Public safety radio setup improves response time in Maine
Since cutting over to a statewide P25 mission-critical radio system in February of this year, public safety and public service agencies in Maine have seen improved response coordination among more than 2,000 government users.
The ability to ensure interoperable communications among users patrolling even the most northern, rural roads was a key component in launching the Maine State Communications Network (MSCommNet). The network is a collaboration between Maine’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) and Melbourne, Fla.-based Harris Corp.
With the goal of connectivity and interoperability across the geographic area, OIT selected Harris’ Unity XG-100 portable radios. The portables, used primarily by Maine State Police and game wardens in conjunction with P25 vehicular repeaters, deliver end-to-end encrypted digital voice communications. They include features like situational awareness, built-in noise cancellation and a one-touch emergency button.
“The Unity radios have worked really well for us. The signal and clarity is impeccable, and we very rarely see them come in for repair,” says John Richards, Maine’s director of OIT radio services. “The most important feature of course is interoperability – which is a credit to the radio as well as our statewide system, which covers 95 percent of the state and is monitored 24/7.”
Richards says the portables come standard with good built-in features. “We’ve opted to scale back functionality at this time for certain agencies, but we know that with the flip of a switch we’re able to equip our users with these advanced features at any time, without purchasing any new equipment.”
Maine’s OIT is responsible for the purchase, installation and maintenance of all radio equipment and infrastructure for the state.
Click here to learn more about Harris Corp.
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