[Scan-DC] FYI: Monkey Cty Comms Now GO...

[Dorset, Thomas]

Updated: 07-23-2003 11:05:48 AM=20
Maryland County Launches $175M Communications Center=20

Firehouse.com News=20

Fire Dispatchers operate multiple screened work-stations.=20

Lt. Dallas Lipp demonstrates truck computer interface.=20
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Montgomery County PIO=20

Montgomery County's public safety emergency response and communications =
capabilities were substantially enhanced this week following the =
County's switchover to a new 800 MHz public safety communications system =
that will significantly improve homeland security.=20

"This new communication system moves us another step forward in our =
homeland security efforts, and it gives our crime fighters and other =
emergency workers the tools they need to work in the 21st century," said =
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "I'd like to acknowledge =
the extraordinary work and dedication of the police and fire/rescue =
personnel who were involved in the planning and implementation of this =
project. Despite the considerable challenges of bringing a system like =
this online, the end result of being able to communicate on a variety of =
levels to and from the field is priceless."=20

The new system is among the first in the country to fully integrate =
fire/rescue and police radio and records management. Police cars and =
other public safety vehicles are outfitted with state-of-the-art =
wireless communications systems that will improve officer safety, =
increase productivity and reduce time-consuming paperwork. The six major =
components of the new communications system include:=20

A new 9-1-1 system;=20

Computer-aided dispatch;=20

Automatic vehicle locator (to identify the location of all police and =
fire-rescue units in the County);=20
A mobile data computer system (through a laptop in each public safety =
vehicle);=20
A computerized mapping system accessible from all public safety units; =
and=20
A new multi-channel 800 MHz radio system that provides wide coverage =
inside and outside of all buildings and is interoperable with other =
public safety departments in the region.=20

The system has been in development for the past seven years, during =
which time considerable planning, procedural changes and training have =
been developed and implemented. The $175 million communications system =
replaces a 30-year-old radio system that no longer meets the County's =
requirements for total coverage or capacity. For the past few months, =
dispatchers have operated the old system and components of the new =
system simultaneously in order to ensure a smooth transition. Now that =
the new system is fully operational, the old system will be replaced =
with equipment that mirrors the new system so that there is an efficient =
backup system for emergencies.=20

The Mobile Data System component includes in-vehicle access to local, =
state and national databases, as well as access to the computer aided =
dispatch (CAD) system, mapping and automated vehicle location, and a new =
automated records management system featuring in-vehicle field =
reporting. The new computers will provide users with on-line =
capabilities to obtain and input data on numerous activities related to =
law enforcement and public safety - including completing and filing =
reports electronically from the field.=20

Among the many capabilities of the new system are access to street =
directions, records of previous emergency incidents at a specific =
address, and listings of any hazardous materials located on the =
premises. Police officers can obtain valuable information on criminal =
and motor vehicle databases, such as the Maryland Interagency Law =
Enforcement System (MILES) and the National Law Enforcement =
Telecommunications System (NLETS).=20

The 800 MHz radio system penetrates buildings, enabling public safety =
personnel to communicate efficiently from inside large structures. It =
also provides efficient communication with public safety workers in =
neighboring jurisdictions - while enabling the jurisdictions to maintain =
autonomous dispatch operations.=20

"This is a significant development for the residents of Montgomery =
County as well as the public safety workers who serve them," said County =
Council President Michael L. Subin. "Our emergency response efforts can =
now be done more safely and efficiently." According to Fire =
Administrator Gordon Aoyagi, "This new system will enhance firefighter =
safety through improved in-building radio coverage, reliable =
transmissions, premise and address information and interoperability with =
other mutual aid fire companies and public safety departments. The =
opportunities for further cooperation and collaboration among the public =
safety departments will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fire =
and emergency medical services to our citizens."=20

"This technology improvement will enable those of us in service to the =
community to be more effective at saving lives, deterring and preventing =
crime, and improving the quality of our neighborhoods," said Acting =
Police Chief William O'Toole.=20

"We are redesigning the way we do business with this new communications =
system, since this allows us instant access to information that is =
critical for our deputies to have on the street," said Sheriff Raymond =
M. Kight. "I commend the County Executive and County Council for =
supporting this important public safety project that will enable us to =
better serve the residents of Montgomery County."=20

Art Wallenstein, director of the County's Department of Correction and =
Rehabilitation said, "Better communication enables us to better protect =
our homeland. We are pleased with the new system and the tools it =
provides to help us keep our community safe."=20
As part of the communications system project, a 54,000-square-foot =
facility in Gaithersburg has been leased and renovated to accommodate =
the police and fire 9-1-1 Emergency Communication Center, along with =
technology training and technical support facilities. By fall, the =
building will also house the County's new Emergency Operations Center =
and Transportation Management Center.=20

 n you recommend a good portable one that can truck track? How soon will =
digital scanners be available? Does it make sense to buy a digital =
scanner now?
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