[Scan-DC] New Radio System Delayed for D.C. Police, Fire

[Cliff Jennings]

http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?sid=25236&nid=25


New Radio System Delayed for D.C. Police, Fire
Updated: Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 - 3:29 PM EST.


Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio
A cost-saving measure could push back the overhaul of the new emergency
radio system for the D.C. police and fire departments.

The overhaul is supposed to allow D.C. Fire and Police to commuicate with
each other and close some of the deadspots where current fire and emergency
radios do not work.

The Washington Times reports the District's Office of Technology cut a
backup microwave antenna system, an automatic diagnostic and alarm system
from the original Motorola contract to save money. The change could force a
delay, causing the city to lose some of the $46 million it has received in
federal homeland security funds to build the new radio system.

But Margaret Kellums, deputy Mayor for Public Safety, is denying that will
happen.

"I think there has been some frustration, just typical tensions among
agencies with our technology office driving very hard to get this done with
the fire department wanting to take more of a leadership role."

The city says it should get a better price for the three components among
competitive bids but would not say when that process will begin.

The Office of Technology says it will meet or beat its September 30th
deadline for completing the radio system.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)