NCJ Number
228488
Journal
Law and Order Magazine Volume: 57 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 42-45
Date Published
July 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the Nevada Shared Radio System (NSRS), a joint public safety and private sector communications system.
Abstract
The joint operation of the NSRS is a study of cooperation and cost benefits between Nevada's two primary electric utility companies, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and a number of local, State, Federal, and tribal organizations. The Nevada Highway Patrol became a statewide user of the existing system in 2003, providing statewide mobile coverage and interoperability with other primary public safety users. The partnership has enhanced communications for all participants in a highly cost effective manner. Maintenance of the system is accomplished by existing radio maintenance facilities belonging to the utility companies and NDOT, reducing maintenance costs for each participant by at least one-third. Finally, there are benefits in the higher levels of redundancy provided by the system, as well as a higher level of surge capacity for emergency situations.