The NJ Police Chief Magazine Volume 24, Number 8 | Page 13

The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | November 2018
Importance of Sustained Communications to Ensure First Responder Safety
Rob Wright, Vice President of Sales – State, Local and Education, Mutualink
In law enforcement, we are keenly aware of the complexities of both natural and manmade emergencies. While we serve an
essential role in mitigation, we form part of a larger collective of emergency response professionals. In this sometimes diverse
group, however, sustained communications gaps can compromise the safety of first responders - key individuals who frequently
teeter on the precipice into bodily harm. Breaks in sustained communications affect situational awareness, which, in turn, impact
the overall outcome of emergency situations.
Role of communications in first responder safety
It may seem obvious that communications between first responders, organizations in distress and law enforcement is a key
component in reducing time to resolution in emergencies. But what may not be as obvious is the need for fully sustained
interagency communications. What’s more, from a technology perspective, sustained interoperable communications is easier than
some might think.
When we turn to technology to improve outcomes and safeguard first responders, situational awareness benefits. In New Jersey,
many law enforcement agencies and the various organizations they support already use multimedia interoperable
communications as the solution to make this dream a reality, as it allows for the sharing of information in real time between
multiple and separate entities or agencies, providing full visibility into an incident. Tragically, many of the problems experienced
during major events – often by first responders – point back to a failure in communications. In some cases, radio systems are
unable to interoperate with other LMR or LTE devices due to incompatible or outdated equipment, jurisdiction issues, or limited
availability to technology. Implementing interoperable technology can serve as the direct gateway to mission critical
correspondence between today’s organizations and first responders, with the goal of keeping all parties safe.
Technology in action
Not only do New Jersey law enforcement agencies actively employ multimedia interoperability, but they exercise for proficiency.
In October, state, county and local agencies worked with the private sector for a regional emergency communications workshop
in FEMA Region II. Agencies collaborated, sharing radio, full-motion video, text chat, files and data from forward and static areas.
Each participant shared situation awareness over disparate systems, collectively improving information for all.
The exercise centered on MetLife Stadium in Bergen County. Unrolling eight miles outside of New York City, the need to include
New York agencies in the event provided cross-border demonstration opportunities as well. In total, 22 participants connected in
a comprehensive interoperability environment, providing sustained multimedia communications for all.
Importance of assessment
Importantly, agencies participating in the FEMA Region II exercise performed gap analyses on personnel, technology and
equipment. Subsequently, a strong platform opened to further the discussion around the role of sustained communications in
ensuring first responder safety. It’s here where organizations need to look inward to ensure that their own emergency response
processes and procedures are updated and solidly in place – this will ensure the safety of both the public and first responders in
the event of an emergency.
In the FEMA exercises, the organizations already used an interoperable communications platform. Their assessment considered
the technology solutions that are currently in use, and considered their effectiveness over time as new devices and systems are
added and how to optimize the platform. The good news is that all 22 participants relied on Mutualink’s interoperability platform,
which accommodates both legacy and new devices (LMR and LTE), video and other systems.
To be most beneficial, organizations must frequently look to identify potential communication gaps. Here, individuals tasked with
handling emergency response take stock of the technology or solutions they are currently utilizing (radios, telephones, fire
alarms, video systems, etc.) and fill gaps where found, including the ability to share communications with agencies using
disparate systems. Having the ability to communicate effectively and instantly, as well as to share information in real time, will
allow first responders to respond quickly and have a clearer picture of the scene on the ground. This sustained communications is
achieved through true interoperability.
Knowledge is power… and a shield
Ultimately, it’s essential that we, as law enforcement professionals, take the time to explore the relationship between sustained
communications and first responder safety. That understanding is crucial both on and off the scene. Technology should be a
significant part of the conversation, as it’s through technological advancement that communications in emergency response is
improved and enhanced, with the ongoing end goal of securing the safety of all, including first responders.
Mutualink is a NJSACOP Strategic Partner
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