The SIEC will continue to keep relevant organizations involved in decisions on interoperable communication efforts. It will be comprised of various associations that represent the local first-responder perspective, a critical element that allows the SIEC to serve as a voice for that community.
"Simply put, this is another step in our work to ensure that information can be rapidly used and exchanged by all who respond to an emergency," Kaine said. "Virginia is already a national leader in this area: The STARS radio system is already being implemented, a dramatic upgrade of Virginia's communication capability with 20 state agencies, and with the potential to easily link-up with local agencies. Hopefully, these are solutions that never need to be used. Working together though, we will do all we can to be ready should disaster strike."
The SIEC will recommend an approach of Virginia interoperability efforts, evaluate progress and approve changes in direction and scope for the overall strategy. The SIEC will report on the status of the strategic plan for statewide communications interoperability to the governor and General Assembly by November 1 of each year.
