Emergency Communications Interoperability:

The Impact of Video Technology on21st Century Public Safety

Steven Jones, FRC Exec. Dir.November 30, 2006

About the FRC

Interoperability Background

5 Key Challenges

Beyond Voice Communications

Conclusion

Key Points

Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Educate the public on the needs of first responders

Ensure policymakers attach a high priority to public safety issues

Priorities: Effective communications, access to data/information

About the FRC

Background

1982: Air Florida

1995: Oklahoma City Bombing

1999: Columbine High School

9/11

2005 Hurricane Season (“Katrita”)

“Routine” Emergencies

DHS: 5 Key ChallengesIncompatible/aging communications equipment

Limited/fragmented funding and budget cycles

Limited/fragmented planning and coordination

Limited/fragmented radio spectrum

Limited standards

Incompatible and Aging Communications Equipment

Proprietary equipment

Operates in different parts of the spectrum

Purchased at different times

Evolution of technologye.g., Louisiana’s statewide system

No replacement parts… no system upgrades… no technical support

Limited/FragmentedFunding and Budget Cycles

FundingLocalities often choose between function and cost

Statewide system ≠ statewide buy-in

BudgetEach state may impose different requirements on local governments

Some legislatures are part-time

Many localities have immediate needs

Limited/FragmentedCoordination and Planning

Public safety developed systems independent of other local entities

Varying abilities to purchase, maintain and upgrade equipment

Purchased different technologies at different times

Patchwork with many gaps

+40,000 different agencies with unique systems

No national needs assessment, no national strategy

Limited/FragmentedRadio Frequency Spectrum

Spectrum makes wireless communications possible

Segmented into bands of frequenciesFM radio broadcasting

TV broadcasts

Public safety

Cell phones

Government/military

New technologies and no coordinationLow frequencies technology higher frequencies

Result: public safety spread over 10 different bands

Finite AmountIncreased demand, decreased supply

More users, less available space

Limited/FragmentedRadio Frequency Spectrum

Limited Standards

Most radio manufacturers only produce single band radios

Radios operating in the same frequency range may not be compatible with others

Technology is advancing faster than the standards

Why Can’t They Communicate?

For reasons both technical and humanEquipment

Funding and budget cycles

Planning and coordination

Radio spectrum

Standards

Interoperability is a multi-dimensional problem

Interoperability relies on technological solutions, but…

… people, processes and consensus are critical.

Beyond Voice CommunicationsThe challenges for voice communications mirror those for broadband

Cost of new technologies

Coordination of compatible broadband technology

Standards

Beyond Voice CommunicationsGovernance Structure for coordination

Fosters collaboration between state, local and federal

Needed to establish and expand interoperable communications

Helps to build and maintain relationships

Brings stakeholders to the table

Serves as a vehicle to explore funding sources and new technologies

Broadband for First RespondersIncludes:

High-speed web accessStreaming incident videoAccess to digital maps and floor plansAccess to criminal records

Benefits:Increases situational awarenessProvides contextEnhances decision makingImproves outcomes

Beyond Voice Communications

Key point #1:Technology transforms data into information

Key Point #2:Access to data and information is critical for a safe and effective emergency response

A Few Success StoriesNew Orleans, LA

Video Surveillance NetworkJan. – Aug. 2004 pilot57% fewer murders, 30% fewer car thefts

Hermiston, ORChemical depotPolice able to view live video and geo-info via wireless laptopPolice can coordinate traffic and gas cloud direction

A Few Success StoriesSan Antonio, TX

USDOT deployed a secure wireless infrastructure spanning 100 miles of highway

Federal, state and local responders share the same infrastructure and access same info

A Few Success StoriesWashington, DC

Wireless Accelerated Response Network (WARN)

Citywide, broadband wireless public safety network

Federal and local agencies use the system for video surveillance

Allows responders to track weather updates

First Response Coalitionwww.firstresponsecoalition.org

Steven Jones, Executive Directorsjones@firstresponsecoalition.org

202.263.2904