Virginia Communication Lawyers

In Many Cases, Precious Time Can Be Lost While Dispatchers Relay Emergency Communications

The objective of interoperability is for persons who need to exchange information to be able to do so, even when they are using incompatible radios, without the need for custom equipment. However, when agencies from different or multiple jurisdictions need to mount a coordinated response today (whether during standard operational activities, critical incidents, mutual aid events, or task force operations), they may not be able to talk to each other via their radios due to incompatible radio equipment. Public safety radio systems operate in different frequency bands (like the AM and FM bands of a radio). Just as an AM radio cannot pick up an FM radio station, public safety radios in one frequency band cannot pick up transmissions in another frequency band.

As a consequence, when responding to a major incident, agencies have used many inefficient methods to relay messages. Whether as part of standard operational activities or a major incident, the ability of public safety agencies to coordinate and respond immediately is severely tested. In many cases, precious time can be lost while dispatchers relay emergency communications. The advent of more sophisticated radio systems such as digital trunking systems compounds this problem. Digital trunked radio systems are designed and manufactured so that, even if two such radio systems are both operating in same frequency band, broadcasts from one manufacturer’s radio cannot be heard by another manufacturer’s radio, or vice versa. Although interoperability could be achieved if all agencies in a region purchased compatible equipment to operate in a single frequency band, such a solution is not feasible. The cost of replacing existing equipment is too high for many agencies, especially considering that characteristics of different frequency bands may require placement of additional equipment and construction of additional towers. Also, characteristics of different frequency bands are such that the best solution for one agency may not be the best solution for another agency (characteristics of different frequencies are such that some operate more effectively in urban areas, others in rural areas, and so on). Finally, frequencies may not be available to support all agencies in a single band.

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