NCJ Number
78123
Date Published
1980
Length
98 pages
Annotation
This document presents the task force report and related materials on New Jersey's plan for the Statewide Police Emergency Network (SPEN).
Abstract
The proposed network, a radio communications system and a microwave backbone system, has been developed through task force efforts. The task force collected information and analyzed the status of law enforcement communications as they exist within the State today. As a result of the information obtained, the SPEN plan was formulated. The SPEN concept is simple: through the use of a statewide frequency, this network will link all participating law enforcement agencies in the State. Once implemented, the proposed SPEN will enable all participating law enforcement officials throughout the State to communicate with other participating officials within radio range, regardless of agency affiliation. This capability will greatly enhance the effectiveness and cooperative abilities of all State law enforcement officials. In addition, SPEN provides New Jersey officials with the ability to communicate across State lines in times of emergency. This has been accomplished through the use of a nationwide radio frequency designated for that purpose. The States of Pennsylvania and New York are in the process of designing and implementing communications systems on this frequency, and Maryland, Connecticut, and Delaware have expressed interest in pursuing the SPEN system. Footnotes are included. Appendixes present the SPEN design administration, standards, operating procedures, implementation schedule, and a questionnaire.