U.S. Capitol Police

[tuttleje]

During the 2008 Kingsmill Conference, I heard the U.S. Capitol Police using 168.35 MHz (simplex) for communications during the entire event.

At the 2009 Kingsmill Conference, I head them use 168.35 Mhz as they were arriving in the area. However, once they arrived, I never heard them use 168.35 Mhz again. I scanned all know VHF frequencies used by the Capitol Police....nothing.

I did a search between 163.00 MHz and 174.00 MHz. This resulted in the discovery of several unknown P25 transmission. These were later identified as being related to another facility close to Williamsburg...but not the Capitol Police.

I neglected to scan the 400 Mhz band (read later that some DC agencies are using it).

Has the Capitol Police changed radio systems? What might they be using for offsite coverage?

 

[ka3jjz]

I would wager they would be using NexHell...73 Mike

 

[tuttleje]

I would wager they would be using NexHell...73 Mike

That's what I figured. However, I though I would ask those that are in the DC area.

I was with an agency that used Nextel as the primary means of communication. We had numerous talkgroups established, and the direct connect worked great. You blended into the background if someone was using a rf detector/close call to determine if they were under surveillance. Also, talking on a cell phone did not attract attention. Talking into a cuff mike or handheld radio was very obvious.

The main problem with using a Nextel is that once you left the metro areas or got off the Interstates, they didn't work.

I understand that they now have a simplex feature (radio to radio).

I think this is called "Direct Talk" and uses a spread spectrum mode in the 900 MHz band.

That feature would have been great.