agencies still struggle to
communicate with each other during high-speed chases that streak through several
different cities or counties.
That was the case earlier this week, when a 29-year-old man led Dallas County Precinct 2
deputy constables and other law enforcement officers on a wild chase through four cities.
14. 14
Precinct 2 Constable Michael Gothard said Thursday that his deputies were unable to
communicate directly with Department of Public Safety troopers who also were in
pursuit. Deputy constables tried to call it off as rush hour approached, but since they
couldn't communicate with DPS cars, they rejoined the chase.
About 90 minutes after the chase started, the suspect, Shane W. Michel, collided with a
pickup. Michel, who was critically injured, was hospitalized for several days before being
transferred to the county jail. The driver of the pickup was not seriously injured.
The Dallas Police Department's helicopter was able to transmit information on traffic
conditions to the deputies during the chase, Gothard said, but deputies could not
communicate directly with a DPS helicopter that also tracked Michel's speeding car for
part of the chase.
He said his office could communicate with the DPS only via telephone.
"Not everybody is on the same frequency," Gothard said.
Key concern
Communications between first responders, such as police, firefighters and emergency
personnel, has been a pressing issue for many years, especially since the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
A warning from a New York City police helicopter that the second World Trade Center
tower was about to collapse did not reach many rescue personnel because the police and
fire departments operated on different radio systems – which, critics say, increased the
death toll from the nation's deadliest terrorist attack.
Many of the fire and police departments that responded to the attack on the Pentagon also
could not communicate directly with each other.
Considerable time and expense has been devoted to improving communications among
first responders since 911. That is still a work in progress, and the recession may make it
harder.
Jonathan Holt, a North Central Texas Council of Governments official, said first
responders in the Dallas area are well-positioned to deal with a major incident at a
specific location, where they can talk on hand-held radios using designated channels,
within a limited radius.
Mobile command vehicles that are now available, he said, also can help with longer-
distance communications between agencies.
"The problem with big chases and things like that is ... you migrate from different
location to different location," said Holt, the council of governments' public safety radio
communications coordinator. "They are so fluid and they're so fast-moving."
15. 15
As a result, law enforcement personnel from different agencies, driving vehicles
equipped with radios using proprietary technology and different frequency bands, may
not be able to talk with each other directly.
Even if they have hand-held radios that use common frequencies, their limited range –
and simply trying to use them during a high-speed chase – might be problematic. Some
dispatch centers can "patch" officers using different frequency bands together, but that is
difficult when events are moving quickly.
"When you are in a fast-paced, moving environment, sometimes seconds count," said
Mike Simpson, the state's communications interoperability coordinator. "Officers are out
there in a dangerous environment." And it's a problem, he said, if they can see each other
"but can't talk to each other."
The ability to communicate also is critical when first responders from different parts of
the state or different states are called upon to help in a major disaster such as a hurricane
or tornado.
Instead of relying on a hodgepodge of proprietary equipment that uses different
frequency bands, Simpson said, state officials are encouraging law enforcement agencies
to refit a digital system known as Project 25 (P25) by 2015 that makes interoperability –
or talking to each other on the radio – easier.
P25 system
The Austin area had the state's first major P25 digital system, which was completed about
five years ago.
"We have all the jurisdictions from multiple counties all on the same radio system,"
Simpson said. "The highway patrol can talk to the DEA ... the Secret Service... to a
garbage truck." In a high-speed chase, he said, communications between law enforcement
personnel from different agencies can be instantaneous.
But that ability comes at a cost. Simpson, who also is Austin's wireless communication
services manager, said that creating the P25 system in the Austin area cost about $100
million. For Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton counties, he said, the price tag might be
$300 million.
Simpson said that some cities in North Texas already are switching to the P25 system.
But for other government entities, including Dallas County, coming up with the money
may be difficult, especially with the economic downturn.
Dallas County Judge Jim Foster said that until the county upgrades its radio system, it
will be years behind. "But in order to move forward, we're talking in the millions of
dollars just to improve the existing communications," he said.
16. 16
Foster said that is virtually impossible without some kind of help from the state or federal
government, and efforts to obtain grant money have been disappointing. "We've looked
and looked at it and just have not be able to find any," he said.
Last year, Dallas County commissioners voted to create a central dispatch center that
would consolidate the dispatchers and equipment for the sheriff and the county's five
constables, in part as a cost-saving measure, but also to improve communications
capability. For now, at least, even those plans are on hold because of a financial shortfall
– the kind confronting many communities because of the recession.
