March 19, 2009 By Jim McKay, Editor
Under CTO Claire Bailey's leadership, Arkansas has made notable progress toward interoperability by implementing its Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN). This 700/800 MHz system has greatly improved interoperability and eliminated some of the stovepipes that existed between public safety agencies and jurisdictions.
Q: How did Arkansas break out of the stovepipe scenario, where agencies and jurisdictions don't communicate?
A: After 9/11 it was decided by a key group within our leadership to look at funding mechanisms and start moving forward with an interoperable communication system.
The [Arkansas] Department of Emergency Management conducted a survey. Through that, they asked to the locals questions and got feedback from them to identify what they thought their priorities are. There are always so many priorities that exist. So we worked really hard to put together a committee that was representative of the people carrying the radios. Particularly with public safety, our goal was to listen to the people who carry the devices.
Q: How did you get all the stakeholders to the table?
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