texas dps report on interoperable communications to the texas

Texas DPS Report on Interoperable Communications to the Texas Legislature 8/31/13 0


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The citizens of Texas rely on and expect emergency responders to arrive quickly to a scene and

be ready to help them during a day-to-day incident or emergency. Texans are fortunate to have

an impressive force of 5,300 emergency response agencies that respond daily to emergencies

and life-threatening incidents throughout Texas. However, not all responders across the State

have the resources and communications tools they need to be fully prepared and capable of

doing the best job they can to protect citizens. The following is a report on interoperable

communications from January 2014 to December 2015.

While some agencies have state-of-the-art communications equipment, there are other agencies where responders do not even have a radio to communicate with responders in their own agency, much less with other disciplines or neighboring jurisdictions during an emergency.

Some agencies do not have the resources to train responders on how to properly use the communications equipment they have.

In some areas across our vast State, radio coverage is non-existent, meaning responders are unable to communicate with anyone if an incident occurs.

Many emergency response agencies have depended on Federal communications grant funding

for more than 10 years to sustain their

emergency communications systems.

Since 2009, Federal funding for

emergency response communications

has decreased by more than 70%. Due

to this loss of funding, emergency

response agencies in many jurisdictions

across the State are suffering

significantly, and in many locations,

communications are handicapped and

unreliable. Some existing systems are in

jeopardy of becoming non-operational, or are forced to make significant cuts in coverage.

This is exemplified by the fact that there was no forward progression in the statewide

interoperability level between 2013 and 2015, which remained the same at level 3.85 out of 51.

This is the first time the level has not increased since the State began tracking interoperability

progress at the county level in 2010. This is largely due to reduced available funding for

interoperable communications.

1 For additional information on Voice Radio Communications Interoperability Levels in Texas, please see

Appendix B.

2003 2006 2009 2013 2014

Federal Funding

Population Increase /Public Safety Communication Needs


To complete construction of the public safety communications statewide “System of Systems,”

the public safety community in Texas needs consistent funds for:

The sustainment (to perform during daily operations and emergencies) of emergency

responder radio communication capabilities; and

Ongoing deployment, maintenance, and capital replacement of interoperable

communications systems for emergency responders statewide, allowing them to talk

within and across disciplines and jurisdictions on demand, in real time and when

authorized.

There is an urgent need for this funding at the local and State levels. Without annually-allocated

funding:

Citizen’s lives and property are at risk because emergency responders cannot

communicate to coordinate the most efficient and effective delivery of emergency

services; and

Emergency responder’s lives are at risk, with their safety compromised.

On September 1, 2011, the 82nd Legislature, House Bill 442 was enacted to establish the

emergency radio infrastructure account in the general revenue fund, consisting of criminal

conviction fees and all interest attributable to money held in the account. The account is

currently collecting funds, but has not yet been appropriated to improve and sustain

interoperable communications across the State.


CONTENTS

DEFINING THE PROBLEMS .......................................................................................... 5

Communications Challenges ................................................................................ 5

ACCOMPLISHMENTS .................................................................................................... 6

Strategic Advisory Groups .................................................................................... 6

Successes achieved along the Texas/Mexico Border .......................................... 8

Regional Accomplishments .................................................................................. 8

Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) ...................................... 9

INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS IN TEXAS – THE VISION ............................ 10

TEXAS COMMUNICATIONS GOALS AND NEXT STEPS ........................................... 12

Elements of Public Safety Communications………………………….....…………..13

FUNDING SPENT TOWARD THE VISION ................................................................... 13

THE CURRENT STATUS OF VOICE COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY IN

TEXAS (as of COG County Survey 5/1/15) ........................................................ 14

CONCLUSION: WHEN WILL TEXAS REACH LEVEL FIVE – FULL INTEROPERABILITY

(P25 Standards Based, Shared Systems Capability) ......................................... 14


APPENDICES:

A. ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY ............................................................................... 16

B. VOICE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY LEVELS ACROSS

TEXAS ..................................................................................................................... 19

C. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION ............................................... 23

REPORT PREPARED BY:

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE

CONTACT: TODD EARLY

STATEWIDE INTEROPERABILITY COORDINATOR (SWIC)

(512) 424-2121

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


DEFINING THE PROBLEMS

For decades, inadequate and unreliable public safety communications systems have

compromised the ability of emergency responders2 across Texas and the Nation to perform their

mission critical duties – saving the lives and property of Texans.

