Connecticut State Police Radio Communications System Plan Advisory Recommendations

• NCJ Number: 87015
• Author(s): D H Held
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 35 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-TA-AX-0036
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers, Inc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Technical Assistance Report on the Connecticut State Police Communications improvement plans identifies problems in the two-way radio system and presents recommendations.

Abstract

Interference to base-mobile communications is caused by co-channel interference from adjoining CSP mobile and base stations. It is imperative that the system be converted to 2-frequency simplex by the addition of mobile-only channels to be used with the existing base channels. The most complete solution is to use four 2-frequency dispatch pairs, checkerboarded among the 11 troops for maximum geographic spacing. There is a need for selectable receive scanning in mobile units, so all units should be so equipped. Inadequate communications between officers on the Bradley Airport Security Force requires that portable to portable communication be made available. Further, remote transmitter sites need emergency power and security, so it is recommended that the remote sites be equipped with at least 3 KW motor generators with automatic transfer panels and exercisor. Communication 'dead spots' appear to be caused by the rugged terrain. These 'dead spots' should be identified to determine if it is necessary to install a second complete base station in the problem area. Because of the poor conditions of the radio towers, a survey of them should be conducted by a tower construction and maintenance firm, and a yearly maintenance fund should be established as a permanent part of the budget. Other problems addressed are (1) the unreliability and vulnerability of remote control lines, (2) poorly organized dispatch desk operations, (3) the pending move of the headquarters message center from Hartford to Meriden, (4) the need for additional portable units, (5) inadequate paging facilities, and (6) the desire for statewide microwave planning. Other areas given attention are additional vehicle repeater/handie talkie units for field operation, establishment of priorities for system improvement, reorganization of the service capability for more effective and efficient system servicing, and more vigorous training for use of the radio system. Attachments provide suggested frequency pairing and an alternative for mobile radio channel positioning.