Ohio Schools Achieve 2-Way Radio Interoperability
The Buckeye State has developed two systems that K-12 districts and police can use to effectively communicate with each other during an emergency.
“Each system addresses unique aspects of the important communication link between our schools and those responding to critical incidents,” he says. “The MARCS system provides one radio in each school location directly linked to emergency dispatch. This system provides an immediate open channel to the response center and is used in the case of an acute emergency on-site.”
He adds that SchoolSAFE “provides a significant number of radio units within each school facility that are used on a daily basis for routine operation and administration of the school.” The system also offers the capability to create a short-term communications bridge between the school and first responders for improved information flow.
“This real-time flow of information aids first responders in reducing the amount of time between the initial call and providing aid on-site and also provides valuable information to assist in tailoring the response to the specific situation,” says Hanlon.
Hanlon stresses the importance of determining a hierarchy in the chain of command, and cites an example.
“Someone on the ICT [Incident Command Team] might initially see the intruder and advise the balance of the ICT to respond. Someone on the ICT might then advise all radio holders to tune to the incident control channel. If the intruder is moving around in the building, the ‘perimeter’ units may be reporting updates regarding description and where the person is, while the ICT handles calls to 911 and directions to other personnel,” he explai
ns.
“The implementation of these systems has rapidly become an integral part of the overall safety and security plan within our school district,” states Hanlon. “The enhanced communications provided by the radio systems along with effective entry security and surveillance systems provide excellent resources for school personnel and first responders to utilize in order to maintain a safe and secure learning environment.”
Upgraded Radios to Be Installed in All Ohio Schools
In the fall of 2013, the School Security Grant Program was made available to eligible school systems in Ohio to address the specific needs of first responder communication and secured building access.
Approved by state legislators and Gov. John Kasich, the program provides for the deployment of public safety radio systems compatible with local law enforcement radio systems for emergency situations. A recent legislative enhancement has provided additional funding to continue the implementation of this technology in all schools across the state, if requested by the school officials.
The eventual goal is to have a radio in every school in Ohio. Installations are ongoing and require coordination between law enforcement and schools, which varies the time it takes to place the radio on the air. Enhancements in technology, as well as coordinated strategies between Motorola and school officials, will work toward achieving this goal.
According to Anderson, MARCS is in the process of upgrading its statewide system from an 800 MHz-only Motorola v. 3.5 system to a Motorola 7.13 P-25 IP based 700/800 MHz system. Motorola will continue to participate in development of a plan to integrate multiple schools and districts.
A large network of Motorola dealers is working with schools at the district and county level to coordinate responses using the MARCS In-School radio and the SchoolSAFE solution. The combination of the MARCS-In-School Radio integrated with SchoolSAFE is a powerful tool for schools to interoperate with local law enforcement, state agencies and federal agencies.
Robert Rummel is the vice president of strategic projects at Motorola Solutions.
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