"Although we eventually want to get there ... the finances just won't allow us to build it
right now," said Dallas County Administrator Darryl Martin.
Statewide, the cost for a P25 network could cost hundreds of millions. Simpson said that
regional governments in the state have been asked to produce plans by Dec. 15 detailing
their strategies for migrating toward P25. How to fund that, he said, will be part of the
planning process.
Communities, he said, will need to draw on local, county, state and federal funding. No
one source is sufficient, he said, "to make this happen."
###
New York State Hosts First Public Safety Interoperability Symposium
with Focus on Governance
July 3, 2009
The New York State Office for Technology
By Angela Liotta
URL: http://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/New-York-State-Hosts-First-Public-
Safety-Interoperability-Symposium-with-Focus-on-Governance/865505
ALBANY, NY (07/03/2009)(readMedia)-- On July 1 and 2, 2009, Governor David A.
Paterson, and the New York State Chief Information Officer/Office for Technology
(CIO/OFT) Statewide Interoperability Program Office (SIPO) hosted the first New York
State Public Safety Interoperability Symposium in Albany, New York. With a focus on
governance, the goal of the Symposium was to help state and local policymakers improve
state interoperability governance structures that oversee public safety communications
interoperability planning and implementation.
The two-day event brought together nearly 250 attendees including government
executives; county, state, and federal first responders; tribal associations; neighboring
contiguous Border States and Canada; and the Statewide Interoperability Program
Advisory Council to discuss statewide interoperability and recommendations for policy.
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"Effective governance requires participation from the whole community, not just a single
group or agency. The New York State Public Safety Interoperability Symposium is a
valuable resource to assist in developing new strategies to strengthen our governance
structure and sustain our statewide interoperable communications plan. I am confident a
refined governance policy regarding interoperability will result in improved public safety
throughout New York," said Governor David A. Paterson.
The conference used a combination of panels and presentations from government
executives, national subject matter experts and neighboring states. Sessions focused on
creating a comprehensive understanding of the importance of interoperability among
public safety wireless networks and share best practices to advance governance.
During her opening remarks, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State Chief
Information Officer and Director of the Office for Technology, emphasized the priority
of achieving an interoperable public safety communications solution for New York State
and the importance of engaging our first responders in the planning process.
"Coordination among local and state agencies will be essential as we work to improve
interoperability among public safety networks," said Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart. "We
were pleased to provide an open forum for lively discussion on public safety
interoperability for New York. I hope attendees have a better understanding of the
importance of creating an inclusive governance structure that adheres to state and
national standards."
"Coordinating public safety interoperability initiatives in New York State requires a
thorough practical knowledge and understanding of the various existing communications
systems and how they are used; proven experience in operating and maintaining a public
safety grade communications system; and a true understanding of the day to day business
of and interactions between public safety first responders," said New York State Police
Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt. "The ability of first responders to effectively
communicate is paramount to the safety the residents of New York State and beyond.
Bringing the stakeholders together at this symposium is a crucial step toward the goal of
communications interoperability."
On behalf of Governor David A. Paterson, Brendan Fitzgerald, Assistant Secretary for
Technology, Gaming and Operations, gave greetings and emphasized Governor
Paterson's commitment to improving emergency communications throughout New York
State and the need for collaboration among state agencies and across local and state
jurisdictions.
"As New York moves forward with a regionalized approach to emergency
communications, fostering partnerships with local governments will remain a priority.
Deploying systems that can meet unique community needs, while at the same time
providing seamless interoperable communications, is the state's goal," said Brendan
Fitzgerald.
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Robert LeGrande, former Chief Technology Officer for the District of Columbia and
President and CEO of LeGrande Technical and Social Services, LLC., shared success
stories describing how the District of Columbia developed the nation's first city-wide PS
700 MHz wireless broadband network. During his remarks, he stressed the importance of
establishing a partnership between user groups to develop governance and data sharing
policies.
"I believe that standards, along with locally determined build and buy flexibility and
control are critical to achieving nation-wide interoperability. New York State and other
states who adopted this approach, I believe will be successful," said Robert LeGrande.
Attendees also heard from keynote speakers Taylor Heard, Deputy Director of
Emergency Communications for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and
Thomas G. Donlon, Director of the NYS Office of Homeland Security.
