With the increase in smartphone use on or off-duty, more and more applications have been developed for the use of police communication. Here is a look at some of those applications on the market today, how they are beneficial, and how they work:
How it works
Push-to-Talk (PTT) applications for first responders are becoming increasingly popular. They allow first responders to communicate on secured networks within their agencies and with dispatch facilities in an easy manner.
“In a major disaster, emergency responders come from multiple agencies and some from other states,” says Jason A’Hearn, Marketing Director at AGIS, Inc. “The problem is that each responder agency has disparate communication tools/radios on different networks, channels, frequencies, encryption keys, etc.”
The technology from AGIS involves specific software in an application that may be used on just about any type of device. “LifeRing software is a single app that loads on any PC, Android or iOS device and enables real-time, PTT between all users,” says A’Hearn. “This one-touch function enables PTT to all users or to users within segmented groups.” With their application, there is also the ability to connect one user’s symbol on a map in order to have one-to-one communication. “This Push-to-Talk functionality, along with the ability to have real-time, situational-awareness between all users to create a scalable C-4-I Common Operational Picture of the mapped area and the exact location of all responders.”
Tango Tango’s service offers PTT technology for first responders. The company’s mission states that they strive to be the best radio integration service for first responders across the nation.
“Tango Tango’s service allows for law enforcement to be able to efficiently communicate with their radio system when their radios may not work,” says Beck Mitchell, Vice President of Sales for Tango Tango. “Allowing command staff to stay in contact with their radios when they may not have radio reception, allowing school resource officers to communicate with their radio system when inside schools, and being able to interoperate with neighboring agencies that they may not be able to communicate with now.”
Push-to-Talk applications offer extensive benefits to officers. For instance, these types of communication methods provide coverage and a stronger signal in areas where traditional radios are not enough and lack the necessary signal strength. This is particularly good due to the fact that when radios fail to work, it is not simply a technical problem; it also brings about a safety concern for the officers and any parties involved. If dispatch cannot communicate with the officer that means they are unaware of the officer’s current condition as well as their location. Not only do Push-to-Talk applications provide added coverage when a radio may fail but they also offer added security for the first responders with GPS location capability.
Most of these services are capable of working with android phones or iPhones and offer not only the ability for department personnel to communicate with each other but allows departments to send out emergency alerts too.
When, where to implement it
For some departments, the move from strictly analog radios to Push-to-Talk is uncertain territory and budget concerns arise. The good news is, if departments already issue work phones, then the progression into using Push-to-Talk applications is much easier and just a matter of coordinating efforts and learning a new system.
Just like using any application on your smartphone, Push-to-Talk communication systems work very much the same way. Most have the capability to connect several different channels together through the app instead of the way a traditional radio would work where you would have to in essence “leave” a channel in order to be present on another. Through this type of technology you can stay aware of what is going on through all channels and rest assured your communications are safe too. The majority of Push-to-Talk communication platforms offer security as well and in some instances, users must be invited to be part of the platform.
Another great aspect of this type of communication is you can set up chats or group texts with members of your department as well. This way if you already utilize your phone at work in this manner, you can simply use the first responder app for all communication purposes.
Since the reach of these applications is so far, it is also a great way for supervisors and command staff to keep up with what is going on in their jurisdiction even if they are out of town.
The technology
The technology of the Push-to-Talk communication works off of standard towers and signals. This way communication is more direct, private and does not rely on traditional analog towers in order to work effectively. In essence, it takes the same type of communication process that analog or two-way radios use, and implements it into the technology of a cellphone.
An application is simply downloaded once the service is paid for, and the app appears directly on the smartphone just like any other app would.
Another bonus when using this type of technology within a police department is the fact that it allows communication between dispatch and other department personnel to be much more secure that speaking over the traditional radio. Even with the use of 10 codes, there is often a concern about a breach of information leaking out over the radio, especially if a suspect happens to have a police scanner and is listening to what law enforcement is saying or what their next plan of action is. PTT technology removes the ability for criminals to hear what is being discussed over the radio.
Technology evolves constantly, and in the world of first responder communication that is no different
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
