the full report is at http://www.dhs.gov/xprepresp/gc_1167770109789.shtm
-----
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1167843848098.shtm
DHS Releases Nationwide Interoperable Communications Assessment
Release Date: January 3, 2007
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282-8010
Washington — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released
scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in
75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. Interoperable
communications involve policies, technology and training that enable
law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services from multiple
jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within
one hour of an incident.
“The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a
major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes
difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first
responders,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
“Their experience proves that basic interoperability at the command
level is achievable. We’re committed to making this a priority in
every major urban area, and we’ll continue to push for closing these
gaps by the end of 2008.”
Since 2003, DHS has awarded $2.9 billion in funding to enhance state
and local interoperable communications efforts. While scorecard
findings will not directly impact homeland security grant funding, it
is expected that eligible communities will use the scorecard to
target their investment justifications and improve interoperable
communications capabilities.
The reviews focused on three main areas: Governance (leadership and
strategic planning); Standard Operating Procedures (plans and
procedures); and Usage (use of equipment). The evaluation criteria
was derived directly from the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and
Interoperability Maturity Assessment Model that depicts the key
components of interoperability — governance, standard operating
procedures, usage, technology, and training and exercises.
The findings identify gaps and areas for improvement. Key findings
include:
* Policies for interoperable communications are now in place in
all 75 urban and metropolitan areas.
* Regular testing and exercises are needed to effectively link
disparate systems and facilitate communications between multi-
jurisdictional responders (including state and federal).
* Cooperation among first responders in the field is strong, but
formalized governance (leadership and strategic planning) across
regions is not as advanced.
The scorecards illustrate the current capability for each area and
provide recommendations for improvement. The reviews were conducted
by five panels of subject matter experts composed of state and local
public safety and communications technology experts, in addition to
representatives from the department’s Wireless Management Office and
SAFECOM, a communications program within the Office for
Interoperability and Compatibility.
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This page was last modified on January 3, 2007
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