During his presentation, Taylor Heard emphasized the importance of collaboration in
working to achieve interoperability. The Office of Emergency Communications created
the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), in concert with first responder
and public safety agencies across the country, to establish an integrated, national vision
for aligning the emergency response community on the issue of communications. The
NECP continues to drive progress in these efforts.
"It is no secret that achieving effective emergency communications can be challenging. It
requires a willingness to recognize the needs of others at the table and to work towards a
common goal. This type of coordination is the foundation for how we enhance
emergency communications capabilities across our great nation," said Taylor Heard.
Thomas Donlon further discussed the evolving threat of terrorism and the need for a
coordinated and effective response to terrorism or natural disaster incidents. He also
explained the NYS Office of Homeland Security's role as the state administrative
authority for federal homeland security grant funding, which provides both the tools and
training for interoperable communications.
"Through the years, the top priority of New York State has been to give first responders -
among them police and firefighters - the tools and wherewithal they need to do their jobs
as they form our front line of defense," said Thomas Donlon. "I have found that effective
communications among our valiant men and women leads to an effective and coordinated
response to any incident and, most importantly, a successful conclusion."
This first NYS Public Safety Interoperability Symposium was supported by a $50,000
grant awarded in 2008 by the National Governor's Association (NGA) Center for Best
Practices. New York State's selection was a result of Governor David A. Paterson's
application to NGA to establish a formalized governance structure to guide New York
State's interoperable communications efforts.
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The mission of the Statewide Interoperability Program Office is to plan for and foster
interoperability among local, state, federal, and tribal public safety networks.
For additional information on SIPO visit
http://www.cio.ny.gov/SIPO/Aboutsipo/aboutsipo.htm.
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US States Make Strides in Advancing Interoperable Communication
July 1, 2009
National Governors Association
URL: http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/26011
States have made significant progress toward achieving interoperable communications,
but more work is needed before information can be freely exchanged among jurisdictions
during an emergency, according to a new Issue Brief by the NGA Center for Best
Practices (NGA Center).
The Issue Brief, Advancing Public Safety Interoperable Communications: Recent State
Actions, highlights states' progress to date in advancing interoperability and reviews the
obstacles they face to efficiently sharing information across all levels of government.
Interoperable communications allow first responders, public safety agencies and
leadership to communicate and operate effectively during an emergency situation. The
NGA Center's 2008 Homeland Security Directors' Survey identified public safety
interoperability as one of the top priorities of state and territorial homeland security
advisors.
"Emergency response officials consistently cite the ability to communicate with other
first responders as critical to being able to better protect the public in the face of any
emergency," said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. "Over the last several
years, governors' leadership has bolstered statewide and regional communication
interoperability capacity."
According to the report, states continue to face challenges to interoperability in five key
areas, including informal oversight and governance; uncoordinated Standard Operating
Procedures; incompatible and obsolete technology; infrequent and inconsistent trainings
and exercises; and difficulty integrating interoperability into routine, daily use.
The brief recommends several strategies governors can follow to overcome these
challenges, including:
* Strengthen governance by gaining commitments from all disciplines in the state
through a statewide interoperability coordinator;
* Foster development of Standard Operating Procedures through collaboration across
disciplines;
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* Fund technology for the long-term by planning and budgeting for ongoing updates to
systems, procedures, and documentation;
* Develop routine trainings and exercises for interoperable communications; and
* Encourage the use of interoperable communications on a routine basis.
###
D.C. Train Crash Shows Major Cities Better Prepared for Emergency
Response
June 28, 2009
ABC News
By Dave Cook
URL: http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=7939640&page=1
First responders' effective handling of Monday's rail accident in Washington, coupled
with the smooth rescue after a Hudson River plane crash in January, may indicate that the
post-9/11 demand for better, faster emergency response is being met -- at least in some of
the nation's big cities.
"The regional response that is required during extraordinary incidents (Hudson and Metro
being two good recent examples) has, in my opinion, significantly improved since 9/11,"
Daniel Kaniewski, deputy director of George Washington University's Homeland
Security Policy Institute, wrote Wednesday in an e-mail interview. He served in the Bush
White House as special assistant to the president for homeland security and senior
director for response policy.
Triggering an Effective Response
On Monday afternoon, one Metrorail train slammed into a second train stopped outside
the Fort Totten Station in Northeast Washington. The impact pushed part of the moving
train onto the top of the stationary train. Two-thirds of the moving train's lead car was
crushed, killing nine and injuring more than 70 people.
