CHPERS Explained
California Highway Patrol Enhanced Radio System
The California Highway Patrol Enhanced Radio System (CHPERS) project is a five-year plan which will provide for the development and implementation of an enhanced statewide radio communications system in support of CHP’s mission. The CHPERS project will provide an improved state-of-the-art radio system and employ modern methodologies to enhance and leverage the existing infrastructure and meet future operational and interoperability needs.
The CHPERS project plan has incorporated efficiencies identified in coordination with the Department of General Services. The CHPERS project focuses on the enhancement of the radio system infrastructure as well as continuing the acquisition of 700 MHz frequency spectrum, the acquisition of mobile/portable 700/800 MHz radios, the separation of radio frequencies, and the development of a radio solution for the CHP’s motorcycles and specialty vehicles. To ensure there are no radio frequency interference problems, a statewide effort is underway to acquire additional radio rack space and equipment. As a result, the CHP will be able to separate tactical frequencies, enabling each Division to operate emergency radio traffic during critical incidents without interfering with radio traffic for normal operations. The acquisition of 700 MHz frequency spectrum will provide an officer with an increased communications range while they are out of their vehicle, in addition to providing interoperability with other first responders.
The CHP is seeking alternative technology solutions for integrating and enhancing the Patrol Officer Mobile Environment as part of its program to upgrade the existing statewide communications infrastructure in preparation for future growth. An important part of the plan is to integrate systems and enhance the existing enforcement vehicle communications functions. The Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment (CPVE), a vehicle tactical network, will allow the consolidation of various mobile radio equipment to interface with multiple frequency bands. The patching of disparate radio systems will provide temporary links to create interoperable systems anywhere in the state, utilizing a single screen graphical user interface (GUI) system. The vehicle tactical network is software-driven and the operating software will be designed to automatically select the appropriate in-trunk radio unit for the frequency band associated with the operational channel selected. The CPVE is configured for touch screen operation that allows multiple technologies (e.g., radio, video, mobile data, siren, public address, emergency lights, license plate reader, gun locks, and radar) to be readily available to CHP officers for their day-to-day operations.
The CHP is in the process of completing the installation of a statewide/regional radio communications interoperability network utilizing the gateway boxes in each of the CHP 25 communications centers. The goal is to connect each local gateway switch to other gateway switches statewide. Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) connectivity, the gateway box allows direct voice communication between CHP and any allied agencies responding to both short-term and long-term incidents. The gateway box has the ability to link disparate radio systems (i.e., VHF low band, VHF high band, UHF, UHF-T, and 700/800 MHz) as well as satellite, landline, and cellular phone systems to enhance communications through real time, field unit-to-unit, and direct voice communications. Connectivity can be established to provide remote access for command and control anywhere in the state for remote incident or on-scene command, utilizing the Wide Area Interoperability System (WAIS) software through the internet or existing CHP LAN/WAN.
In January 2006, the Department purchased nine Chevrolet Tahoes through the 11-22 Program, utilizing a Homeland Security grant. The vehicles were equipped and integrated with satellite, airborne video downlink, and interoperable communications equipment, allowing the vehicles to perform as mobile command centers. The vehicles also provide internet access, satellite services, and a command and control system display. Utilizing the gateway box, the vehicles offer incident commanders direct communication between allied agencies and first responders involved in a particular disaster response, even when they are using disparate radio systems. In addition, the gateway boxes provide command and control capabilities in the event of catastrophic damage to the local infrastructure. The Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV) provides CHP with a mobile command where needed. In effect, with remote access to radio communications systems, telephone, internet, email, fax, and satellite television services, an RRV could replace a CHP Area office or communications center. The RRVs are assigned statewide to the eight CHP divisions.
The CHP infrastructure is comprised of radio base station equipment installed at 302 remote radio sites, 102 Area offices, 25 communications centers, and 16 inspection facilities. To ensure minimal downtime of the infrastructure equipment in the event of catastrophic failure, four vault trailers and two antenna trailers have been purchased to provide back-up communications. The self-contained mobile trailers will house over 20 racks of radio base station equipment that can be deployed anywhere in the state and will provide the CHP and its tenants (allied agencies) with immediate relief from disruption of vital equipment used for communication in a wide coverage area. The antenna trailers are self-contained units with a maximum height of over 60 feet that can accommodate numerous antennas, including low band, high band, UHF, 700/800 MHz, and microwave dishes. Once these units reach their destination they can be activated and operational within an hour without requiring an external power source.
