Harris to Upgrade Public Safety Radio System in St. Mary’s County, MD

[Thunderbolt]

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — First responders in Saint Mary's County, Maryland, are improving their critical communications through a new county-wide public safety radio network based on the latest standards for voice and data transmissions.

9-1-1 Magazine: Harris Corp to Modernize Maryland County's First Responder Communications

[radio]

How is an APCO 25 Phase 2 different from the APCO 25 system out now?

Can this upgraded system be monitored by any current scanner?

[Chauffeur6]

Originally Posted by radio

How is an APCO 25 Phase 2 different from the APCO 25 system out now?

Can this upgraded system be monitored by any current scanner?

APCO Project 25 - The RadioReference Wiki

[lawman349]

...of this old thread.

I am told by law enforcement guys in St. Mary's that the system will likely be fully encrypted - even the fire/EMS side. The dispatch TG will be in the clear for the volunteers, but that's it.

Anyone have any updated info on this?

Also, how is a system "fully interoperable" if the surrounding jurisdictions are not provided encryption keys? Will a patch even work?

[ts548]

Originally Posted by lawman349

...of this old thread.

I am told by law enforcement guys in St. Mary's that the system will likely be fully encrypted - even the fire/EMS side. The dispatch TG will be in the clear for the volunteers, but that's it.

Anyone have any updated info on this?

Also, how is a system "fully interoperable" if the surrounding jurisdictions are not provided encryption keys? Will a patch even work?

You setup event talkgroups that are not encrypted and move everyone there when something big happens

[RonBon]

Originally Posted by ts548

You setup event talkgroups that are not encrypted and move everyone there when something big happens

Or the better option. Share encryption keys. Work together and get along. This is Unless your saying no other agencies respond into St. Mary's County. I guess the surrounding areas radios would have to support the implemented encryption method as well. With strong protocols and guidelines in place, there is no reason encryption keys should not be shared.

It's like locking your front when your having a house party and only allowing your guests on the back deck. "we invited you but forgot to mention that you cant come in"

Ronnie