State Police Unveil New Radio Communications Strategies at Havasu Summit

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging local law enforcement agencies to upgrade from outdated 1970s radio technology to a modern digital microwave network. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance communication interoperability among emergency services across the state.

During a recent meeting at the Lake Havasu City Police Department, emergency service representatives engaged with DPS officials regarding the upgrade of communications systems. The Mohave County Law Enforcement and Fire Radio Summit convened Wednesday, led by DPS Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Jeremy Knoll alongside representatives from Motorola, the contracted provider of digital radio communications equipment.

Knoll emphasized the DPS’s goal to have all emergency agencies transition to the new digital technology within the next two years. The plan involves a significant investment of approximately $100 million, incorporating both grants and state funding to modernize infrastructure statewide.

The proposed upgrades promise improvements in communication quality, akin to transitioning from cans connected by string to contemporary mobile phones. Enhanced capabilities include better coverage and encryption, improved interoperability among diverse agencies, and technology designed to minimize background noise—crucial during critical incidents.

Joining the digital microwave network will involve a flat-rate annual fee, eliminating the need for extensive capital expenditures associated with older analog technologies. The framework will maintain a “trunked” radio system, sharing channels across multiple user groups, allowing for a more efficient allocation of frequencies than traditional analog systems.

Lake Havasu City stands out as the only municipality in Mohave County utilizing a modern trunked radio system since 2017. Police Sgt. Kyle Ridgway articulated the advantages of the new system, highlighting superior range and clarity, which is essential for reliable dispatch communication even in challenging environments.

“A trunked radio system offers several key benefits for law enforcement compared to analog systems,” Ridgway said. “It provides greater range and clearer communication, allowing officers to stay in contact with dispatch even in areas where analog systems might fail.” The system’s efficiency in channel usage enhances its overall effectiveness.

The DPS currently operates a statewide microwave and land mobile radio network that supports vital communications for various state, federal, and tribal agencies. An estimated $41 million from the state general revenue fund will be allocated for system upgrades, including improvements to the Yuma master site and potential expansions in Central and Southern Arizona, alongside a $1 million public safety communication site in Lake Havasu City.

Motorola was selected as the state’s provider for its advanced features, including radio encryption and Smart Connect technology, which optimizes network loads and selects optimal frequencies for devices. The Lake Havasu City Police Department acquired its trunked radio equipment from Motorola under a 10-year, $6.6 million contract, demonstrating the long-term commitments necessary for such technological shifts.

Ridgway affirmed the significant improvements that a trunked communication system has brought over previous setups, particularly in enhancing communication reliability during operations outside city limits. The integration of modern technology, allowing for the use of cell phone frequencies in radio transmissions, ensures that officers can maintain communication even in remote areas.