The state of interoperability in the states

Lori Romer Stone, JD

doi:10.5055/jem.2012.0082

Authors

Lori Romer Stone, JD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2012.0082

Keywords:

interoperability, narrowbanding, rebanding, Federal Communications Commission, public-safety communications network

Abstract

A radio is one of the most important elements of a first responder’s uniform. To a police officer, it is a lifeline to a dispatcher who has critical information about an outstanding warrant on the driver of the car she just pulled over; to a firefighter, it is the voices of his colleagues in a smoke-filled building as they search for trapped victims. Radios allow first responders to communicate directly with each other in emergency situations, but there is still much more work to be done before first responders everywhere can talk to each other across agency, county, and state lines.
With so much depending on reliable radio communications, the managers of these systems and other people working in the field of interoperable communications need to be aware of incompatible and inadequate communication systems that can cause delays, confusion, and even loss of life; the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) mandates on narrowbanding and rebanding; and the pending development of a broadband communications network for the nation’s emergency services.This article highlights these important developing issues for those working in interoperable communications and the need for a continued emphasis on improving interoperability.

Author Biography

Lori Romer Stone, JD

Senior Law and Policy Analyst, Center for Health and Homeland Security, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.

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