Better communication can keep Iowans safe

Communication among law enforcement and other public safety agencies is key to ensur-ing safer communities across Iowa.
Emergency responders throughout the U.S. have op-erated on a patchwork of com-munication systems that often are not compatible. 9/11 ex-posed the problems this causes for law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first re-sponders.
The 9/11 Commission sub-sequently recommended public safety “interoperability.” Since 2007, Iowa has been working to ensure emergency respond-ers at the state and local levels have seamless communication when needed—for example, during big events, severe weather or other emergencies.
There are two key pieces to interoperability: radio and in-ternet.
The Iowa Statewide In-teroperable Communications System began construction of secure, reliable radio communi-cations for public safety in 2016. Much of the state now has radio interoperability, and local agencies continue to join the system. When fully imple-mented, it will provide seamless radio communications to 26,000 public safety and first responders.
In 2012, Congress created FirstNet—the First Responder Network Authority—to build a nationwide wireless broadband network that allows public safety agencies throughout the country to securely share data, photos, audio and video in real time. FirstNet is being rolled out across Iowa, as cell towers are upgraded to handle the demands of the system.
For more information about radio interoperability, First Net broadband and how they can improve the lives and safety of Iowans, go to isicsb.iowa.gov.
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at 515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874. Email her at aman-da.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.