[Scan-DC] NBC4: Millions Needed For Upgrades To Capitol Police Radio System

[Robert H. Eisner]

http://www.nbc4.com/news/16455477/detail.html?dl=headlineclick

WASHINGTON -- Capitol police officials expect they will need tens of
millions of dollars in additional funds for needed upgrades to their
police radio system.

Their outdated equipment makes it difficult for officers to communicate
with other police and fire agencies that use new digital radio
frequencies. Officials said the radios also fail in some "dead spots"
around congressional buildings.

Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse told a House subcommittee last year
that his officers could not communicate effectively with each other. 

Congress has appropriated $10 million for upgrades, but police
officials expect the project will need much more funding. Construction
of a new system is expected to take at least two years, once the money
is approved.