NCJ Number
181742
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 52 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2000 Pages: 10-12
Date Published
January 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A recent trend in radio communications is shared services called interlocal service agreements (ISAs); these shared communications offer major advantages in police chases, investigations, the handling of emergencies, and other areas.
Abstract
These shared communications systems involve multiple jurisdictions uniting on an existing common radio communications system, constructing a new system, or integrating comparable systems into an existing network to enhance cost efficiency and interoperability benefits. ISAs promote effective use of limit budgets to enable several jurisdictions to construct a state-of-the-art network that one agency alone could not afford. Grant funding is often more readily available for such projects as well. Agencies should consider several steps when planning and establishing shared communications. They should compile an overview statement; have a clear, written understanding of the coverage and reliability requirements of each user; conduct detailed engineering studies; conduct a load analysis; and determine cost factors. Additional steps are to determine anticipated operational needs, define responsibilities, choose a reliable equipment vendor, and set up proper payment and efficient procurement procedures. Tables