Regional Interoperable Communications Plans

Each of the 24 Councils of Government (COGs) in Texas developed a Regional Interoperability

Communications Plan (RICP) in 2011 to document their public safety communications needs,

create technical implementation and migration plans and identify the associated costs to meet

those needs. These plans are maintained by the COGs and reviewed on a regular basis.

COGs hold an annual Regional Focus Group Workshop to bring together public safety

responders to discuss and document progress on their RICPs, as well as priorities,

accomplishments, challenges and needs. In addition, the Texas Statewide Interoperability

Coordinator’s (SWIC) office is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office

of Emergency Communications (OEC) Technical Assistance program personnel to provide

system migration planning assistance to review and update existing plans or create new plans.

COMMUNICATIONS CHALLENGES

Since 2007, Texas has increased emergency communications capabilities significantly at the

State and local levels. However, criminal organizations are also racing ahead with technology

and efficiency. In addition, Texas still experiences record numbers of natural disasters requiring

rapid, coordinated response from the emergency response community.

The following issues that have been identified by the Regional Focus Groups are key

emergency response communication problems in Texas that prevent or hamper basic

communications between responding agencies during incidents and emergencies:

Inadequate and drastically reduced funding to sustain communications systems;

A lack of radio communication equipment (e.g., some agencies still do not have radios);

2The term ‘emergency responders’ refers to persons from the broad public safety and first responder

community, including but not limited to: law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, emergency

management, transportation, public works, and hospitals.

Communications is the fundamental capability within disciplines and jurisdictions that

practitioners need to perform the most routine and basic elements of their job functions.

Source: Target Capabilities, www.DHS.gov

http://www.dhs.gov/


Limited radio signal coverage for some agencies (particularly in more rural regions),

meaning communication is unreliable, and sometimes unavailable;

Obsolete and deteriorated radio systems, radio towers and antenna systems;

Proprietary radio systems that do not meet the current P25 suite of standards;

A lack of standardized, basic communications training available at training academies for

all radio-carrying responders;

Reduced funding will potentially eliminate future training and exercises; and

Standard operating procedures that are documented, but may not be practiced.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Representatives from the Texas emergency response community have been working together

to overcome the identified communications challenges through the Texas Interoperable

Communications Coalition (TxICC) since 2007. The TxICC is the State interoperability

governance body and is responsible for planning and oversight of emergency communications

interoperability throughout Texas. Outlined below are some of the achievements made through

the TxICC, TxDPS and across the State in 2014 and 2015.

Significant updates were made to the Texas Statewide Communications Interoperable

Plan (SCIP) in coordination with the SCIP Executive Council (SEC) and obtained full

SEC approval.

The TxICC Charter was updated.

TxDPS Communications Emergency Operations Team (CEOT) executed 25

deployments during 2014. Nine of those deployments were in support of TxDPS Task

Forces and Special Operations, including Operation Secure Texas on the Texas/Mexico

border. In 2015, there were 32 executed deployments, with 17 deployments in support of

TxDPS Task Forces and Special Operations.

STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUPS

Five Strategic Advisory Groups (SAGs) comprised of representatives from the TxICC

were established to achieve goals and initiatives outlined in the SCIP. Outlined below

are the SAGs and their accomplishments:

o Texas Statewide Interoperable Channel Plan (TSICP)

The TSICP was updated to include a new section on Mobile Satellite

Talkgroups and a groundbreaking Statewide Radio ID Plan, a voluntary

ID allocation by region to ensure there is no overlap of P25 radio ID

allocations across the State.


o Texas Communications Field Operations Guide

A pocket guide was developed to assist responders in the field in

establishing effective communications during a response. It is a Texas-

specific version similar to the National Interoperability Field Operations

Guide.

o Cache Radio Training

A customizable ‘101’ training was developed to accompany cache radios

as they are used during emergencies and planned events. The

presentation enables all responders using the radios to have a base-level

understanding on how to use the radio, including which channels to use.

o Regional Standard Operating Procedures (RSOP)

The RSOP template was updated to be an available resource for first

responders needing planning assistance.

o Training

In 2015 :

A basic “Radio Usage and Interoperability” training curriculum was

created in 2014 and delivered three times in 2015 with

approximately 50 to 75 participants per training course.

