[Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

Wed, 12 Nov 2003 18:42:49 -0500

Hi Jerry,

I don't see a big problem with it.

If they were using amateur radio to make money, or conduct their regular
business over the air, that would be different.  If the employee is
conducting the regular business of the agency over the air- like dispatching
a police officer, ordering hospital supplies from a supplier, I think that
would violate the rules because there are other means of communication that
are meant for that type of traffic.  But just because he is on the clock, I
don't think that matters- as long as what goes out over the air does not
make the hospital any money, or provide the hospital (or any other agency)
with a competitive business advantage, or substitute for a radio service
that is meant to carry that traffic, I think it is allowed by the rules.

Astronauts get paid to be in space- they operate amateur radio!

73,
Marlo Montanaro- KA2IRQ
RACES Radio Officer / ARES DEC / Skywarn Deputy Coordinator / ARRL PIO
Monmouth County, NJ

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Jerry Reimer
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2003 3:39 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Ares-races] Paid vs volunteer radio operators

I have noticed a recent trend where public safety agencies
(law enforcement), and some hospitals, install amateur
radio equipment in their facilities.  They all think that
having amateur radio equipment is a "good idea."  Many of
them buy and install this equipment, typically two meter
FM transceivers, with the idea that some of their
employees who are ham radio operators will use the radios
"in an emergency."

Based upon what I read, as an employee, expecting me to
operate using my amateur radio license while I am getting
paid is a major problem.  Also, as the EMS provider where
I volunteer learned, it is very difficult for an employee
to lawfully volunteer their time.

I also see this as a potential problem for the individual
ham who happens to work for a city or county emergency
management office, and they install ham radio equipment
with the expectation that the employees will operate the
equipment.

The only reasonable solution is for these facilities to
have some relationship with either an ARES or RACES group
to quickly get their employees out of the compromising
situation of operating ham radio while they are
on-the-clock.  Of course, most EOCs, etc, go into
lock-down mode "in an emergency," so unless you are
already known by them, you don't get in the door.

Does anyone else see this occurring in their area, or have
any comments on this topic?

Jerry Reimer, KK5CA
District Emergency Coordinator
ARES District 14, Harris County
ARRL South Texas Section
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