NCJ Number
205767
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 24,26
Date Published
May 2004
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) developed an interoperable radio system that eliminated "dead zones" and bridged the interoperability divide that had separated the police department from fire/emergency medical services.
Abstract
The description of how this was achieved indicates that the first step was to use a Motorola zone controller to create "virtual interoperability." The zone controller automatically routes calls back and forth between police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS). With this switch, all parties can operate on the same network even if they are using different radio frequencies. The second step involved upgrading the MPD's radio system to achieve true interoperability. This has involved migrating from an analog 460 MHz conventional radio system to a Motorola ASTRO 800 MHz digital trunked system. When the transition is complete, the ASTRO system will boost the number of channels available to MPD officers from 2 to 13 per district. Also, the trunking system will provide more voice-effective traffic management. The third step is to improve coverage by adding more towers and transmitters. The current system of four towers has not been sufficient in the District of Columbia's landscape and building environment. The final step is to leave room for data. In discussing what has been learned from the District of Columbia's experience in upgrading its radio communications system, this article addresses the need for research, planning, rapid interoperability, and making sure that the interoperable solution leaves room for future common applications, such as 700 MHz data.