The State sponsored twelve training courses:

o six Communication Unit Leader (COML),

o two Communications Technician (COMT),

o one Communications Unit Exercise (COMMEX) Train the

Trainer (TtT),

o one Radio Operator (RADO), and

o two (TXAUXCOMM).

Teams responded to five incidents/disasters, staffed nine planned

events and held two team training courses.

In 2014:

The State sponsored seven training courses:

o four COML,

o two COMT, and

o one COMMEX TtT.

Teams responded to one incident/disaster, staffed 14 planned

events and held seven team training courses.

Additional information is in the training section below.

Leadership has influenced national public safety communications policies by

participation in these national programs:

o Texas SWIC Office participated in DHS/ Office of Emergency Communications

working groups in order to develop the following:

Governance Guide;

Annual Progress Reports; and

Funding and Sustainment Guidance.


Build out of emergency communications and mutual-aid capabilities have continued via:

o Disaster Communications: TxDPS and local jurisdictions continue to collaborate

on development and enhancement of deployable emergency communications

equipment and task forces. Texas is ensuring disaster communications

capabilities with strategically-located equipment and teams that can be quickly

deployed to emergency incident sites.

o State and local mutual-aid assets: Capabilities are recorded in the Texas

Regional Response Network and Communications Assets Survey and Mapping

databases for emergency pre-planning efforts.

SUCCESSES ACHIEVED ALONG THE TEXAS/MEXICO BORDER

To address a surge in criminal activity along the Texas/Mexico border, Operation Secure

Texas (OST) was initiated in June 2014. To support OST, the Texas Department of

Public Safety (TxDPS) Public Safety Communications Service:

o Replaced over 3,000 single-band handheld radios with dual-band trunking

capable radios which allows for improved communication among the numerous

agencies supporting OST.

o Installed approximately 500 dual band mobile (in car) radios, upgraded the four

position operator consoles to connect to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) system

and purchased three Astro System Repeater sites to expand the coverage

footprint of the RGV system. TxDPS also purchased and installed Over-The-Air-

Rekeying equipment to address common encryption issues, which improved

secure communications along the border.

REGIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Based on information provided by the COGs through their annual Focus Group Reports, COG

accomplishments across the State include, but are not limited to:

Training and Exercises

The majority of the COGs conducted some level of training (including Communication

Leader and Communication Leader ‘Train the Trainer’ training) and/or tested

interoperability capabilities during an exercise.

West Central Texas COG is providing the Basic Radio Interoperable Communications

Course to the local Law Enforcement Academies.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Most COGs have SOPs in place. Many are reviewing, updating, and training on them on

a regular basis, (especially agencies using large systems), though some COGs still

contend that the SOPs are not widely known or exercised.


Technology

Many COGs either have P25 standard radio systems or they are able to communicate

with P25 systems.

o Many volunteer fire departments3 are not P25 compliant due to lack of funding.

Larger COGs are migrating P25 radio unit IDs to their allocated statewide ID range as

defined in the TSICP.

Many COGs are programming radios in accordance with the TSICP.

Usage

Each COG has at least one trained Communications Leader (COML) and most have

numerous trained COMLs.

Many COGs are testing use of radio interoperability channels or are at least promoting

their use.

Regional Funding Approach

Some COGs are pursuing creative funding approaches as Federal funding has rapidly

decreased and State funds have not yet been appropriated. Creative approaches

include:

o Charging user fees to agencies using the system;

o Local agencies working together to acquire and share communication resources;

o Many State agencies have system infrastructure sharing agreements with local

entities for interoperable communications; and

o More extensive efforts to apply for additional grants.

STATEWIDE COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY PLAN

The TxICC, under the leadership of the SWIC, is specifically

constituted to examine communication problems across

Texas and identify cohesive solutions to address them

through the SCIP. The Vision of the SCIP states, “All public

safety and first responder’s entities in Texas will have access

to effective and sustainable wireless interoperable voice and

data communications”. The TxICC established a SCIP

Executive Council (SEC) consisting of one delegate from

each region, the three Tribal Nations and a State Agency

representative to serve as the official voting members of

3 According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 72% of Texas’ fire departments are comprised 100% of

volunteers. http://apps.usfa.fema.gov/census/summary

http://apps.usfa.fema.gov/census/summary


Vision Statement from Texas Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan

All public safety and first responder entities in Texas will have access to effective and sustainable

wireless interoperable voice and data communications.

