Next SIEC
Meeting:
Wednesday,
July
22, 2009
1:30pm
- 3:00pm
Location to be announced |
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.
P25 System
Coverage Map
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map to view full size image
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