Five Elements to Achieve Interoperability

• NCJ Number: 211138
• Journal: Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2005 Pages: 70-72,74
• Author(s): David Boyd Dr.
• Date Published: August 2005
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses SAFECOM's (Federal project to achieve communications interoperability among public safety agencies) "Interoperability Continuum" and its use as a tool for addressing five critical interoperability success factors.

Abstract

The five factors critical to the success of communications interoperability are governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training and exercises, and use of interoperable communications. A formal governance structure is the key to planning. Members of this group will assist in identifying and solving interoperability issues and improve the policies, processes, and procedures of the efforts. A second critical factor for success, standard operating procedures, involves formal written guidelines or instructions for incident response; they typically have both operational and technical components. A third critical factor, technology, is dependent on existing infrastructure within a region. Multiple technology solutions may be required to support large events. A fourth critical factor, training and exercises, is essential in preparing personnel to deal with the unexpected as well as the routine use of communications interoperability. The fifth factor, use of interoperable communications, refers to how often interoperable communications technologies are used. Success in this area depends on progress and interplay among the other four elements on the continuum. Ensuring that these five factors are addressed requires the commitment of leadership from all public safety agencies; collaboration across the various types of agencies that will use the system; the commitment of policymakers in obtaining resource support; the use of interoperability solutions regularly; planning and budgeting for ongoing updates to systems, procedures, and documentation; and collaboration and coordination across all elements of the five factors in the continuum.