TxICC. The SEC meets in-person annually to review the SCIP and to discuss and vote on

related issues.

Representatives from the public safety community in each COG and the SEC delegates in each

COG meet annually to complete their Regional Focus Group Report. This report documents the

COG’s emergency communications capabilities, accomplishments toward SCIP initiatives, gaps,

regional challenges, priorities and action plans. State and regional gaps in communications

must be listed in the SCIP to qualify for Federal funding. Information from the regional Focus

Group Reports is compiled by the SWIC office and is used for DHS reporting requirements to

both document progress on the SCIP and indicate potential new needs to be incorporated in the

SCIP. The latest version of the SCIP is posted on the Public Safety Library.

https://casmnextgen.com/pslib/index.php/webview?docid=160

INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS IN TEXAS – THE VISION

To achieve this vision and enable responders to better protect the lives and property of Texans,

TxDPS, the TxICC, and the 24 Texas COGs, along with State agencies that use public safety

radios, adopted a “system-of-systems” approach. This design consists of multiple regional

emergency communications systems

networked for coverage and interoperability

when needed.

Because of the stakeholders’ decision to

leverage existing infrastructure and radio

systems, where possible, Texas is

transitioning toward statewide interoperability

and building shared regional communications

systems. The regional system designs are

driven by needs in their region, and aligned

with the existing statewide “system-of-

systems” strategy. Defined by the DHS

SAFECOM program, a “system of systems”

exists when a group of independently

operating systems which is comprised of

people, technology, and organizations, are

connected, thereby, enabling emergency

responders to effectively support day-to-day

operations, planned events or major disasters. The Texas “system-of-systems” will enable

Figure 4: Texas Statewide System of Systems

https://casmnextgen.com/pslib/index.php/webview?docid=160


agencies and regions to meet their specific needs while connecting to a broader network of

resources. To continue working toward this “system-of-systems” goal, TxDPS installed a

Master Site that could potentially connect disparate radio systems and enable interoperability.

Research is still being conducted to determine the most efficient and beneficial implementation

plan. Figure 4 provides a conceptual illustration of how regional systems will operate

independently, but will also have the ability to communicate with other regions and agencies, as

needed, through the use of “gateways” and other interoperable hardware and software

solutions.

The principles to create the system of systems include:

Operability for All – While interoperability across the State is the public safety wireless

communication goal for Texas; many areas still need assistance to achieve a basic

ability to communicate within their own agency (operability) before they can

communicate with other agencies (interoperability).

Standards-based Systems – The nationally recognized P254 suite of standards has

been adopted by the emergency response community and the Federal Government.

The Texas Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD), Office of the Governor also

requires that radio equipment purchased with grant funds that flow through the

Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor be P25 compliant.5

Driven by End-user Needs – The regional systems and designs are driven by user-

identified requirements.

Leverage Existing Resources – Local, Tribal, State, Federal, and private sector

agencies continue to work with emergency response agencies across the State to

leverage existing communication equipment, systems, and other resources to build the

statewide “system-of-systems.” This approach saves time and money and can minimize

recurring maintenance costs.

Coordinated Approach – By coordinating with one another, agencies from different

disciplines and jurisdictions at the local, Tribal, regional, State, and Federal levels are

able to leverage existing resources, coordinate purchases, and share infrastructure.

4 http://www.project25.org/

5 In special circumstances, the Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor permits

“compelling reason exceptions” to the P25 requirement on a case-by-case basis, with the approval of the

SWIC.

http://www.project25.org/


Established System of Systems Strategic Advisory Group – The SWIC Office has

formed a strategic advisory group to identify best value technical solutions and plan to

achieve a system-of-systems approach.

TEXAS COMMUNICATIONS GOALS AND NEXT STEPS

The DHS national priorities for emergency response communications is sustainment of current

capabilities and deployable communications for emergency incidents. These priorities are also

of utmost importance to Texas and are the current focus for the State.

Next steps to sustain current communication capabilities include:

Maintaining current infrastructure and basic interoperable communications;

Training on core capabilities;

Educating the whole community on: risks of high-consequence events; State and local

capabilities; and evaluation of existing capabilities.

