PSWN Program Leads Effort to Improve Interoperability
FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the security preparations
for the Olympic games, public safety agencies in Salt Lake City have enhanced
the capabilities of their radio communications systems through multiple
initiatives and coordination processes. The Public Safety Wireless Network
(PSWN) Program, working with a coalition of local, state, and federal
agencies, led one of these efforts to provide emergency personnel greater
interoperability, thereby allowing public safety officials to better handle
emergencies.
"The lack of communications interoperability -- the ability of public
safety personnel from one agency to communicate via radio with personnel from
other agencies, on demand and in real time -- is a critical public safety
problem that is not unique to the Salt Lake region," said Rick Murphy, PSWN
Program Manager. "Studies show that across the Nation, public safety
officials have trouble communicating in operational situations one-third of
the time."
Working with the Utah Communications Agency Network (UCAN), Salt Lake
City, Salt Lake County, and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the PSWN Program
led the interconnection of three major communications systems to provide
connectivity between the agencies' dispatch consoles. Multiple agencies
across the northern part of the State of Utah can now communicate using
existing equipment, expanding interoperability throughout the area.
This solution provides the radio infrastructure support for emergency
response, statewide operational centers, and disaster preparedness. In
addition, it allows multiple agencies across the state to use existing
equipment, minimizes costs, and accommodates upgrades in the future.
"Salt Lake City still faces its most intense security challenge --
protecting the Olympics," said Robert E. Lee, Jr., PSWN Program Manager.
"However, the effort to improve public safety communications in the region has
already yielded important findings and solutions that can be used by other
cities and counties around the country."
The PSWN Program is a joint initiative sponsored by the Department of
Justice and the Department of the Treasury. The PSWN Program brings together
public safety officials from local, state, federal, and tribal governments to
increase wireless interoperability among the Nation's fire, law enforcement,
and emergency medical services departments. The program conducts pilot
projects and symposiums nationwide, and provides the public safety community
with comprehensive information on wireless interoperability. For more
information, please contact the PSWN Program at 1-800-565-PSWN, via e-mail at
information@pswn.gov, or visit the Web site at http://www.pswn.gov .
SOURCE Public Safety Wireless Network Program
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Related links:
http://www.pswn.gov
CONTACT:
Mittie Rooney, +1-301-656-3100,
mrooney@equals3.com, or Alyson McColl, +1-301-656-3100,
amccoll@equals3.com, both for the Public Safety Wireless Network
Program
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