NCJ Number
78955
Date Published
1981
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report provides data on the quantities of radio equipment and frequency utilization of North Carolina's law enforcement agencies following a 10-year program to upgrade and improve communications facilities.
Abstract
Total project dollars and LEAA grant support spent on communications equipment between 1969 and 1979 are discussed and illustrated in charts. Over this period, the program cost approximately $16 million of which $12 million was funded by the LEAA. Charts and maps present statistical data on the number of law enforcement vehicles and quantities of police radio equipment in each of North Carolina's 17 planning regions in 1979. The distribution of control console units and multi-channel logging tape recorders among the counties is also depicted. The recorders have become increasingly important as local public safety agencies consider adopting the single emergency number system. The original North Carolina Communications Plan called for the implementation of 3 basic communications capabilities within each law enforcement agency: radio communication between the fixed administrative base and mobile units; a mutual aid capacity to permit coordination between an agency and mobile units from other agencies, towns, or counties; and an intercity system to allow local governments to call other local governments or State agencies within radio range. Most projects proceeded smoothly, but deviations due to insufficient UHF frequencies and other technical difficulties are described. Maps and tables illustrate the original plan and current frequency utilization, and a separate chart lists the frequency, users, and channel loading. Because communications projects are no longer being funded by the Governor's Crime Commission and the LEAA, the report recommends that local agencies review these findings and take action to remedy any problems.