Communications Interoperability Wisconsin Moves Forward

Three types of Interoperability are needed Day to day interoperability Mutual aid interoperability Task force interoperability

WI SIEC Office of Justice Assistance DMA/WI Emergency Management Dept Natural Resources DOT/State Patrol DOA/Division of Enterprise Technology State Interoperability Executive Council: Sheriff Police Chief Fire Chief Local EM Director Elected Officials Tribal Official

SIEC State Interoperability Executive Committee Governor Doyle issued Executive Order #87 on 2 February Charged with: Set goals and objectives for interoperability. Set technical and operational standards. Advise OJA on grant funding. Make recommendations to local government.

What do we know about Wisconsin? Survey by Wisconsin Emergency Management (2003) Interview of Stakeholders by Federal Engineering – Fairfax VA (2004)

WEM Public Safety Communications Survey Data for 68 counties and 22 state entities. 38,205 existing radios: 924 distinct frequencies. Over 3 different frequency bands. 62 % of county frequencies are analog. 54 % of state frequencies are analog.

Federal Engineering Conclusion… “Building interoperability solutions based upon these existing systems is not practical or cost effective.”

Federal Engineering Stakeholder Interviews 28 stakeholder’s current approach to interoperability: Share frequencies93% Mutual Aid Channels93% Cellular Phones87% Share Spare Radios62% Patch62% Mobile Data Systems56% Cross-Band Repeaters25%

What is Wisconsin’s approach? Use the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum as our benchmark. Planning that’s all inclusive and encompasses all public safety disciplines and all levels of government. Develop short term and long term strategies.

5 Elements of Interoperability SAFECOM Governance Standard Operating Procedures Technology Training and exercises Usage WISCONSIN SIEC & Regional Initiatives County Multi-county Operations Sub-committee NIMS Research Technology Subcommittee Technical Plan Grant Funding Operations Sub-Committee OJA-funded training curriculum SIEC - Outreach

Wisconsin’s Progress on “SAFECOM Technology Milestones” Fostering agency access to mutual aid channels Reprogramming and replacement. County Mutual Aid Radio Channel Repeaters. “Swap Radio Option” via WEM Radio cache. Gateway Availability Statewide Integrated System Technology Plan and Initiative

SIEC Adopted Technology Plan Available on OJA/SIEC Website Short term plans for widespread access to ten designated mutual aid channels. Long term plan of a “system of systems.” Wisconsin Public Safety Communications System Counties and locals connect to state backbone Project 25 digital radio unit ID Plan

Wisconsin’s Progress on “SAFECOM Technology Milestones” 2004 Funding: Planning Grants $1.8 Million Regional System Buildouts$2.8 million Mutual Aid Channel Upgrades$528 Thousand 2005 Funding Mutual Aid Channel Upgrades$5 Million 2006 Funding Short & Long Term Technology$6 Million

62% Radios “Mutual Aid Ready” 25,885 upgraded of est. 41,400 radios ,400 15,532

MARC In 65 of 72 Counties To Do Ashland Door Grant Green Lake Iron Monroe Waukesha

Gateways Wisconsin Gateways with 2 w/ WI Emergency Management (JPS ACU 1000). At least 6 w/local jurisdictions: Dane County Kenosha County Milwaukee County – 2 Pierce County Walworth County

Systems Engineering studies Statewide by Federal Engineering 14 Regional studies

What is being considered in the future? Release of draft operations components and SOP’s consistent with NIMS. Continued short term goal funding. Demonstration project for regional connection to state backbone. Interoperability training and exercises.

WI Lessons Learned Enabling legislation and funding will foster progress. Staff support is essential to progress. Draft plans Outreach & education

WI Lessons Learned Loss of continuity of participants impedes progress. Keep your program in tune to the larger context. Listening Sessions create buy-in. Staff and SIEC listeners vs. just staff.

Wisconsin Contacts Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance website: Wisconsin SIEC website: “DHS”