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HPD behind the curve on radio response in case of disaster
09:43 PM CDT on Monday, September 11, 2006
By Jeff McShan / 11 News
If there was a terror attack here a police radio problem would make it harder for Houston police to respond.
KHOU-TV
HPD radios may not be ready for a disaster, but the county's are. What's the difference?
This is a problem we’ve been tracking for more than a year.
Exactly five 5-years after 9/11 the Houston police department is acutely aware that should an attack happen here, communication would be a problem.
In its new monthly in-house publication, the department admits there are limitations with its police radio system, largely due to the age of the equipment.
Replacing the system, going from analog to digital, which would require new equipment department-wide, would cost approximately $150-to-160 million.
That’s money it doesn’t have, but will have to find soon.
According to HPD, “By 2013, our current system, with wide band frequencies, will most likely be discontinued”.
HPD hopes federal grants and portions from a pending bond issue will help make it happen someday
But five years after 9/11 it’s still not a done deal.
The last time it bought any new radios was back in 1990 for the National Republican Convention.
Ironically, while HPD finds itself in a tough spot. Harris County, in some cases, is leading the nation in law enforcement communication.
The county system is so impressive it was recently featured in 911 Magazine.
The sheriff’s department is already on a digital system and has the ability to talk with dozens of other agencies in our area, something HPD is sorely lacking.
The department has 20 mobile command stations so that in case of a disaster it can send these units out like it did during the Columbia tragedy.
Their equipment enabled NASA, the FBI, FEMA, the EPA, and the U.S. Navy dive team to talk with each other.
Each mobile unit has up to six source of redundant power with multiple generators on board. They are all equipped with satellite phones and wireless network systems and the ability to take over 911 if needed.
They have a 53-foot 18-wheeler with 10 911 stations that can back up 911 if needed.
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Online at: http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou060911_cd_policeradios.8e06adaf.html
09:43 PM CDT on Monday, September 11, 2006
By Jeff McShan / 11 News
If there was a terror attack here a police radio problem would make it harder for Houston police to respond.
KHOU-TV
HPD radios may not be ready for a disaster, but the county's are. What's the difference?
This is a problem we’ve been tracking for more than a year.
Exactly five 5-years after 9/11 the Houston police department is acutely aware that should an attack happen here, communication would be a problem.
In its new monthly in-house publication, the department admits there are limitations with its police radio system, largely due to the age of the equipment.
Replacing the system, going from analog to digital, which would require new equipment department-wide, would cost approximately $150-to-160 million.
That’s money it doesn’t have, but will have to find soon.
According to HPD, “By 2013, our current system, with wide band frequencies, will most likely be discontinued”.
HPD hopes federal grants and portions from a pending bond issue will help make it happen someday
But five years after 9/11 it’s still not a done deal.
The last time it bought any new radios was back in 1990 for the National Republican Convention.
Ironically, while HPD finds itself in a tough spot. Harris County, in some cases, is leading the nation in law enforcement communication.
The county system is so impressive it was recently featured in 911 Magazine.
The sheriff’s department is already on a digital system and has the ability to talk with dozens of other agencies in our area, something HPD is sorely lacking.
The department has 20 mobile command stations so that in case of a disaster it can send these units out like it did during the Columbia tragedy.
Their equipment enabled NASA, the FBI, FEMA, the EPA, and the U.S. Navy dive team to talk with each other.
Each mobile unit has up to six source of redundant power with multiple generators on board. They are all equipped with satellite phones and wireless network systems and the ability to take over 911 if needed.
They have a 53-foot 18-wheeler with 10 911 stations that can back up 911 if needed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Online at: http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou060911_cd_policeradios.8e06adaf.html