The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released scorecard assessments (pdf) of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide.

Interoperable communications should enable law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.

Since 2003, DHS has awarded $2.9 billion in funding to enhance state and local interoperable communications efforts.

The reviews focused on three main areas: Governance (leadership and planning); Standard Operating Procedures (plans and procedures); and Usage (use of equipment). The evaluation criteria was derived directly from the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and Interoperability Maturity Assessment Model

Key findings include:

• Policies for interoperable communications are now in place in all 75 urban and metropolitan areas.
• Regular testing and exercises are needed to effectively link disparate systems and facilitate communications between multi-jurisdictional responders (including state and federal).
• Cooperation among first responders in the field is strong, but formalized governance (leadership and strategic planning) across regions is not as advanced.

The reviews were conducted by five panels of subject matter experts composed of state and local public safety and communications technology experts, in addition to representatives from the department’s Wireless Management Office and SAFECOM, a communications program within the Office for Interoperability and Compatibility.

According to a new survey published by the National Emergency Management Association, state emergency managers estimate it will cost $7 billion to achieve statewide interoperable communications for first responders.

Posted by Sam Churchill on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2007 at 4:43 pm.