Providence First Responders Armed

Providence, R.I., Mayor David N. Cicilline today unveiled a new state-of-the-art wireless network that gives Providence's first responders the ability to access large amounts of information from their vehicles, virtually anywhere in the city.

The $2.3 million mesh data communications network system will enable police and fire personnel in the field to access critical information from headquarters instantly and securely, including suspect profiles, mug shots and building blueprints.

Joined by representatives from the Fire Department, Police Department, Communications, Information Technology and the Providence Department of Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security, Cicilline said the new mesh network system will take Providence to the next level of emergency preparedness.

"As we approach the five-year anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Providence has taken significant steps to ensure that our first responders have the technology they need to keep our residents safe in the event of an emergency disaster," Cicilline said. "The data communications system will help our public safety officials respond faster and more efficiently as a crisis unfolds."

The data communication network enables users to wirelessly access broadband applications virtually anywhere, at anytime --even from a moving vehicle. For example, a laptop in a police car or fire vehicle would send a signal to one of more than 400 mesh wireless routers mounted throughout the city.

The signal is then transmitted to the main computer system at the Public Safety Complex via strategically located wireless access points. The information is immediately transmitted.

The city purchased the system from Motorola Inc. through a series of federal grants. The largest source of funding came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the COPS program housed at the U.S. Department of Justice. Cicilline thanked the members of the congressional delegation, especially Senator Jack Reed, for their efforts in helping Providence secure the grant.

"This new system will bring cutting edge crime fighting software directly into the neighborhoods of our city," said Col. Dean M. Esserman, chief of police. "Now every officer on patrol will have access to critical information right on the dashboards of their police cars."

Fire Chief David D. Costa is also pleased with the technology.

"Now, when our crews are dispatched to a structure fire, incident commanders will be able to immediately download data about hazardous materials, floor plans and other relevant details that will help save lives," he said.

In addition to accessing police reports, mug shots, suspect profiles and blueprints, public safety officials will also be able receive live video of traffic situations from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Right now, 24 Police cars and three Fire Department command vehicles are equipped with the mesh network technology. Future plans call for equipping all police cars and fire trucks with the new system.