Emergency response entities will continue to enhance coordination of emergency responders

and processes across the State by:

Strengthening governance and partnership structures to ensure every resource,

including funding, is strategically utilized to benefit emergency communications

capabilities.

Ensuring communications plans, procedures, and resource documents are current and

preplans for large-scale incidents have been developed and disbursed.

Continuing to support measures such as reviewing mandatory regional plans,

programming radios according to the TSICP and conducting radio tests with adjacent

regions or agencies.

In 2011, the 24 COGs created regional interoperable communications plans (RICP) and

provided cost estimates for achieving their region’s highest level of interoperability – meaning

the ability for their responders to talk to whom they need to when they need to in day-to-day

incidents and emergencies. The solution cost estimates from most COGs were for a P25-based

system. In 2011, the total cost across Texas to establish a system of systems was estimated at

$1.42 billion in combined Federal, State, local, and other funds. Between FY 2007 and FY

2014, $279.1 million of combined Federal funding with local match was administered and

tracked by TxDPS. An additional $170.4 million in Federal assistance (with local match) was

anticipated through 2015. Revenue sources for the remaining $970.5 million have not yet been

identified, though subscriber fees may help cover portions of this cost for State, Local and Tribal

agencies


Elements of Public Safety Communications:

The types of equipment included in these funding estimates are:

Infrastructure: Aging infrastructure should be replaced. Some towers are more than 35 years

old and have deteriorated, yet are still in use. $750 million (of the total $1.42 billion needed in

equipment) would provide a base level of operability and interoperability that meets emergency

response communications standards and system maintenance.

Subscriber Radios: Emergency responders also rely on subscriber radios, which are the

handheld radios they carry with them or mobile radios in vehicles are for daily communications.

Subscriber radio procurements have historically been the responsibility of State and local

agencies, but do comprise a large portion of annual communications funding needs.

Maintenance and Operations: The complex regional radio systems that enable responders to

communicate require funding for ongoing maintenance and operations costs. For the

emergency response community to sustain their radio communication systems – during both

daily operations and emergencies –funding will be necessary in the amount of $30.9 million

annually for ongoing development, maintenance, and capital replacement of aging interoperable

communications systems for emergency responders statewide.

FUNDING SPENT TOWARD THE VISION

In 2015, Texas jurisdictions spent $14,089,397.97 and in 2014, Texas jurisdictions spent

$26,061,551.54 in -Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor distributed

funding6 for interoperable communications technology purchases including infrastructure and

equipment. Since FY 2007, Texas jurisdictions have spent $279,184,661.47 in -distributed

Federal funds. These amounts do not include expenditures on the development of standard

operating procedures, training and exercises conducted, or funding for strategy and governance

development, which are also critical elements of emergency response communications. The

importance of these elements is further highlighted in the DHS SAFECOM Continuum7. The

Office of the Texas SWIC and the Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor

work closely together. Each communications equipment purchase request is forwarded to the

SWIC for review against the SCIP goals and initiatives.

Additional funds directly flow to local jurisdictions from the Federal government or other entities.

Local jurisdictions also budget local funds derived from local taxes, fees, bond elections, and

certificates of obligation to support operable and interoperable communications. The figures

6 Homeland Security Grants from 2015 and on will be administered by the Homeland Security Grants

Division, Office of the Governor. Grant years prior to 2015 will continue to be administered by DPS

Homeland Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor, through close out.

7 http://www.safecomprogram.gov/oec/interoperability_continuum_brochure_2.pdf

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/extLinks/default.aspx?Url=http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/extLinks/default.aspx?Url=http://gov.texas.gov/hsgd

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/oec/interoperability_continuum_brochure_2.pdf


captured in this report only reflect Federal funds that have flowed through the Homeland

Security Grants Division, Office of the Governor to local jurisdictions. There is no known

centralized repository itemizing the described local communications operability/interoperability

funding sources, amount, and expenditures.

