Next SIEC Meeting: October 22, 2008 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Louisiana State Police Headquarters Conference Rooms C & D 7919 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

SIEC Technical Sub-Committee October 13, 2008 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm SIEC Budget and Finance Sub-Committee| October 22, 2008 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Overview

Communications interoperability refers to the ability of emergency service agencies to communicate across disciplines and jurisdictions via wireless networks to exchange real time voice, data and imagery information. At the most basic level, interoperability allows two or more parties to exchange information directly. 

Initial widespread attention was given to communications interoperability after the terrorist attacks in 2001. However, the importance of interoperable communications was reinforced during disaster mitigation efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina severely hampered the ability of emergency responders operating on the statewide 800 MHz analog system to communicate with other emergency service personnel. In addition, communications systems maintained by local governments suffered severe and debilitating damage which further restricted communications between emergency responders.  Louisiana’s analog statewide and local communications systems are highly disparate.  These systems range from recently deployed systems to aged and even out-dated systems including incompatible and aging communications equipment and infrastructure.

The State of Louisiana Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan envisions infrastructure, governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training and exercises to support a statewide system accessible to all state and local first responders, with capacity and capability to transmit emergency communications across the spectrum from daily usage to a surge during an unknown catastrophic event. 

Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee

The SIEC membership is composed of all appropriate first responder and support organizations. Operationally, the Subcommittee has full authority to design, construct, administer and maintain a statewide interoperable communications system with capacity to transport voice, data, and imagery in support of full response to any emergency event.

Whats New

	Emergency Communications Quarterly Summer-Fall 2008
	By Laws (Final) - 8/24/08
	Region 18 700 MHz Plan - 8/21/2008 version