For the record, I am talking about MSP troopers in ground units, not their helicopters. And when I refer to VHF, I'm talking about the low band VHF mobile radio system.
Moving on, I'm gathering that the troopers are using county issued 800 portables, and for the most part, the barracks continue to communicate with troopers via their VHF system. This implies that in order to hear everything, you must monitor both systems.
It has always seemed to me that the MSP communications system has been a patchwork affair, kind of kludged together with half-measures to tide them over, and never really implementing a modern integrated system. They are still operating (for the most part,) a simplex VHF radio system utilizing design philosophies developed in the 30's and '40's. In fact, throughout the disparate state of Maryland public safety agencies, there seems to be little thoughful (or coordinated) investment in communications technology. The Natural Resources Police, Forestry fire fighters, DNR Rangers, MdTA Police, DGS Police, MTA Police, the various university police departments, the SHA are all on separate systems, yet could all need to communicate in some fashion during routine and extordinary circumstances. On one hand, a Mobile Communications behemoth might be helpful in some sort of extended crisis, but for routine interoperability needs it is just about useless.
I'm sorry to stray off topic.....
CA
Annapolis