THE CURRENT STATUS OF VOICE

COMMUNICATIONS

INTEROPERABILITY IN TEXAS (AS

OF COG COUNTY SURVEY)

The Texas Statewide Communications

Interoperability Maturity Model (TSCIMM),

summarized in Appendix B, is based on the

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum.8 The

TSCIMM outlines the evolution from the lowest

level to the highest level of communications interoperability (Level One – least interoperable to

Level Five – most interoperable). The Texas map located in Appendix B on Page 22 highlights

the current status of each county regarding their level of interoperability for “Voice Technology”

of the TSCIMM. The status is indicated by the individual colors associated with the five levels of

interoperability in the TSCIMM. The color-coded map reflects a snapshot of each county’s

status of voice communications interoperability. This information was obtained directly from the

24 COGs through a survey submitted to TxDPS. As the map indicates, for the most part, Texas

has achieved slightly below level 4.0 wireless communications interoperability.

CONCLUSION: WHEN WILL TEXAS REACH LEVEL FIVE – FULL

INTEROPERABILITY (P25 Standards-Based, Shared Systems

Capability)

Much has been accomplished; however, because of the extensive natural disasters and

manmade events that occur across our vast State, we must continue our vigilance and ensure

our public safety agencies have proper equipment and training to respond to 9-1-1 emergency

calls.

Texas continues to have more natural disasters than any other State. All of these events

require emergency responder coordination via radio communication with local agencies, and

many events also require radio communication with regional, mutual aid, State, and Federal

agencies.

8 For additional information about the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAFECOM Interoperability

Continuum developed by the SAFECOM program, see

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/oecguidancedocuments/continuum/Default.aspx

Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Maturity Model Color Codes:

Level One (least interoperable) .................. 0 Counties

Level Two ................................................. 16 Counties

Level Three ............................................... 68 Counties

Level Four ............................................... 108 Counties

Level Five (most interoperable) ............... 62 Counties

Total: ................................................... 254 Counties

Average Statewide Interoperability Level: 3.85

2014-2015

http://www.safecomprogram.gov/oecguidancedocuments/continuum/Default.aspx


The communications challenges to the State of Texas from natural and man-made disasters

can be mitigated by a solid investment strategy for communications systems, equipment, and

training.


APPENDICES:

A. Acronyms and Glossary

B. Voice Radio Communications Interoperability Levels across Texas

C. Associated Documents and Information


Appendix A: Acronyms and Glossary


List of Acronyms Acronym Definition COG Council of Governments

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FCC Federal Communications Commission

MHz Megahertz

NECP National Emergency Communications Plan

P25 Project 25 (formerly Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials - International Project 25)

PSIC Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant

RICP Regional Interoperable Communications Plan

SCIP Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan

SOPs Standard Operating Procedures

TSCIMM Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Maturity Model

TSICP Texas Statewide Interoperability Channel Plan

TxDPS Texas Department of Public Safety

TxICC Texas Interoperable Communications Coalition


Glossary Term Definitions Consoles

Desktop consoles are self-contained radio dispatching units that control single or multiple base

stations. Consoles may be remotely located in another part of the building, a branch office, or even in

another city. Multiple consoles can work in parallel to access and control a radio system. IP dispatch

applications can be used to dynamically connect disparate networks, or provide over-IP control for a

single network. Dispatchers, network administrators or other authorized personnel can set up

connections in seconds to communicate with radio users.

Gateway

A Gateway is a network functional element that translates traffic between multiple, disparate

networks. Gateways can connect over the air and over a wireline network.

Internet Protocol

(IP)

Internet Protocol is the method by which data travels from one computer to another over the Internet.

Each computer has an IP address that uniquely identifies it. IP-based communication systems can

transform voice signals into digital information that then can be sent over data networks.

Mobile and Portable

Radios

Mobile radios installed in vehicles as well as portable radios that are hand-held units can also be

called subscriber units. The cost associated with subscriber units includes the cost for the hardware,

as well as all the software flash upgrades and programming costs.

Project 25

Standards

Refers to the Project 25 (P25) suite of standards for digital radio communications for use by Federal,

State/province and local public safety agencies to enable them to communicate with other agencies

and mutual aid response teams in emergencies. For additional information on P25 standards, please

see http://www.project25.org.

Radio Towers and

Antennas

Radio masts and towers are structures designed to support antennas for telecommunications

systems.

Antennas provide system capability to transmit and receive radio waves.

http://www.project25.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunication

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_wave


Appendix:B Voice Radio Communications

Interoperability

Levels Across Texas


THE CURRENT STATUS OF VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

INTEROPERABILITY IN TEXAS

The Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Maturity Model (TSCIMM), which

appears below, is based on the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum. The TSCIMM outlines

the evolution from the lowest level to the highest level of communications interoperability (Level

One – least interoperable to Level Five – most interoperable). The following map of Texas

highlights the current status of each county regarding their level of interoperability in the “Voice

Technology” lane of the TSCIMM. The status is indicated by the individual colors associated

with the five levels of interoperability in the TSCIMM.