The Metrorail accident, which disrupted the daily commute for thousands in the
Washington area, tested how the nation's capital would cope with a major incident. What
happened was "an effective regional response," Mr. Kaniewski said in an online
commentary.
In the wake of the accident, emergency vehicles converged on the scene. "As I monitored
the radio traffic of the local agencies involved, I expected to hear chaos; but instead I
heard the calm and ordered dispatch of emergency units and informative reports from
arriving personnel," Kaniewski wrote.
###
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HAM radio operators practice emergency response skills
June 28, 2009
The Daily Times
By Elizabeth Piazza
URL: http://www.daily-times.com/ci_12706786
FARMINGTON — Three years ago, Floyd Bowman, an amateur or "HAM" radio
operator from Cedar Hill, received a message via HAM radio from a man in Durango,
Colo.The Colorado man was trying to find his father in Kentucky after a big ice storm
knocked out phone service there.
Bowman, an operator since 1966, got on the radio and spread the word across the
country.
Within hours, the man from Durango received the message that his father was OK.
The use of HAM radio is instrumental for communicating during disasters. San Juan
County Emergency Management, along with licensed HAM radio operators, participated
Saturday in Field Day, a nationwide 24-hour preparedness exercise.
"HAMS are another vehicle for us to communicate when all else fails," said San Juan
County Emergency Manager Don Cooper.
Operators practiced setting up and testing emergency equipment and communicating with
operators across the country, simulating what might happen during an emergency.
The operators set up and establish emergency communication using only auxiliary power.
HAM radio has existed for a century and became a global community of licensed
operators who use the airways to communicate.
The volunteer group of 20 HAM radio operators are members of RACES, or Radio
Amateur Civil Emergency Services, and participate in extra training and drills, said
RACES coordinator Paull Holmes.
San Juan County Emergency Management supplies the volunteers with specialized
equipment so they can be on the air and communicating in a matter of minutes, Holmes
said.
Most of the funding for the HAM operators comes from Homeland Security money,
Cooper said.
For emergency management nationwide, HAM radio operators are the shining stars in
communications, Cooper said.
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HAM radio was on the back burner and seen only as a hobby until disasters such as Sept.
11, 2001, and Katrina.
Prior to Katrina, FCC rules forbid operators to use HAM radios for commercial purposes.
Following the disaster, HAM radios can be used in the course of emergency services,
Cooper said.
"One of the big advantages of HAM radio operators is that there are so many of them and
they're all over the world," Cooper said.
The wide spectrum of communication allows people to quickly link up across the globe.
"In the 11 years that I've lived eight miles north of Aztec, I've received QSL cards from
304 different countries, including the most wanted country in the world, North Korea,"
Bowman said.
QSL cards are written verification that two people communicated via HAM radio.
Bowman hoped to contact a HAM operator who is stationed on the International Space
Station during the Field Day.
"I don't know why they call it amateur radio because they're truly professionals," Cooper
said.
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Disaster responders train on new system
June 27, 2009
The Gainesville Sun
By Cindy Swirko
URL:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090627/ARTICLES/906279928/1008/WEATHER?
Title=Disaster-responders-train-on-new-system
Regional disaster response communications specialists got first-hand training Saturday on
a mobile system that will allow various agencies to talk with one another in an
emergency despite having different equipment systems, power outages and other
obstacles.
The system is called Emergency Deployable Interoperable Communications Equipment
— EDICS for short — and it consists of two trucks full of communications equipment,
computers, satellite dishes, fuel cells, generators and other hardware that can be driven to
a scene for seamless communications.
"This is hardware that could bring a disaster back to normal by bringing infrastructure.
Outside agencies will be able to come in and talk to each other over their radios," said
Phil Royce, lead radio technician with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. "We have a
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satellite network system. We have voice-over (Internet protocol) phones. We have
conferencing capability. We have GIS mapping servers on board for the state."
The two trucks are based at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and are worth an
estimated $250,000. They are part of a state EDICS network to serve North Central
Florida and were funded primarily through federal and state money.
Various agencies that respond to major emergencies often use different communications
systems that are not compatible with each other. During wildfires, for instance, local law
enforcement and state firefighters may not be able to communicate because they have
different systems.
The equipment on the trucks enables the agencies to be able to communicate with each
other despite having different equipment.
Among those getting trained Saturday was Chrissy Nolte, a master communications
dispatcher with Marion County.
"It's been really good training for all of us," Nolte said. "It makes more sense now, doing
it hands-on."
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