NCJ Number
224610
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 60,63-64,67
Date Published
October 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the work of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLETC) Communications Technologies Center of Excellence (COE), a newly created program of the U.S. Department of Justice designed to provide law enforcement agencies with information and assistance for improving their communications systems.
Abstract
In this effort, the COE identifies technology requirements; supports research and development projects funded by the U.S. Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ); tests, evaluates, and develops communications technologies; develops communications guidelines and standards; and provides technology assistance outreach. The COE focuses on four areas of communications technology: next-generation interoperable voice communications, personnel location, convergent data/radio frequency interoperability, and communications technology tools. The COE’s focus on next-generation interoperable voice communications pertains to software-defined radio technologies related to components (such as antennas), cognitive radio technologies, APCO Project 25 technologies, and Internet Protocol solutions. In focusing on personnel location, the COE is developing new and evaluating existing technologies that can determine the location and status of law enforcement personnel. The goal of this effort is to be able to find officers wherever they are in trouble, whether they are in or outside their vehicles. A related effort is the development of technologies that can locate suspects who are not carrying any devices, such as burglars in buildings and barricaded suspects. Regarding convergent data/radio frequency interoperability, the COE is evaluating wireless technologies for interoperable (communications across agencies and jurisdictions) first-responder applications. It is also conducting research on existing and new technologies for mobile response, temporary deployment, and supplemental or alternative communications. In addition, the COE is investigating potential solutions for alternative, backbone interconnectivity for radio systems. The focus on communications technology tools is addressing technology and techniques for detecting, classifying, controlling, legally isolating, and legally defeating wireless communication devices.