ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The four agencies involved in the presidential motorcade Monday's fatal motorcade - the Albuquerque Police Department, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, the New Mexico state police and the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety - don't usually talk to each other over the radio, but they can.The agencies had a system set up to do that Monday, but it failed.The dispatch record of what happened is part of the inquiry into what went wrong.
As the presidential motorcade left Los Ranchos, officers knew the route, the routine and that part of their radio system had malfunctioned. Although some channels worked, a transcript record shows some awareness of potential radio problems:"Got one State officer coming up. Don't think he's on this frequency." Both APD and Rio Rancho Public Safety officials say there are backup plans and techniques in place, such as hand signals, if communication systems fail. A panel is being formed to investigate the crash and to see if equipment, policies or plans need to be changed. The panel should be at work by the end of next month."Communications could play a part in it," said Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety Director Robert Boone. "We will have to see the investigation results."Albuquerque Deputy Chief Mike Castro said, "You can't rely on a particular system to carry 100 percent of the communications. Everything can fall to error."Both APD and Rio Rancho Public Safety officials said there are backup plans and techniques in place, such as hand signals, if communication systems fail.Boone said his department will review its policies but will undoubtedly participate in dignitary escorts in the future.Officer Germaine Casey was one of eight Rio Rancho officers assisting the motorcade.Since the accident, the director said Rio Rancho officers have been helping transport Casey's family as they come in from out of town.There has been counseling as well for the department.In honor and mourning of Officer Casey, Gov. Bill Richardson signed an executive order directing that state flags be flown at half-staff from Thursday until sundown on Friday. Funeral Details For Officer CaseyA viewing will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at French Mortuary at 9300 Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho. A memorial service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. The service is open to the public. The memorial will include full police honors, and processional. A private burial will be held at the Sunset Gardens in Albuquerque.Transcript Of Police Dispatch Tape During Motorcade
"On this curve coming up on I-25 southbound, guys, watch your speed. Bad curve, watch your speed."
"Pilot is at Gibson."
"All motors, Secret Service is asking not to pass anymore. No more passing."
"Got one State officer coming up. Don't think he's on this frequency."
"We got a motor down! Motor down! Start a 43 (ambulance). We're right in front of the Sunport, the baggage area...or the...parking structure."
"Advise on condition and have 43 (ambulance) step on it."
"Any unit with that motor that's down, the president would like an updated condition."
"They're doing CPR."
"Give me four more bikes up here. We're going to be doing an escort to the hospital momentarily."
As the presidential motorcade left Los Ranchos, officers knew the route, the routine and that part of their radio system had malfunctioned. Although some channels worked, a transcript record shows some awareness of potential radio problems:"Got one State officer coming up. Don't think he's on this frequency." Both APD and Rio Rancho Public Safety officials say there are backup plans and techniques in place, such as hand signals, if communication systems fail. A panel is being formed to investigate the crash and to see if equipment, policies or plans need to be changed. The panel should be at work by the end of next month."Communications could play a part in it," said Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety Director Robert Boone. "We will have to see the investigation results."Albuquerque Deputy Chief Mike Castro said, "You can't rely on a particular system to carry 100 percent of the communications. Everything can fall to error."Both APD and Rio Rancho Public Safety officials said there are backup plans and techniques in place, such as hand signals, if communication systems fail.Boone said his department will review its policies but will undoubtedly participate in dignitary escorts in the future.Officer Germaine Casey was one of eight Rio Rancho officers assisting the motorcade.Since the accident, the director said Rio Rancho officers have been helping transport Casey's family as they come in from out of town.There has been counseling as well for the department.In honor and mourning of Officer Casey, Gov. Bill Richardson signed an executive order directing that state flags be flown at half-staff from Thursday until sundown on Friday. Funeral Details For Officer CaseyA viewing will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at French Mortuary at 9300 Golf Course Road in Rio Rancho. A memorial service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. The service is open to the public. The memorial will include full police honors, and processional. A private burial will be held at the Sunset Gardens in Albuquerque.Transcript Of Police Dispatch Tape During Motorcade
"On this curve coming up on I-25 southbound, guys, watch your speed. Bad curve, watch your speed."
"Pilot is at Gibson."
"All motors, Secret Service is asking not to pass anymore. No more passing."
"Got one State officer coming up. Don't think he's on this frequency."
"We got a motor down! Motor down! Start a 43 (ambulance). We're right in front of the Sunport, the baggage area...or the...parking structure."
"Advise on condition and have 43 (ambulance) step on it."
"Any unit with that motor that's down, the president would like an updated condition."
"They're doing CPR."
"Give me four more bikes up here. We're going to be doing an escort to the hospital momentarily."
