NCJ Number
95435
Date Published
Unknown
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Technical characteristics of personal two-way radios currently available are discussed, along with their applications in law enforcement.
Abstract
Lightweight personal radios are used increasingly in law enforcement because they can be carried at all times and allow officers to communicate with radio dispatcher and each other when they have no access to a mobile radio. This guide first surveys frequencies used by personal radios, packaging concepts, and switch design. Costs range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the radio's optional features. Types of batteries used to power radios are compared, as are chargers and charging techniques. The guide examines factors that departments should consider when selecting antennas and explains the construction of rod and helical antennas. A summary of optional equipment considers frequency separation on equipment that can operate on many frequencies, selective calling systems, scanning receivers, microphones, earphones, and earpieces. Operational considerations in selecting a radio are reviewed, including propagation and building penetration, availability and choice of frequencies, improving coverage with a voting receiver system on mobile-mobile repeater, the effect of heavy winter clothing on radio performance, and belt-worn versus handheld radios. The final sections focus on nonionizing radiation emitted by radios, maintenance, and recent equipment improvements. Tables, drawings, and 11 references are supplied.