NCJ Number
211100
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 8-10,12,14,16
Date Published
July 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes a number of new technologies aiding law enforcement and emergency first responders in their communications and interoperability.
Abstract
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, made it clear that many of the emergency response and communication systems of Federal, State, and local governments were out of date, poorly organized, and lacking in compatibility. However, thanks to new breakthroughs in wireless communications technologies, law enforcement and public safety agencies are better able to communicate and coordinate emergency response plans. The author describes the use of Motorola’s new soft switch technology called MOTOBRIDGE IP, which provides agencies with the ability to communicate with one another regardless of the type of system and frequencies normally used. The technology is described as one of the most important tools available to public safety agencies. Its use in Frederick County, MD to coordinate the county’s emergency response plans and quickly manage incidents is recounted. Many States are developing automated systems to link law enforcement and public safety agencies in a single database and are increasingly employing the use of sensors to detect the presence of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive agents. Automated vehicle detection is also making dispatch decisions easier by allowing agencies to pinpoint the exact location of their vehicles and other mobile assets. Exhibits