Interop between US-Canada border

iowajm780

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2021
Messages
177
This is a curiosity question. Is there some kind of Interop frequency between CBSA and CBP for comm's or to monitor each other?
Not sure how border policy works between the two countries but would think this would be a faster way to talk rather than by phone.
 

BC_Scan

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
664
Location
Vancouver BC
(LEO has) There is. I have them written down somewhere. There are a few I have heard tested in the past including one that WA state singled out.

Here in Vancouver, RCMP set aside two VHF channels for CBP to talk from YVR direct to Blaine. I have heard in past but they are encrypted. The last few times through YVR in 2022, CBP were no longer sporting comm's.
RCMP radio dispatch here alerts WA state in past is how its been, no direct chat
 

beeperboy

Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
292
Location
Calgary
I remember installing some VHF P25 interop sites along the Alberta - Montana border 15 years ago. They colocated with PACS sites on the Alberta side. I'm not sure if the system was intended for Border Services, or for for smuggling/Drug Units. I don't think the system was every fully commissioned or used. I'm sure it's fallen apart by now. Such a waste of money.
 

ai8o

Brachiating Tetrapod
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
331
Location
Lexington, NC
Years ago (2007?) I was going to Vancouver BC from Seattle. At the Peace Arch Border crossing the CBP wanted to close one lane.
I witnessed a very HI Tech communications method used by the US CBP and the CBSA.

A CBP agent walked over to the Canadian side, using shoe leather, and asked the CBSA to lower the gate.
Max interop communication method used here!;)

</Humor>
 

iowajm780

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2021
Messages
177
Thanks for the response. I watch that Border Security show on Canadian TV and it seems like the CBSA is dealing with mostly Americans who give those folks a hard time.
 

iMONITOR

Silent Key
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
11,156
Location
S.E. Michigan
This is a curiosity question. Is there some kind of Interop frequency between CBSA and CBP for comm's or to monitor each other?
Not sure how border policy works between the two countries but would think this would be a faster way to talk rather than by phone.

Northern Border Interop


These talkgroups area linked across the following radio systems as part of the Northern Border Interoperability Demonstration Project:

  • Alberta First Responders' Radio Communication System (AFRRCS).
  • Maine State Communications Network (MSCommNet).
  • Michigan MPSCS.
  • Minnesota ARMER.
  • Montana Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS).
  • North Dakota Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN 20/20).
  • Northwest Ohio Regional Public Safety System.
  • Ohio MARCS-IP.
  • Ontario Public Safety Radio Network (PRSN).
  • Pennsylvania's PA-STARNet P25.
  • RENIR - Reseau National Integre de Radiocommunication (Quebec).
  • Saskatchewan Provincial Public Safety Telecommunications Network.

DEC HEX Mode Alpha TagDescriptionTag
940024b8DENBI-CALLNorthern Border Interop CallingInterop
940124b9DENBI-TAC1Northern Border Interop TAC 1Interop
940224baDENBI-TAC2Northern Border Interop TAC 2Interop
940324bbDNBI-TAC3Northern Border Interop TAC 3Interop
940424bcDNBI-TAC4Northern Border Interop TAC 4Interop
 

mikewazowski

Forums Manager/Global DB Admin
Staff member
Forums Manager
Joined
Jun 26, 2001
Messages
13,459
Location
Oot and Aboot
I saw that posted on a Michigan system but as far as I know, none of it is implemented north of the border and it would surprise me if it's actually implemented on any state side systems.

Heck, PSRN is still in the buildout stage.
 

Deziel0495

PE/NB Database Guy
Database Admin
Joined
Feb 11, 2008
Messages
902
Location
PEI
CBSA in Atlantic Canada operate on the MPSRN. However, i'm not sure how in-depth.
 

ecps92

Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2002
Messages
14,360
Location
Taxachusetts
If I recall correctly, Maine uses the standard day-to-day VHF channels that the normal Police n Fire use for any/all Border Interop

Last trip to Canada we had US Customs working (Ottawa) inside the Airport, making it a "Non international" flight back to Boston and they
were on the Normal CBP/OBP VHF, so it would be a high probability that Canada has some of the US VHF CBP/OBP channels as well
This is a curiosity question. Is there some kind of Interop frequency between CBSA and CBP for comm's or to monitor each other?
Not sure how border policy works between the two countries but would think this would be a faster way to talk rather than by phone.
 

studgeman

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
685
I spent a lot of time working this specific issue. I have no doubt there are some "not-so-official" ways of doing things, many things I was involved in were done with at least a slight wink and a nod by both county's operational level administrators. As far as official things it is nearly impossible to do anything legally according the US & Canada's own rules plus the several treaties involved. This is a state department level problem.
 

iMONITOR

Silent Key
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
11,156
Location
S.E. Michigan
Don't seem like they even want to communicate with us

One of my buddies used to be a railroad cop and they worked together with Canada's railroad cops well, especially in the underground railroad tunnels.. It seems it would be in both their best interest to do so.
 

ToddWilkinson

ScanMN
Joined
Dec 2, 2021
Messages
335
This is a curiosity question. Is there some kind of Interop frequency between CBSA and CBP for comm's or to monitor each other?
Not sure how border policy works between the two countries but would think this would be a faster way to talk rather than by phone.
Our Border Site is totally locked down with the big E
 

Guccisock5

Member
Feed Provider
Joined
Jun 29, 2019
Messages
144
One of my buddies used to be a railroad cop and they worked together with Canada's railroad cops well, especially in the underground railroad tunnels.. It seems it would be in both their best interest to do so.

Same company though railroad cops are basically security guards protected by 100 year old weird laws.
 

moonbounce

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
1,398
All done by phone. No interop radio channels, at least not when I worked there. Even the police agencies don't have any common frequencies, all done by phone.
 
Top