January 12, 2007—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just released scorecard assessments of interoperable communications capabilities in 75 urban and metropolitan areas nationwide. DHS explains that interoperable communications involve policies, technology, and training that enable law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services from multiple jurisdictions in a common community to effectively communicate within one hour of an incident.
The reviews focused on three main areas: Governance (leadership and strategic planning); Standard Operating Procedures (plans and procedures); and Usage (use of equipment). The evaluation criteria was derived directly from the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum and Interoperability Maturity Assessment Model that depicts the key components of interoperability—governance, standard operating procedures, usage, technology, and training and exercises.
The scorecards illustrate the current capability for each area and provide recommendations for improvement. Key findings include:
- Policies for interoperable communications are now in place in all 75 urban and metropolitan areas.
- Regular testing and exercises are needed to effectively link disparate systems and facilitate communications between multi-jurisdictional responders (including state and federal).
- Cooperation among first responders in the field is strong, but formalized governance (leadership and strategic planning) across regions is not as advanced.
Four major urban areas and two smaller urban areas among the 75 assessed were given top ratings with regard to their ability to communicate between jurisdictions during a disaster: San Diego, CA; Washington, DC; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Columbus, OH; Sioux Falls, SD; and Laramie County, WY.
To view the report, visit the DHS Web site.
