(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) announced today that the Providence Police Department will receive $5.6 million to develop an interoperable communications network enabling emergency service personnel to communicate directly during an emergency. This funding is available through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).

“This funding is a step in the right direction towards closing the interoperability gap in southeastern New England, which has become an extreme problem for our first responders,” said Langevin. “Providence will now be able to develop a compatible, coordinated radio network that will be vital to sharing and gathering information in the event of an emergency.”

Currently there is no common radio frequency shared by all public safety agencies in the Providence metropolitan statistical area or in the State of Rhode Island. A recent statewide assessment of Rhode Island's communications capabilities scored every department within the state as inadequate in interoperability. This study confirmed the weaknesses in the current communications system exposed by The Station nightclub fire in 2003. In this instance, fire and rescue resources from multiple jurisdictions responded, but the personnel and vehicles were unable to coordinate responses using radio communications.

“As proposed, the project will expand the region’s voice interoperability footprint by adding capacity within Providence making it compatible with all surrounding jurisdictions,” said Langevin. “This system will initially be deployed for voice communications, but much of the infrastructure will eventually be used to support data communications, giving our first responders much needed tools for incident management.”

Providence Police is one of 26 law enforcement agencies nationwide to receive funding to develop interoperable communications networks. The grant will offset the cost of purchasing voice and data communications equipment, enhancing communications infrastructures, and project management.

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