NCJ Number
82155
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1982) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report describes the development, components, and staffing of a police communications system in Henrico County, Va.
Abstract
The objective was to develop a radio network which would eliminate channel crowding and reception impairments. To predict immediate and future requirements, certain data elements were collected and analyzed (i.e., number of service calls placed, average message length, anticipated county growth, etc.). One-watt portable radios were purchased to ensure adequate battery life, and a speaker/microphone/antenna combination was attached to each officer's epaulet. Whenever a unit transmits, a data burst identifies that unit on the console serving the radio's frequency. Twenty satellite receiver sites are located throughout the county. Each site has at least three receivers and a battery. The two functions of the new communications center's 15 radio consoles are that of receiving calls for service and that of responding to field personnel. Both the telephone and service consoles are linked to the county's communications computer. The software is centered around the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Given the costs of the radio system ($1,450,000) and its benefits, considerable personnel efforts were expended to develop and implement it. Training time was significant for both field and communications personnel. Photographs are included.