I have a feeling that I already know the answer however I have been unable to find the exact language to prove my gut feeling.
Are government agencies (local, county, state, federal, etc.) permitted to use FRS radios for official government business/communications?
Here is the scenario. My local government is working on preparing for various natural disasters. One of their ideas is to outfit all the City Department Directors with a small bag of essential equipment and supplies including a portable radio. The thought is that during a disaster most, if not all, forms of communications will be down. They are planning on using FRS type radios for their backup/emergency communications.
Obviously there are SEVERAL issues as to why this is a bad idea but I want to focus on the legality of it and whether or not a government entity has authority to use FRS for official communications.
Are government agencies (local, county, state, federal, etc.) permitted to use FRS radios for official government business/communications?
Here is the scenario. My local government is working on preparing for various natural disasters. One of their ideas is to outfit all the City Department Directors with a small bag of essential equipment and supplies including a portable radio. The thought is that during a disaster most, if not all, forms of communications will be down. They are planning on using FRS type radios for their backup/emergency communications.
Obviously there are SEVERAL issues as to why this is a bad idea but I want to focus on the legality of it and whether or not a government entity has authority to use FRS for official communications.