How To Integrate Cell Phone And Radio Technology In An Alaska Emergency Dispatch System

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1 Homeland Security and Technology Education A White Paper written for ITEA by Rick Rios and Teena Calkin Anchorage School District 2007

2 Homeland Security and Technology Education The Alaska Department of Homeland Security is actively working to integrate wireless cellular communications and radio technology into a singular dispatch system that would pick up any communication, recognize the frequency and security level, and then connect that radio with any other authorized users in the security level group. In doing this, the dispatcher would then have the ability to connect incoming agencies to the onsite agency allowing them to communicate with existing equipment. With advanced encryption cards in the radios, security would be maintained because a listener without the same security/encryption level would hear only static. Current technologies that can be assimilated are bandwidth, microwave, and fiber optic. While cellular is being looked at, there is currently a delay between the person talking and the person receiving the information, making quick communication difficult. Another emerging technology in Alaska and elsewhere is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to maintain communication in rural areas. In addition, UAVs could be used in conjunction with live-feed cameras for security over extended rural geographical areas where it is expensive to retain security personnel such as the Alaska Pipeline. State of Alaska Homeland Security Director John Madden stated the biggest challenge is getting humans to work together. The difficulty comes in funding and getting small agencies to understand the value of integrating these technologies. He further stated that Alaska has the most complex process of integration because they are including municipal, state, and federal agencies as well as private security such as the 38 pipelines and oil field agencies. Director Madden stated that while Alaska begins with strategy and tactical information at the top of the chain of command, the workers at the bottom must also come up to the level necessary to understand how everything works together. He stated the goal is to not make any agency bend to the proposed radios, but to make the radio system so flexible it can easily be used and switched to fit the needs of the individual users. He stated that in the long run, it will create a more

3 cooperative effort between agencies and communities. With digital narrowband radios and systems all coming on line in Alaska, it will enhance the day to day operations, incident command system and supplement or augment any visiting forces arriving to assist a sister community. Contributions Protective Security Advisor Tom Burgess from the US Department of Homeland Security cited the absolute necessity for the development of high school, technical, and post-secondary education programs to be developed to prepare future workers specifically for the field of Homeland Security. He stated that electronic communication skills in voice and data exploitation protection as well as physical security measures are important as well as good communication skills, a good general knowledge of law enforcement policies and procedures, evidence preservation and knowing what the criminal justice system can do are all imperative skills. In addition, administrative planning, and development skills to assist in structuring presentations as well as good verbal skills are necessary for those intending to move up within the agency. In short, a good generalist with broad knowledge of risk management, linguistic skills criminal justice and a sophisticated understanding of people are the best potential Homeland Security personnel. Mr. Burgess further stated that it is necessary to be a good strategic thinker with some behavioral science background. He sees the most difficult thing as getting the American culture to focus on the prevention of domestic and international terrorism instead of reacting to it. He stated that every municipal, state, and federal agency should have a prevention component, which is difficult when most have enough difficulty just keeping enough bodies on the street to deal with responding to the community s needs. In June 2004, the Department of Homeland Security, Science, and Technology directorate, implemented a new initiative for Regional Technology Integration (RTI) to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies and organizational concepts to regional, state, and local jurisdictions. All of the selected regions are currently participating in the DHS Urban Area

4 Security Initiative and have demonstrated a willingness and capacity to adopt advanced and innovative concepts for emergency preparedness and public safety. The selected locations will provide the science and technology community with a realistic environment to test maturing hardware and concepts and will provide information on how to best choose, deploy, and manage these technologies. Why the Regional Technology Integration Initiative? Existing and emerging technology systems are key elements in preparedness for all major emergencies. However, technology is only as effective as the operational and management systems that surround it. A one size fits all approach to emergency preparedness and response is not sustainable due to the dynamic nature and complexity of 83,000 local governments, each having its own set of governance structures, service delivery systems, decision-making relationships, vulnerabilities, threats, hazards, and habits with respect to the adoption of new technologies or organizations. The goal and objective is to make our cities safer. This requires the successful transfer and integration of existing and advanced homeland security technology systems to local governments in order to improve their preparedness and response. The program recognizes the need for all-hazard preparedness and response, with a specific interest in deploying technology that may be particularly helpful in response to terrorist events. The Department of Homeland Security has identified their objectives as: Prompt implementation of technologies for detection and response Integration of new technologies with the existing infrastructure, systems and concepts to reduce costs and assure sustainability Migration path for new concepts and technologies Collaboration with end-users and other Homeland Security programs such as Office of Domestic Preparedness and Infrastructure Protection Measurable objectives and continuous evaluation Communications of progress and lessons learned to the other local communities, states, Congress, the Administration, and other federal leadership

5 The expected results of this effort are better, more sustainable technologies; a better selection of what technologies are developed and subsidized; and a well-developed set of case studies that can be used by other localities to improve their own planning, preparation, organization, and training. Costs and Benefits of Regional Technology Integration The RTI initiative is beginning with an initial investment of $10 million for systems studies and assessments. Subsequent funding for the deployment of technology systems will be determined utilizing the results of the initial studies and working in collaboration with the selected urban areas, the Office of Domestic Preparedness, and other elements of Homeland Security to prioritize risks and determine the most cost effective approach. The Regional Technology Integration initiative will provide the program s state and local governments with: Technical and managerial expertise and understanding of emerging and advanced technologies Potential upgrades for the local governments baseline technological needs, if any A collaborative approach to identifying preparedness needs and deployment of advanced technologies Evaluation of other Homeland Security resources opportunities to fill capability gaps that are identified The local governments in the program must be willing: To be early adopters of advanced technologies To work collaboratively with the Homeland Security Science and Technology team to identify gaps and solutions To seek and find additional funding from the Federal government and other sources as necessary to implement and sustain the solutions developed as part of this process

6 Summary Homeland Security s Regional Technology Integration initiative will serve as a principal mechanism for aligning science and technology s assessments and expertise with the real needs of first responders. The program recognizes the real and important variables of the environment of individual communities, including population, leadership structure, geography and physical layout, level of threat, and available resources. The program presents an important opportunity to work directly with urban areas in understanding needs and new requirements while at the same time improving our nation s readiness. References Tom Burgess, Protective Security Advisor Alaska US Department of Homeland Security Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Anchorage, Alaska Thomas.burgess@dhs.gov John W. Madden State of Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management PO Box 5750 Ft. Richardson, Alaska John_madden@ak-prepared.com Department of Homeland Security Website