How Can Police Forces Enhance Their Operations with Advanced Communication Solutions?

The devastating events of September 11, 2001, not only shook the world but also exposed critical vulnerabilities within our first responder community. Among the heartbreaking stories of heroism and sacrifice that emerged from that fateful day, the tragic loss of hundreds of firefighters due to communication breakdowns underscored the dire need for reliable and synchronized communication systems in emergency response. This poignant lesson highlights the crucial role of Centric Interoperability in modern policing, ensuring seamless communication among different agencies.

In this blog, the second in this blog series, we will explore communication systems and solutions developed by mer Group:

• Centric Interoperability- Unified Communication Systems by mACS
• Mobile Command and Control Platform (MC2)
• Interoperability for The Coast Guard
• 4G/LTE Coverage – Private LTE in a box The CellBox

For the safety, efficiency, and simplification of police communications.

The Power of Communication

On September 11, the high number of firefighter fatalities, which included 343 FDNY personnel, was partially due to a breakdown in communication. Firefighters inside the World Trade Center did not receive the evacuation order in time, largely because radio communication became increasingly difficult within the buildings. The structure of the towers, with their steel frames and steel-reinforced concrete, interfered with radio signals. Additionally, the chaotic nature of the situation and the noise from the ongoing disaster further hampered communication. As a result, many firefighters were not aware of the extent of the situation or that the South Tower had collapsed, and therefore did not evacuate the North Tower before it too, fell. The firefighters’ focus on rescuing civilians and their commitment to their duty also contributed to delays in their own evacuation, leading to tragic losses. To summarize the main conclusions: radios did not work consistently well within the WTC towers there was no communications between different rescue teams.

mACS a Centric Interoperability System can save life

The Mer Group has demonstrated its expertise in advanced communication systems with the successful completion of the World Trade Center Tower One project. This project involved the implementation of a comprehensive First Responders DAS (Distributed Antenna System) that supports ten different first responder organizations. Additionally, it included an interoperable communication to all first responders units.

Complementing such infrastructural advancements, the mACS  stands out as a pivotal solution for law enforcement communication challenges, effectively bridging diverse communication frequencies and platforms. By integrating radio, telephony, and satellite communications into a unified system and employing VoIP/RoIP technologies, mACS eliminates communication barriers among different emergency services such as police, fire, and EMS. This system ensures not only seamless communication across all units but also enhances the existing communication network. Centralized control through mACS facilitates swift and efficient information exchange, thus improving the response capabilities of the police force. Moreover, the system’s recording and debriefing functionalities offer vital tools for detailed post-incident analysis and accountability, which are crucial for the continuous improvement and training within the force. Ultimately, mACS significantly bolsters operational effectiveness and situational awareness, which are crucial for the safety and efficiency of police operations.

Unified Communication Systems by mACS

The system’s employment of VoIP/RoIP technologies is particularly beneficial, as it allows for the transmission of voice communications over IP networks. This not only ensures seamless communication across all units but also maximizes the existing communication infrastructure. The mACS system’s centralized control improves coordination, allowing for a swift and efficient exchange of critical information, which in turn bolsters the response capabilities of the police force. Furthermore, features such as recording and debriefing contribute to the system’s value by providing tools for thorough post-incident analysis and accountability, essential for continuous improvement and training within the force. Overall, the mACS system significantly advances operational effectiveness and situational awareness, which are key to the safety and efficiency of police operations.

Benefits of mer’s Centric Interoperability in Synchronized Communication Systems

• Improved Situational Awareness: Centric Interoperability provides real-time data access and instant information sharing for law enforcement, enhancing decision-making in the field.
• Swift Response: Centric Interoperability ensures quick requests for backup or medical assistance in emergencies, potentially saving lives.
• Efficient Collaboration: During large-scale events or crises, Centric Interoperability facilitates seamless coordination among agencies, preventing confusion and improving effectiveness.

• Unified Communication: Simplified and unified communication. Bridges and integrates different communication standards and protocols, such as analogue, digital, cellular, and satellite.

