Port Security Applied Policy Project - Belfer Center for Science and ...

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Problem 3: Incompatible Communications Systems firefighters reported having to stand near open windows to use their radios. 160 The 800 MHz spectrum is also used by other commercial radio operations. Orange County has experienced situations where commercial radio antennas that utilize 800 MHz frequencies cause interference and completely block transmission in the areas surrounding them. 161 Finally, this alternative does not provide connectivity with state or federal agencies that do not use a compatible 800 MHz digital system. 160 Jack Leonard, “O.C. Planted Own Seeds of Radio System Snafu,” Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2000, sec. B. 161 2000-2001 Orange County Grand Jury, 999 – Officer Needs Assistance: 800 MHz Radio – A Public Safety Perspective, 2001, 6. (PSAPP mimeograph collection.) 66 Department of Policy Studies, UCLA School of Public Policy and Social Research
RECOMMENDATION Problem 3: Incompatible Communications Systems ¸ The Los Angeles Port Police should purchase two ACU-1000 Intelligent Interconnect Systems and hardwire them into an existing communications facility at the port complex. The Los Angeles Port Police should purchase two ACU-1000s and hardwire them into their communications center. Alternative sights might include the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Office or the Vessel Traffic Service, but these are federal or private facilities. The devices should be hardwired into an existing dispatch center that is staffed 24 hours a day so they can be immediately utilized in the event of an emergency, ensuring that the right people will have communications access at the right time. The Department of Homeland Security recently released $45 million in grant money to California for first responder equipment and exercises. The Los Angeles Port Police should apply for a $200,000 grant to cover the cost of two ACU-1000s, radios, and associated equipment through the Office of Emergency Services’ Los Angeles County Operational Area. Point of contact for the grant application is Sandra Shields at 323-980-2254 Purchasing two ACU-1000 units would permit twice as many connection possibilities and provide a degree of redundancy, should one unit malfunction. If funds are severely limited, the department should purchase a single ACU-1000 unit and request that all first response agencies at the port complex provide one of their own radios. This would result in more limited interoperability, but would distribute the cost across a larger number of agencies. ¸ The Port Security Committee should establish a unified communications protocol and test it during training exercises. The Port Security Committee must develop a unified communications protocol for use at the port complex. This communications plan should include details about what channels each agency will use when responding to an emergency at the port, how these channels will be patched using the ACU-1000, and how interoperable frequencies will be used. This communications plan should be tested during a training exercise at the port complex, and then reviewed and revised as required. If these guidelines are not put in place prior to an emergency, interoperable radios could produce more harm than good. Allen, Clampitt, Hipp, and Jacobson 67
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UCLA School of Public Policy and So
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Table of Contents Acknowledgements.
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Acknowledgements This study is the
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Executive Summary The Los Angeles/
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Problem 3: Incompatible Communicati
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Introduction “The maritime terror
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Introduction A terrorist attack on
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Introduction defeated by a vote of
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Introduction The Coast Guard is pro
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Problem 1: Coordination and Oversig
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Page 27 and 28: Problem 1: Coordination and Oversig
Page 31 and 32: ALTERNATIVES Problem 1: Coordinatio
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Page 43 and 44: Summary of Recommendations Problem
Page 45 and 46: Problem 2: Inaccessibility of the P
Page 57 and 58: ALTERNATIVES Problem 2: Inaccessibi
Page 59 and 60: RECOMMENDATION Problem 2: Inaccessi
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Page 67 and 68: Summary of Recommendations Problem
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Page 81: Conclusion Preparedness for a terro
Page 84 and 85: Appendix A: Interviews Marine Trans
Page 86 and 87: Appendix B: References O’Hanlon,
Page 88: Appendix C: Estimated Costs Associa
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