NCJ Number
220211
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 56 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2007 Pages: 36,39-42,44
Date Published
July 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how the RIOS system has helped the southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Police Department establish a fully operational radio interoperability system.
Abstract
Having a reliable radio interoperability system to handle emergency responses on a mass transportation system is critical. Many mass transportation systems can run through many political subdivisions such as States, counties, cities, towns, boroughs, and villages. All of these emergency response agencies with the subdivisions are expected to respond to transit emergencies within their jurisdictions. “During transit emergencies, it is critical that local first responders maintain direct radio communication with transit police and other transit personnel.” Mass transit is still a major terrorist target. SEPTA is the largest multi-modal mass transit system in the United States consisting of bus, subway, high-speed rail, trackless trolley, regional rail and para-transit. The SEPTA Police Department has led the efforts to acquire a fully operational Radio Interoperability System (RIOS) SR-300 that was developed by SyTech Corp. The RIOS has the capability to interface with dissimilar radio, telephone, satellite phones, computers and other computer systems into talk groups between fire, police and municipal radio.