Secure communications can mean many things. Secure can refer to encrypted frequencies and equipment used to broadcast sensitive information, or it can mean equipment and technology put in place to ensure that a radio system from user to user is safe, secure and resilient.
Here are some important things to consider when purchasing secure communications equipment for law enforcement:
1. Ease of use
The current buzzword for many in the public safety communications industry is “interoperability.” Whether discussing radio interoperability that allows disparate radios and frequencies to communicate with each other or data interoperability that allows computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and other technology to communicate regardless of vendor or type, interoperability is a must for effective and efficient communications in every field of public safety.
However, interoperability is subsequent to operability. This means no level of technological advancement will be effective if it is difficult to learn or use in day-to-day operations. When purchasing equipment, be sure to consider the end users and get input from them prior to making any level of commitment.
2. Resiliency and durability
In essence, resiliency means less easy to break. For communications, this means durable redundant systems at every point in the system. Field radios should be durable, weather/waterproof and safe for hazardous environments. The infrastructure that bridges the gap between field agency and communications center should be durable, redundant and self-sufficient during disaster situations, to include back-up power. Redundancy should be such that there is no single point of failure in the system. Communications center equipment should be modern, user-friendly and capable of meeting the needs of today’s communications center, to include the ability to evolve with new technology and products.
3. Maintainable and upgradable
By its very nature, communications equipment is always changing and evolving. This means the technology of today will be obsolete tomorrow or shortly thereafter. Equipment being purchased today should be designed for upgrades and modifications to meet these needs versus replacement. Systems that do not allow for future expansions or upgrades will quickly become stagnant and ineffective. This, in turn, will lead to additional purchases and expenses that would far outweigh the costs of planning today for operations tomorrow.
The phrase “secure communications” covers a wide variety of technology and equipment, from satellite-based systems and encrypted telephones to hardened radios and pagers. When agencies are looking to purchase any type of secure communications equipment a few basics need consideration to ensure they are purchasing the best equipment available and, more importantly, the equipment that meets their needs today and tomorrow. Be sure to specify equipment that is developed according to industry standards and avoid proprietary-vendor solutions.
Any other suggestions? Anything we missed in the list above? Leave a comment below or email products@policeone.com with your feedback.
This article, originally published 8/25/2009, has been updated