Mobile Command and Control Center (MC2)

A mobile command and control center is a vehicle or a trailer that can be deployed to any location and provide a centralized hub for communication and coordination. A mobile command and control center can equip police forces with:

1. Enhanced Mobility and Rapid Deployment: The primary advantage of MC2 solution is its high mobility. Being vehicle-based, it can be quickly positioned close to surveillance areas or crisis flashpoints. This proximity enhances the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving situations.
2. Advanced Surveillance Capabilities: Equipped with a range of sensors such as PTZ cameras, IR and thermal cameras, and audio monitoring equipment, an MC2 can gather comprehensive surveillance data. This capability is crucial in monitoring public events, demonstrations, and conducting tactical security operations.
3. Remote and Diverse Feed Integration with Smart-M: The ability to receive video and audio feeds remotely, whether from equipment mounted on the vehicle or from external sources, enhances situational awareness. Integrating Smart-M, a sophisticated data management and fusion platform, into the MC2 significantly elevates its capability to handle diverse data feeds. The fusion of data from various sources into a comprehensive operational picture ensures a higher level of situational awareness and operational efficiency. allowing a preventive, predictive, and proactive approach.
4. Comprehensive Command and Control Application: The MC2 application provides essential tactical information, including situational maps and geographic visualization of units, which are vital for strategic decision-making and effective communication with field teams.
5. Versatility and Customization: MC2 solutions are adaptable to a variety of situational requirements, from VIP security to tactical operations. This versatility ensures that the system can be tailored to meet specific operational needs, enhancing its effectiveness.
6. Remote Transmission for Wider Decision-Making Involvement: The option to transmit sensor feeds to a central location for remote monitoring allows for broader decision-making involvement. This feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios requiring input from multiple levels of command.
7. Geolocation and Tracking: The inclusion of Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) and GPS-based position information enhances the tracking and coordination of response teams, contributing to more effective field operations.
8. Discreet Integration: A mobile command center can be designed to be inconspicuous, blending into the environment or appearing as an ordinary vehicle to ensure operations remain covert and do not draw unnecessary attention during sensitive missions.

With a mobile command and control center, police forces can improve their situational awareness and decision making, as they can access and share relevant information and data in real time. They can also optimize their resource allocation and deployment, as they can monitor and manage their personnel and assets more effectively. Moreover, they can enhance their coordination and collaboration with other agencies, as they can communicate and cooperate with them seamlessly.

Interoperability for The Coast Guard

Multi-site VoIP & RoIP (Voice over IP & Radio over IP) communication network designed for naval applications, which can also be adapted for police forces operating at sea, such as on OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels) and RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats). Here’s how this system can be beneficial for police sea forces:

1. Integrated Communication: The network allows for seamless communication between shore-based command centers and vessels at sea, including RHIBs. Using VoIP and RoIP, it integrates different communication systems onto a common IP network, allowing for real-time exchange of information.
2. Full Control of Radios: The system offers full control over all radio networks used by the naval police forces, facilitating centralized management and coordination of communications across an unlimited number of radio nets.
3. Extended Range: The use of land-based antennas and satellites extends the communication range, ensuring RHIBs can stay in contact even when operating at extended distances from the shore or beyond the line of sight.
4. Operator Consoles: The ACB (Advanced Communication Bridge) operator consoles provide the interface for communication operators to manage the network, direct operations, and respond to incidents. These consoles can be accessed from multiple locations, ensuring flexibility and redundancy.
5. Interoperability: This system promotes interoperability between different branches and units of the police force, which is critical during joint operations, search and rescue missions, or maritime security operations.
6. Efficiency and Coordination: The centralized control facilitated by the MACS (Mobile Access Communication System) enhances the efficiency and coordination of the police force’s actions, allowing for a strategic response to any situation that arises at sea.

For police forces operating RHIBs, this system can significantly enhance maritime operational capabilities, improve the safety of officers during patrols or interventions, and ensure a high level of preparedness for any maritime incident.

LTE Coverage – The CellBox Private LTE Network in a Box

Maintaining communications under various circumstances in not as simple as it may sound, for example, after a terrorist attack, communications may be down. It is for this reason that mer group developed a portable private and secured broadband LTE network. This system empowers field personnel to maintain constant contact with their colleagues, commanders, and dispatchers. Whether it’s a routine traffic stop, or a high-intensity raid, real-time information and support are just a call away. So whether law enforcement is faced with terrorism, harsh weather or cyber-attacks, they will have access to safe and encrypted broadband internet, ideal for tactical settings.

Conclusion

The tragic events of 9/11 serve as a reminder of the critical importance of synchronized communication systems for police forces and first responders. In today’s complex and ever-evolving world, law enforcement agencies must invest in cutting-edge technology and embrace the concept of Centric Interoperability. By prioritizing Centric Interoperability and combining the systems with the revolutionary solutions developed by mer, we can ensure that our brave men and women in uniform have the tools they need to face any challenge, collaborate effectively, and return home safely, fulfilling their commitment to protect and serve their communities.