KEEPING PUBLIC SAFETY SAFE

The need for secure communications and the requirements of interoperability have generated conflict in public safety. The key issue: the features of secure communications inhibit or deny access and interoperability. That the structures that house public safety agencies and their critical and intricate communications systems are targets of those who seek to attack the public and delay responses to emergencies may be ironic, but it is no less true. Structures and systems that support critical public safety functions could be vulnerable if their designs are not analyzed to assess and counter existing threats. Such facilities and functions must survive extraordinary threats, man made and natural. Is the facility in an area susceptible to earthquakes or hurricanes? Is the facility and its systems secure, inside and out, from vandals? Is there a nearby roadway that is used to transport hazardous materials? Is there a chemical plant, refinery or other 'dangerous' facility nearby?