Emergency
incidents, whether caused by natural
disasters such as hurricanes, traffic accidents,
fires, civil disturbances, or terrorism-- require
a seamless, coordinated response from government.
Recent emergencies have demonstrated the importance
of coordination among local, tribal, State, and
Federal public safety officials at the incident
scene. Today, the public safety wireless communications
infrastructure is poorly equipped to meet many
of the challenges that arise in emergency situations.
In particular, public safety responders lack interoperability,
which can impede public safety response efforts.
Key issues that hamper public safety wireless
communications include:
• Incompatible and aging communications
equipment
• Limited and fragmented funding
• Limited and fragmented communications
planning
• A lack of coordination and cooperation
among public safety agencies
• Limited and fragmented radio spectrum
• Limited equipment standards
SAFECOM has developed the following work packages
to address these issues:
• Program Management Support and Administration
• Technology Solutions
• Technical Assistance and Outreach
• Standards
• Policy
By accelerating the convergent integration of
wireless public safety communication networks,
SAFECOM will provide improved public safety services
to local, tribal, State, and Federal government
public safety practitioners. More efficient communications
among practitioners potentially reduces loss of
life and property in emergency situations. SAFECOM’s
role is to provide public safety agencies with
the knowledge, leadership and guidance needed
to help them achieve short-term interoperability
and long-term compatibility. |