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Providence Police Department Interview
May 24, 2000
Chief Radio Engineer Gene Gianfrocco
System
Structure
How many users of the system? Police? Fire?
Other services?
The Providence radio system has about 800 users. This includes police,
fire, and public works users.
Problems with too many users wanting access at a given
time?
The police and fire radio channels are adequate for the number of users wanting
access to the system. The police have seven channels, and the fire
department has five channels. The public works and water supply department
experience some access problems, however.
Problems with frequency allocations?
There are no problems with frequency allocations.
How many tower locations?
Gianfrocco estimated fourteen tower locations in the city.
Do the tower locations provide adequate coverage of the
city?
He said that the tower locations provide adequate coverage of the city. A
Spectratac system is in place, where a receiver picks up a radio signal and
another radio called a Comparator sends out the best signal.
System
Performance
Problems with interference?
There are occasionally problems with interference.
Problems with missed radio calls/cutoffs?
Gianfrocco reports that the radio system is good in this area; there are no
cutoffs.
Problems in major emergency/disaster with overuse?
There is adequate coverage in emergency situations.
Problems with system failing entirely?
There are no real problems with breakdowns in the system, because communications
can simply be switched to another channel.
Problems with related support systems, such as computers
and 911 services?
Gianfrocco does not deal with 911 services.
Options in case of system failure?
In case of system failure, the police department has three separate consoles
independent of each other.
How
satisfied with the system are the dispatchers?
The dispatchers are satisfied with the system.
How satisfied with the system are officers?
The officers are satisfied with the system.
How satisfied with the system are communications
managers/support personnel?
The communications managers face a "constant battle" with the
system. There is always some problem to be worked out.
Is interoperability a problem, especially in major
incidents?
To create interoperability between departments, users of the system go through a
dispatcher.
System Cost
How much did the current system cost?
Gianfrocco estimates the system cost $1 million.
How much are maintenance costs per year?
Three radio technicians maintain the entire radio system (police, fire, public
works, etc.). Maintenance costs are estimated at $250,000.
Would upgrading to a trunked system decrease maintenance costs?
Gianfrocco said that upgrading to a trunked system is not necessary.
Adequate funding for maintenance?
Funding for maintenance is adequate.
Is cost-benefit analysis used in determining upgrades/procurement?
Cost-benefit analysis is used when the departments are trying to "sell the
system" to officials. The departments have been successful in
obtaining money.
System Upgrades
What are planned upgrades to radio system?
There have already been upgrades to the police and fire radio systems. The
police have gone from five channels to seven channels. The fire department
has gone from one channel to five channels. Communications wants to give
public works a second channel. Upgrades are also planned for the Spectratac system and for the consoles.
What are planned upgrades in support systems (e.g. CAD,
MDTs, Enhanced 911, etc.)?
MDTs have been installed. Communications is also looking to install a GPS
(Global Positioning System).
How would a trunked system help/hurt the city?
Gianfrocco said that the departments have enough frequencies and that the city
does not need a trunked system.
Are upgrades sometimes foregone because of inadequate
funding?
Upgrades are not foregone because of inadequate funding. Some part of the
system is upgraded every year.
Are upgrades sometimes foregone because of conflicts with
local government?
There are no disagreements with the local government, according to Gianfrocco.
System Politics
Conflicts with communications managers and radio manufacturers (Motorola, GE,
etc.)?
Problems with Motorola have been "ironed out." Gianfrocco
reports receiving good support from Motorola.
Has the system been in the news much recently?
The system has not been in the news much.
How satisfied is the public with the system?
The public does not know too much about the system.
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