U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services COPS Interoperable Communications Technology Program Fact Sheet Communications interoperability refers to the ability to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions via radio communications networks on demand, in real time when needed, and as authorized. One of the major issues currently facing emergency services providers is the inability of first responders to communicate with each other. Effective emergency response requires coordination, communication, and sharing of vital information among numerous public safety agencies. Unfortunately, many emergency service providers rely on communications systems developed to meet their own unique needs that are often not compatible with those of neighboring agencies. The COPS Office awarded three agencies nearly $9 million in FY2006 to address this growing need through the COPS Interoperable Communications Technology Program. This initiative was coordinated with the Office of Justice Programs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the SAFECOM Program. Targeted agencies were invited to apply for funding for both voice and data interoperability projects. Since 2003, COPS has invested more than $250 million in 65 agencies throughout the nation. These funds have enhanced local and regional interoperability projects. Interoperable Communications Technology Program grants fund projects that explore uses of equipment and technologies to increase interoperability and data information-sharing among the law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical service communities. These projects are the result of thorough and rigorous planning, and demonstrate how new technologies and operating methods can help communities achieve interoperability. Designated jurisdictions with large and small population centers were invited to submit applications for interoperable communications projects that include the following: • Purchasing interoperable communications equipment for multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional public safety communications projects. • Providing local jurisdictions with the equipment or services they need to participate on larger public safety, commercial, or other shared networks. • Purchasing and deploying portable gateway solutions. • Providing technologies to upgrade or enhance the ability of law enforcement systems to improve the timeliness, effectiveness, and accuracy of criminal justice information exchanges. • Purchasing any other technology that can be demonstrated to significantly increase interoperability within the public safety community. "THE ABILITY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL TO COMMUNICATE AND SHARE INFORMATION DURING A CRISIS IS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN." CARL R. PEED, DIRECTOR OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES Agencies awarded funding between 2003 and 2006: • Birmingham Police Department, Alabama • Mobile Police Department, Alabama • Anchorage Police Department, Alaska • Phoenix Police Department, Arizona • City of Los Angeles, California • Orange County Sheriff's Department, California • Sacramento Police Department, California • City of San Diego, California • City of San Jose, California • Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado • Denver Police Department, Colorado • Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut • City of Wilmington, Delaware • Orange County Sheriff's Department, Florida • Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, Georgia • City of Atlanta, Georgia • Boise Police Department, Idaho • City of Pocatello, Idaho • City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho • City of Indianapolis, Indiana • City of Des Moines, Iowa • Davenport Police Department, Iowa • Louisville and Jefferson County Metro Government, Kentucky • City of Shreveport, Louisiana • Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana • Houma Police Department, Louisiana • New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana • City of Bangor, Maine • Baltimore Police Department, Maryland • Barnstable Police Department, Massachusetts • Boston Police Department, Massachusetts • Lansing Police Department, Michigan • City of Warren, Michigan • Hennepin County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota • City of Kansas City, Missouri • City of Missoula, Montana • Omaha Police Department, Nebraska • Lincoln Police Department, Nebraska • City of Las Vegas, Nevada • City of Newark, New Jersey • Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico • Nassau County, New York • New York, New York • Durham Police Department, North Carolina • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina • Bismarck Police Department, North Dakota • Fargo Police Department, North Dakota • Grand Forks Police Department, North Dakota • City of Columbus, Ohio • City of Cincinnati, Ohio • City of Cleveland, Ohio • City of Eugene, Oregon • Municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico • Providence Police Department, Rhode Island • Greenville, South Carolina • Memphis Police Department, Tennessee • Austin Police Department, Texas • City of Houston, Texas • Ogden City Corporation, Utah • City of Lynchburg, Virginia • Roanoke Police Department, Virginia • City of Virginia Beach, Virginia • City of Tacoma, Washington • Spokane Police Department, Washington • City of Seattle, Washington • Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming Cost Share Requirements Grant awards will require a 25 percent nonfederal cost share. The source of the match funds must be identified in the grant application. COPS offers a variety of publications, products, and training opportunities to advance community policing and support its grant programs. COPS publications and products offer insights and experiences from others in the field addressing specific problems including: . Law Enforcement Tech Guide for Communications Interoperability: A Guide for Interagency Communications Projects . Call Management and Community Policing . Law Enforcement Tech Guide: How to plan, purchase and manage technology (successfully!) . Law Enforcement Responds to Terrorism: Lessons in Prevention and Preparedness . Guidelines to Implement & Evaluate Crime Analysis & Mapping in Law Enforcement . Geocoding in Law Enforcement COPS also sponsors training opportunities and conferences to give law enforcement professionals an opportunity to learn, network, and exchange ideas. COPS publications and training opportunities are posted at COPS Online at www.cops. usdoj.gov. Contact COPS For more information, call the COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770, or visit COPS Online at www.cops.usdoj.gov. Updated October 2006 e09042513