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Carlstadt targets police communications upgrades as part of $800G bond
Thursday, November 19, 2009
BY JOHN A. GAVIN
The Record
STAFF WRITER
CARLSTADT – Improvements to the Police Department’s communications network will account for more than half of a $800,000 bond approved by the borough this week.
The Borough Council approved the bond at a public hearing Monday, earmarking approximately $500,000 to upgrade its outdated radio system to meet standards set by the Federal Communications Commission.
“High frequency units are being mandated,” Councilman Craig Lahullier said. “Police have an old console. Radios and cars have to be revamped. It’s a complete makeover of the communications system.”
The FCC ordered in 2004 that all private land mobile radio systems – including those used by municipal governments, along with state and local public safety systems – move to narrowband frequency voice channels and highly efficient data channel operations by Jan. 1, 2013.
To meet a preliminary deadline, borough will order the upgrade by Dec. 31, 2009, said Lahullier, the police commissioner.
The narrowband upgrade, which broadcasts in ultra high frequencies (UHF) and reduces channel width, allows for additional channels to exist within the same spectrum space and improves overall communications capabilities.
“It will increase officers’ safety,” Police Chief Thomas Nielsen said. “There are times when there are communications problems with the desk.”
The 20-year-old system in use now uses a very high frequency (VHF) spectrum and requires all police communications be directed through the main console at headquarters.
Officers in squad cars cannot communicate with each other directly, said Don Pomponio, the department’s communications coordinator.
Communication upgrades also will include the Fire and Public Works departments and should be completed by the end of next year.
The balance of the bond proceeds — about $300,000 — will be used to buy a new garbage truck for the borough’s three-truck fleet, Lahullier said.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
BY JOHN A. GAVIN
The Record
STAFF WRITER
CARLSTADT – Improvements to the Police Department’s communications network will account for more than half of a $800,000 bond approved by the borough this week.
The Borough Council approved the bond at a public hearing Monday, earmarking approximately $500,000 to upgrade its outdated radio system to meet standards set by the Federal Communications Commission.
“High frequency units are being mandated,” Councilman Craig Lahullier said. “Police have an old console. Radios and cars have to be revamped. It’s a complete makeover of the communications system.”
The FCC ordered in 2004 that all private land mobile radio systems – including those used by municipal governments, along with state and local public safety systems – move to narrowband frequency voice channels and highly efficient data channel operations by Jan. 1, 2013.
To meet a preliminary deadline, borough will order the upgrade by Dec. 31, 2009, said Lahullier, the police commissioner.
The narrowband upgrade, which broadcasts in ultra high frequencies (UHF) and reduces channel width, allows for additional channels to exist within the same spectrum space and improves overall communications capabilities.
“It will increase officers’ safety,” Police Chief Thomas Nielsen said. “There are times when there are communications problems with the desk.”
The 20-year-old system in use now uses a very high frequency (VHF) spectrum and requires all police communications be directed through the main console at headquarters.
Officers in squad cars cannot communicate with each other directly, said Don Pomponio, the department’s communications coordinator.
Communication upgrades also will include the Fire and Public Works departments and should be completed by the end of next year.
The balance of the bond proceeds — about $300,000 — will be used to buy a new garbage truck for the borough’s three-truck fleet, Lahullier said.
