2000-11-08 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Empirical and analytical methods were used to evaluate existing public safety land mobile radio systems in use in Anoka County. The results of use of the empirical methods agreed quite closely to the results obtained from use ofthe analytical methods. It is clear that congestion, particularly on law enforcement dispatch channels is a very significant problem that has a negative impact on safety of law enforcement officers and on the efficiency and effectiveness of those law enforcement officers. Coverage of radio systems, particularly the talk-out of dispatchers to people in the field is in need of substantial improvement. This is particularly true for personnel using portable radios inside buildings, especially in the northern half of Anoka County. There are major concerns with the overall reliability of the systems in use. There is no adequate provision for answering 9-1-1 calls and providing a radio operating service in the event that the existing dispatch center in the Anoka County Government Center would have to be abandoned for any reason. Most of the fixed location radio sites do not have emergency generators and they would be offthe air during any period after failure of commercial electrical power. Telephone lines used to connect remote radio sites to the dispatch center are relatively unreliable and in need of improvement. Interference on the radio frequencies currently used isa significant problem that is increasing each year as radio systems that are interfering with Anoka County systems are becoming busier each year. There is substantial concern with the potential for jamming radio frequencies in use by public safety entities in Anoka County. This is particularly true because there has been an ongoing off and on jammer who is interfering with public safety radio systems in use in Hennepin County. There are minor concerns about the ability to coordinate activities through interoperating radio systems between different entities within and outside of Anoka County. The impact of failure to address the deficiencies identified is less than the highest level of safety related to fire and law enforcement operations, and a significantly lower level of service to the public. In order to correct those deficient areas, there are two very different basic alternative system directions between which Anoka County public officials may choose. There are, however, some other enhancements or system improvements that should be implemented regardless of which of the two base alternative directions is chosen. Those system improvements that should be implemented without regard to overall direction are: Ronald Vegemast Engineering, Inc. -1- Report: Anoka County