Delaware County enhances emergency radio system to eliminate dead zones and improve security against hacker attacks.
Delaware County has officially transitioned to a modernized emergency radio communication system, addressing longstanding issues that compromised public safety and emergency response efficiency. After years of challenges, including false alarms, poor connections, and interference from television signals, local emergency services are expected to benefit significantly from the recent upgrades introduced last month.
For several years, police, fire, and EMS departments in Delaware County operated under an outdated telecommunications system that had not received a complete overhaul since the 1970s. The deficiencies of the previous system were starkly highlighted during incidents where critical communication failures occurred, such as when a police officer was shot in 2016, and service disruptions hampered the response. These issues prompted a thorough evaluation initiated by the county council in 2019 to study the system’s limitations and the costs associated with replacing it.
Following this assessment, the county allocated funds for a comprehensive upgrade in its 2020 budget, eventually approving the purchase of the Kenwood Atlas P25 Phase II radio system in 2022, marking a shift toward modern industry standards. The total expenditure for the upgrade amounted to million, which was million under the initial budget, largely facilitated through a .6 million state grant.
The new P25 system equips first responders with 3,700 handheld radios and employs 21 radio towers to ensure extensive coverage. County officials report that the new system provides 99% on-street portable coverage, thereby enhancing communication efficiency among various emergency agencies. This capability is particularly crucial for coordinating efforts with neighboring jurisdictions in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, where police pursuits may cross state lines.
Notably, the upgrade also introduces automated voice dispatch via the Phoenix by Honeywell system, significantly reducing dispatch response times from an average of 60 to 80 seconds down to just 20 seconds. This automation allows dispatchers to focus on critical field communications while ensuring timely alerts for fire and EMS personnel.
With these advancements, Delaware County’s emergency response teams can now operate with greater reliability and security, ensuring not only expedited services during crises but also improved safety for the first responders. The modernization of the county’s emergency communications infrastructure is anticipated to foster more effective responses and collaboration across various emergency service teams.
The successful implementation of this system represents a significant step forward for Delaware County, which had faced challenges that had become increasingly untenable in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
