"This state-of-the-art communication system will provide clearer transmissions, improved coverage and increased reliability for our dedicated public safety and public service personnel," Mayor Bart Peterson said. "With this digital voice system, Indianapolis will once again be at the forefront of public safety communications."
The communication difficulties that ensued during a crisis 20 years ago propelled local leaders to create the Metropolitan Emergency Communication Agency (MECA) to build and operate an interoperable communication system. While the current system has served its more than 9,000 users well, the technology has grown obsolete, and agencies that rely on the system have experienced instances of spotty, unreliable radio transmissions.
Over the next year, MECA will spend approximately $37 million to enhance the current system, which went into operation in 1991. The new state-of-the-art digital voice system will continue to serve both public safety and public service users, including the new Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, IFD, township fire departments, excluded city police and fire departments, the Department of Public Works and the IndyGo public transportation service.
The project includes several new communication sites, an upgrade of existing towers, improved backup power systems, more than 6,500 new radios and 80 dispatch consoles for public safety and public service personnel throughout Indianapolis.
"This upgrade will not only improve officer safety, but will also make the jobs of our 911 dispatchers more efficient and effective," said Sheriff Frank Anderson.
The new radio system includes the addition of six tower sites. Also, in-building coverage for 23 critical buildings throughout Indianapolis, such as government offices, universities and hospitals will be added. "The guaranteed and enhanced in-building coverage is very important to the fire department," said Indianapolis Fire Chief Jim Greeson. "Firefighters shouldn't have to wonder if their radio is going to work when they get inside a building."
The new redundant infrastructure will increase the level of communications reliability for the radio system during day-to-day operations and major events. "The current radio system is old and out-dated," said Indianapolis Police Chief Michael Spears. "MECA is aware of these challenges and has been doing everything it can to ensure our police officers can communicate on the street, such as suggesting officers in troubled spots carry newer radio models and replacing tower antennas," Spears continued.
The radio system will provide improved interoperability with users of the Integrated Public Safety Commission's (IPSC) statewide communications system, Project Hoosier SAFE-T. Digital technology will provide clearer voice communications over the current analog system. All of these benefits translate into a higher level of safety for responders and the community through a more efficient and more effective voice communications system.
"MECA is committed to providing a state-of-the-art, Unified Communications Network -- radio, paging, records management and mobile data services -- that will enhance the safety of Indianapolis residents and public safety personnel," said MECA director Ray Raney. "The upgrade of our radio service is a needed undertaking that will once again put Indianapolis at the forefront of public safety communications."
