Governors are responsible for ensuring that all necessary and reasonable steps are taken to protect the lives and property of citizens in emergency situations. Communications interoperability is the foundation for improving response efforts among public safety and emergency services agencies. It is at the heart of efforts to ensure rapid, clear, and secure voice and data communications. In an interoperable environment, communications are seamless, coordinated, and integrated.

This interoperable environment does not exist today. To create it, Governors must establish minimally acceptable state standards for emergency response, prevention, and infrastructure protection. In addition, the needs of local jurisdictions, who are the first responders, need to be part of the statewide plan for interoperability and are critical to its success.

Focus of Center Activities

The Center for Best Practices, with the support of the Department of Homeland Security's SAFECOM Program, is working with states to identify strategies for improving interoperability through a statewide planning process that includes state and local public safety officials.

• Communications Interoperability Policy Academy (2004-2005)
• Communications Interoperability Policy Academy (2006-2007)
• Communications Interoperability Policy Academy (January 2009)
• Communications Interoperability Policy Academy (July 2009)
• Statewide Planning Workshop, Los Angeles, CA (March 2007)
• Statewide Interoperability Coordinators Meeting, Orlando, FL (December 2008)
• Statewide Interoperability Coordinators Meeting, San Diego, CA (June 2009)

Related Links:

• APCO International - Promoting interoperability for public safety officials.
• National Institute of Justice - NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and is dedicated to researching crime control and justice issues.
• National Public Safety Telecommunications Council - NPSTC facilitates implementation of public safety communication recommendations.
• Project 25 Interest Group - Project 25 is the standard for interoperable digital two-way wireless communications products and systems.
• SAFECOM Program - Program working to achieve interoperability across federal, state, and local governments.
• SAFECOM Nationwide Plan For Interoperable Communications
• Digital Television Transition – The Federal Communication Commission’s official site for the February 17, 2009 transition to digital television.