New Bernalillo radio system online Dec 2020 or Jan 2021

[ChrisABQ]

Albuquerque, Bernalillo County public safety services to receive new radio communications system

The City of Albuquerque is investing $38 million in a new radio and telecom system for Albuquerque metro area public safety agencies, including the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Bernalillo County Fire Department, Albuquerque...

www.kob.com

 

[cmgatchell]

Encryption is coming???

 

[TRGNM]

Encryption is coming???

Of course it is. But we aren't supposed to complain about it here. Thems the rules.

 

[abqscan]

Correct. People need to direct their comments to elected officials who can make change happen.

 

[ChrisABQ]

As Abqscan commented, you can direct your concerns to our elected officials. Politicians do listen. In a recent gun law vote in the Abq city council, they voted down an ordinance to make lawful gun owners put safety locks on all guns not in use. It failed because 600 people contacted council members that were opposed to the law and only 2 letters in favor. Contact your local councilman and voice your concerns.

 

[TRGNM]

Does it cost more to encrypt radio transmissions? Just wondering if that might be one incentive not to encrypt. In favor of radio hobbyists.

 

[abqscan]

Does it cost more to encrypt radio transmissions? Just wondering if that might be one incentive not to encrypt. In favor of radio hobbyists.

Manufactures do charge for the encryption feature. There is another cost feature if there is a need for the radio to hold multiple keys. It is almost a null issue because agencies have asked for encryption in the RFPs.

 

[Toddy211]

I'll contact them but I don't really know how to start something like that off. Does anyone have a templet or generic letter they start with? If I just create something on my own it will be a piece of my mind and probably not well taken important points missed and not heard correctly. My way I would imagine might hurt the cause and I bet I'm not alone. Someone referred to firearm legislation which happens to be another interest of mine. When issues arise that need a call to action like such someone much smarter than I puts together a letter everyone can use essentially just change a few things and that's it. I don't believe its an issue if the same letter is received from lots of people on the contrary it might represent a stronger show of people. I do believe it needs to be well written with specific point or legislation's highlighted. Just an idea

 

[ChrisABQ]

Great response AbqScan, one of the best posts I've read regarding the subject. Let's also read the top of the post about arguing about encryption. We are not here to debate it, the OP asked if it's coming, it's not our choice if it's implemented. It will be what it will be. Please let's not debate something we have no control of. It is every citizens RIGHT to contact his/her local representative and let them know their view. Let's just leave it at that.

 

[SuperG900]

Any updates on when they make the switch over? I'd need a new scanner to pickup P25 II. As it stands now, I'm able to pickup only the EDACS analog stuff.

 

[ChrisABQ]

Still in the testing phase. Heard AFR testing reception up in Rio at the casino last week. Techs were testing talkgroups in blocks on Friday. I imagine it's just a matter of getting delivery of the new radios.

The cheapest options for P25 phase 2 radios would be unidens 325p2 and 996p2. I'm not experiencing any issues with simulcast at this time, even with the new tower locations.

 

[Rad-1]

Do you think the switchover timeline to NM 700 is still set for Dec 2020 or 2021? One would think the current Covid situation would slow this process down.

 

[Rad-1]

I haven’t noticed any Phase 2 TG’s yet in Abq

 

[mikewazowski]

Ladies and gentlemen, the OP asked for this thread to be closed due to the all the off-topic encryption posts.

Instead, I've deleted those posts and would hope the thread could still be used to discuss the New Bernalillo radio system rollout as the OP intended?

 

[ChrisABQ]

December 2020 to January 2021 are the latest dates available as of 2 weeks ago. At this time, only NMSP is using Phase 1, almost all testing is in phase 2. Be sure while scanning the new system to enable ID SEARCH not ID scan.

 

[andrew_m]

My source is telling me Jan 5 is the cut-over date.

 

[cmgatchell]

Hello, please see the response below from APD.
From: "Smathers, Michael" <msmathers@cabq.gov>
Date: October 22, 2020 at 7:33:21 PM MDT
To: "Jones, Trudy" <trudyjones@cabq.gov>
Cc: "Dow, Paul W." <pdow@cabq.gov>, "Medina, Harold J." <hmedina@cabq.gov>
Subject: FW: New Public Safety Communications System



Councilor Jones-I hope this finds you doing well and healthy. The main APD dispatch channels will remain open/unencrypted as they are now. If you need anything else from APD please let me know.



Regards,



Mike Smathers



Deputy Chief Mike Smathers

Special Operations Bureau

Albuquerque Police Department

400 Roma Avenue NW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

msmathers@cabq.gov
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email Address

cgatchellus@live.com

Zip

87112

Phone Number

5059334436

Subject of your message

New Public Safety Communications System

Enter Your Message Here

Greetings, I am really concerned about the new Public Safety Communications system P25 Phase II. The new system appears much better than the existing system in a positive note. Currently some channels within APD are encrypted.
I understand this completely. My question is APD going to continue allowing the public & the news media to listen to the dispatch channels?
Lately I have heard a rumor that Albuquerque may encrypt channels including Dispatch which is currently in the clear. I was deeply involved in Community Policing when the first system was installed,” Edac/Provoice Radio’s” in the last decade.
The result of the new system was Community Policing disappeared and Citizens were not able to listen in their neighborhood to APD relating to crimes occurring in the hood where they live. When approaching an Officer to get information on what was going on was a thing of the past. The Crime mapping is not helpful.
The relationship between Neighborhood Associations, Block Captains and Neighborhood Patrols faded away in many communities. I helped APD with info making a huge bust including counterfeit money, Drugs and High-priced stolen SUV’s. I received a letter from the police chief thanking me.
If our Public Safety goes dark after 75 years in the clear? The loss of Transparency of The Albuquerque Police could affect the public’s trust and willing to even imagine that Community Policing exists. Thank You for responding to me on this important issue.

Best Regards,
Charles Gatchell
Ph 505-933-4436
Email: cgatchellus@live.com

 

[Rad-1]

Thank you very much Councilor Jones and Deputy Chief Smathers for letting us know and addressing our concerns. Much appreciated!

 

[Rad-1]

Can anybody confirm the same with AFR and BCFD will remain in the clear? Thank you in advance

 

[Rad-1]

Also, anybody know of this system will continue to be simulcast?