Advanced Technology Updates

April, 2014

Voice Radio Project

Manufacturing of the Harris infrastructure components has been completed and was finalized with a successful acceptance test being executed at the Harris Customer Integration  Center. During this acceptance testing the entire system was staged as it will be deployed in Chester County.  Over 75 tests were performed on the system and its features.  The long and arduous process for site acquisition continues, with measurable steady progress being made.  The project team continues to work diligently on leases with tower owners and land owners for the space required to host the County's new radio equipment.

As this site acquisition progresses the sites are then turned over one at a time for Harris to begin the construction phases of the project.  To date, antennas and lines have been installed at the Octorara tower site, and construction is well underway for the new tower at Chester County's Public Safety Training Campus where a new alternate 9-1-1 center will be located.  In the coming weeks several more sites are slated to move from the acquisition phase to the construction phase.

Harris recently hosted several radio demonstrations for the Chester County responders at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus.  These product sessions were held in an effort to begin familiarizing responders with the new equipment they will be using.  These sessions provided everyone with an opportunity to see the new products that will soon become an essential part of each responder's communication equipment.  These sessions were very well received by all and generated some good questions and discussions amongst the groups.

Computer Aided Dispatch System

The data and response stream input continues.  Police information has been completed.  The CAD group continues to work with Fire and EMS organizations to utilize generic responses to streamline the transition.  Responder input (Police, Fire and EMS) for mobile data configuration continues.

The new CAD system will give Telecommunicators in the 9-1-1 Center better tools to expeditiously and efficiently process 9-1-1 calls and dispatch emergency responders.  It will also provide better means of requesting and communicating with other resources.  The Emergency Responders will be receiving new Mobile Data Computer software, Intergraph's Mobile for Public Safety (MPS).  MPS will include the capability to receive real time event information, GIS mapping, vehicle location with GPS routing to emergencies, and advanced situational awareness.

The new Integraph CAD System is expected to go live in 2015.

More information on both projects can be viewed on our website - www.chesco.org/des