State and local governments have received $2.9 billion since 2003 to improve the ability of emergency agencies to communicate within one hour of an incident. "The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first responders," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says.
DHS Releases Interoperability Scorecards
Basic interoperability at the command level is achievable.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a scorecard report on the interoperable capabilities of emergency responders in 75 metropolitan areas. The scorecards are intended to help the communities improve communications between fire, police and emergency medical services, while also directing the way they use their share of DHS grants to achieve that goal.
State and local governments have received $2.9 billion since 2003 to improve the ability of emergency agencies to communicate within one hour of an incident. "The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first responders," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says.
Judging each community's leadership, plans and procedures, and use of equipment, the DHS identified areas for improvement. For example, while cooperation among first responders in the 75 communities is strong, their strategic planning needs more work.
State and local governments have received $2.9 billion since 2003 to improve the ability of emergency agencies to communicate within one hour of an incident. "The 9/11 Commission identified interoperable communications as a major challenge and many communities listened by taking the sometimes difficult steps necessary to close communication gaps among first responders," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says.
