emergency communications...
TRANSCRIPT
Emergency Communications Interoperability:
The Impact of Video Technology on21st Century Public Safety
Steven Jones, FRC Exec. Dir.November 30, 2006
About the FRC
Interoperability Background
5 Key Challenges
Beyond Voice Communications
Conclusion
Key Points
Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Educate the public on the needs of first responders
Ensure policymakers attach a high priority to public safety issues
Priorities: Effective communications, access to data/information
About the FRC
Background
1982: Air Florida
1995: Oklahoma City Bombing
1999: Columbine High School
9/11
2005 Hurricane Season (“Katrita”)
“Routine” Emergencies
DHS: 5 Key ChallengesIncompatible/aging communications equipment
Limited/fragmented funding and budget cycles
Limited/fragmented planning and coordination
Limited/fragmented radio spectrum
Limited standards
Incompatible and Aging Communications Equipment
Proprietary equipment
Operates in different parts of the spectrum
Purchased at different times
Evolution of technologye.g., Louisiana’s statewide system
No replacement parts… no system upgrades… no technical support
Limited/FragmentedFunding and Budget Cycles
FundingLocalities often choose between function and cost
Statewide system ≠ statewide buy-in
BudgetEach state may impose different requirements on local governments
Some legislatures are part-time
Many localities have immediate needs
Limited/FragmentedCoordination and Planning
Public safety developed systems independent of other local entities
Varying abilities to purchase, maintain and upgrade equipment
Purchased different technologies at different times
Patchwork with many gaps
+40,000 different agencies with unique systems
No national needs assessment, no national strategy
Limited/FragmentedRadio Frequency Spectrum
Spectrum makes wireless communications possible
Segmented into bands of frequenciesFM radio broadcasting
TV broadcasts
Public safety
Cell phones
Government/military
New technologies and no coordinationLow frequencies technology higher frequencies
Result: public safety spread over 10 different bands
Finite AmountIncreased demand, decreased supply
More users, less available space
Limited/FragmentedRadio Frequency Spectrum
Limited Standards
Most radio manufacturers only produce single band radios
Radios operating in the same frequency range may not be compatible with others
Technology is advancing faster than the standards
Why Can’t They Communicate?
For reasons both technical and humanEquipment
Funding and budget cycles
Planning and coordination
Radio spectrum
Standards
Interoperability is a multi-dimensional problem
Interoperability relies on technological solutions, but…
… people, processes and consensus are critical.
Beyond Voice CommunicationsThe challenges for voice communications mirror those for broadband
Cost of new technologies
Coordination of compatible broadband technology
Standards
Beyond Voice CommunicationsGovernance Structure for coordination
Fosters collaboration between state, local and federal
Needed to establish and expand interoperable communications
Helps to build and maintain relationships
Brings stakeholders to the table
Serves as a vehicle to explore funding sources and new technologies
Broadband for First RespondersIncludes:
High-speed web accessStreaming incident videoAccess to digital maps and floor plansAccess to criminal records
Benefits:Increases situational awarenessProvides contextEnhances decision makingImproves outcomes
Beyond Voice Communications
Key point #1:Technology transforms data into information
Key Point #2:Access to data and information is critical for a safe and effective emergency response
A Few Success StoriesNew Orleans, LA
Video Surveillance NetworkJan. – Aug. 2004 pilot57% fewer murders, 30% fewer car thefts
Hermiston, ORChemical depotPolice able to view live video and geo-info via wireless laptopPolice can coordinate traffic and gas cloud direction
A Few Success StoriesSan Antonio, TX
USDOT deployed a secure wireless infrastructure spanning 100 miles of highway
Federal, state and local responders share the same infrastructure and access same info
A Few Success StoriesWashington, DC
Wireless Accelerated Response Network (WARN)
Citywide, broadband wireless public safety network
Federal and local agencies use the system for video surveillance
Allows responders to track weather updates
First Response Coalitionwww.firstresponsecoalition.org
Steven Jones, Executive [email protected]
202.263.2904