Have you read the documents posted on the
CRIS website? It is very much being shopped around for any/all agencies that would like to use it. Also according to public meetings they have presented at they may also be willing to connect existing P25 sites to it at some point.
They have also mentioned in public meetings that they may use VHF and/or UHF to fill some areas. They have emphasized that the system is not meant to cover 100% of the geographic area of the state, the intent is to cover as much of the population of the state as possible.
Reading the document you linked to it appears that this system will be for interoperability only, not an all encompassing statewide all agency, one system like some states have or are building. Many of the smaller and flatter states east of the Rockies have such systems. North and South Dakota are examples. In the west Colorado has one that is pretty much built out. These systems seek to have the garbage trucks and animal control on this one system as well, so a true all government services radio system. My reading of the introduction on the CRIS website finds the word interoperability used several times. The following statements lead me to this conclusion:
". . . . . . which interfaces to similar local systems throughout the state of California."
So it will interface to local systems, not replace them.
"To ensure all of California’s Public Safety Agencies have access to reliable interoperable communications capabilities."
Agencies are to have access to interoperable communications, which leaves out a goal of providing a statewide (60% of land area, 90% of population) all encompassing, single radio system. I think the state is replacing the old CESRS, which consists of one repeater pair, 153.7550/154.9800 on dozens of electronic sites around the state, all connected to the state's microwave backbone. My opinion is that OES is acknowledging that this single frequency pair network has outlived its usefulness, especially in urban areas. They also realize the number of 700/800 MHz systems that exist or are being planned in urban areas. The CESRS is still useful in the rural portions of the state where there is significant topography.
"To design and implement a statewide communication system with emphasis on providing interoperable communications between California’s Public Safety Agencies while supporting normal day-to-day public safety operations."
The last portion of that statement could be interpreted to mean this system is going to become a system for ALL routine daily operations. When I read the other quotes and put them into context, I don't make that interpretation. I think the CRIS will allow multiple agencies responding to a mutual aid situation, each possibly having disparate radio systems, to communicate with each other. I see it as a system that is similar to the function of the so called "CALCORD" frequency of 156.0750. Only time will tell which interpretation is correct, or someone might submit some agency or committee meeting notes that will clear this up. That is why I previously said "only time will tell."
The state already has several comm vans and some CHP SUVs that are capable of providing interfaces between VHF, UHF and 700/800 systems. Some counties and cities have the same. I wonder if CRIS will provide the same service, but be in place permanently, eliminating the wait time for these specialized vehicles to arrive on scene.
