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New Technology For Police

posted 11:53 pm Sun May 11, 2008 - Across Virginia

reporter: Matt Dreyer posted by: Amy Hultstrand

tags: police • communication

Please Upgrade To Flash!

At some point, you've probably lost your cell phone signal in a dead spot. State Police experience the same thing with their radios while patrolling the highways everyday. A new communications upgrade could mean quicker response times if you ever get in to an emergency.

This is the communications hub for State Police. Dispatchers relaying information vital for troopers in the field.

Sgt. Jerry Smith, VA State Police - "Their lifeline is the dispatcher."

Clear communication between dispatchers and troopers is no guarantee. Dead spots can be found on many of the rural and mountainous roads throughout our area.

Sgt. Mike King, VA State Police - "I couldn't count the number of dead spots in this area."

Sgt. Mike King has been with State Police for 22 years and knows firsthand what it means to have no communication in the middle of nowhere.

King - "Without any radio contact, you are just a lone duck."

It also means if you need help in one of the dead spots, it may take longer.

Smith - "Many times in rural areas, you may have to drive several miles to find a telephone that you can use."

State Police hope to solve those problems, with an upgrade that hasn't been seen in 30 years. The old analog radios will be history; new digital radios will link troopers with a new state of the art communications center.

King - "The radio is your source of backup, it's your communication, and if you don't have any contact with the dispatcher, then you have no help."

A potentially life saving upgrade for not only the police but for you as well. The new communications center should be open later this year, but it could take at least another year to switch to the new digital radios and eliminate those dead spots.

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