NCJ Number
210620
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 76-77,79,82
Date Published
June 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Federal SAFECOM project, which is an effort to design and implement wireless communications interoperability that will facilitate communications among various types of first-responder agencies from multiple jurisdictions as they respond to a public safety crisis that requires the use of massive resources.
Abstract
In 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DDS) created the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), which oversees interoperability research and development, testing and evaluation, standards, technical assistance, and grant guidance. SAFECOM is an OIC program charged with coordinating the efforts of more than 50,000 local, State, Federal, and tribal public safety agencies across the country that are involved in communications interoperability. SAFECOM is currently working with State and local officials nationwide to support and facilitate their interoperability improvement efforts. The distinctive feature of SAFECOM is its strategy of beginning with the identification of interoperability needs at the local level as experienced and identified by agencies responsible for emergency public-safety responses. SAFECOM is encouraging every State, in conjunction with local governments, to prepare a comprehensive strategic plan for interoperability improvement efforts. This article describes the successful efforts of such a strategic planning process in Virginia. Stemming from Virginia's effort, SAFECOM drafted a Statewide Communications Interoperability Planning (SCIP) Methodology, which is described in this article. Additional SAFECOM and DDS interoperability technical assistance resources are also described.