As the legislation that got the wheel turning on Project 25 — a radio interoperability requirement that would allow local, state, federal and other officials to talk to each other in an emergency — was signed by former Gov. Martin O’Malley, Snow Hill and Pocomoke can’t argue they didn’t see it coming.
What the municipalities can and must now do is worry about where the money for the project will come from, as a deadline of September 2017 looms as budget season begins.
Police and emergency radios are expensive — Snow Hill Mayor Charlie Dorman said a single unit can run between $3,000-$4,000 — and the consoles used by dispatchers to communicate with the radios are even more expensive.
“The State of Maryland, State of Delaware, Commonwealth of Virginia and Worcester County are actively transitioning all state government radio system users to the Project 25 standard,” a release provided by Dorman reads. “If the Town does not upgrade their radio infrastructure the Snow Hill Police Department will be unable to communicate with other agencies.”
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
2 comments:
Who coordinated the new radio system why didn't they meet with everyone and help them?
It's been "in-process" for more than just a few years. Most of the agencies on Delmarva have been planning and purchasing the equipment. Only a couple (including but not limited to Snow Hill) have put this financial item off until the 11th hour. Suck it up, all of the agencies were involved and onboard.
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