Level One = The lowest level of interoperability, which is accomplished by physically

exchanging radios to communicate with other agencies (swap radios)

Level Two = Minimal interoperability, which is accomplished with the use of gateway devices

(electronically interconnecting two or more disparate radio systems through gateways)

Level Three = Mid-range interoperability through the use of shared channels

Level Four = Improved interoperability through the use of shared proprietary system(s)

Level Five = The optimal level of full interoperability through the use of P25 standards-based

shared systems to communicate with other agencies

The color-coded map reflects a snapshot of each county’s status of voice communications

interoperability. This information was obtained directly from the 24 COGs through a survey

submitted to TxDPS. As the map indicates, for the most part, Texas has achieved slightly

above Level Three (mid-range) wireless communications interoperability. In Appendix C, the

three tables following the same map list the:

a) interoperability level of each county, sorted at the COG level;

b) interoperability level of each county, sorted by level; and

c) interoperability level of each county, sorted by county name alphabetically. The 2015

average level of interoperability statewide remained stagnant from 2014 at level 3.85 on

the five-level scale.


Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Maturity

Model

Level 1Minimal Interoperability

(Swap Radios)

Level 2Limited Interoperability

(Use of Gateways)

Level 3Mid-Range Interoperability(Use of Shared Channels)

Level 4Improved Interoperability

(Use of Proprietary Shared Systems)

Level 5 - Full Interoperability (P25 Standards-Based, Shared Systems)

Training and ExercisesGeneral Orientation on

Equipment and Applications

UsagePlanned Events

GovernanceInformal Coordination

Between Agencies

SOPJoint SOPs for Planned

Events

Training and ExercisesSingle Agency Tabletop

Exercises for Key field and Support Staff

UsageLocalized Emergency

Incidents

GovernanceKey Multi-Discipline Staff

Collaboration on a Regular Basis

SOPJoint SOPs for Emergencies

Training and ExercisesMulti-agency Tabletop

Exercises for Key Field and Support Staff

UsageLocalized Emergency

Incidents

GovernanceKey Multi-Discipline Staff

Collaboration on a Regular Basis

SOPRegional Set of

Communications SOPs

Training and ExercisesMulti-agency Full

Functional Exercises Involving All Staff

UsageRegional Incident

Management

GovernanceRegional Committee Working

within a Statewide Communications

Interoperability Plan Framework

SOPNational Incident Management

System Integrated SOPs

Training and ExercisesRegular Comprehensive Region

wide Training and Exercises

UsageDaily Use Throughout Region

8/22/10

GovernanceIndividual Agencies Working

Independently

SOPIndividual Agency SOPs

DATATechnologySwap Files

VOICETechnology

Swap Radios

DATATechnology

Common Applications

VOICETechnology

Gateway

DATATechnology

Custom Interfaced

Applications

VOICETechnology

Shared Channels

VOICETechnologyProprietary

Shared System

DATATechnology

One-Way Standards-

Based Sharing

DATATechnologyTwo-Way

Standards-Based Sharing

VOICETechnologyStandards-

Based Shared Systems


COG Region Name #

Alamo Area Council of Governments 18

Ark-Tex Council of Governments 5

Brazos Valley Council of Governments 13

Capital Area Council of 12

Central Texas Council of Governments 23

Coastal Bend Council of Governments 20

Concho Valley Council of Governments 10

Deep East Texas Council of Governments 14

East Texas Council of Governments 6

Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission 17

Heart of Texas Council of Governments 11

Houston-Galveston Area 16

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 21

Middle Rio Grande Development Council 24

Nortex Regional Planning Commission 3

North Central Texas Council of Governments 4

Panhandle Regional Planning Commission 1

Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission 9

Rio Grande Council of Governments 8

South East Texas Regional Planning Commission 15

South Plains Association of Governments 2

South Texas Development Council 19

Texoma Council of Governments 22

West Central Texas Council of Governments 7

2014-2015 Texas Statewide Voice

Communications Interoperability Color-Coded Map by COGs and

Counties

Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Maturity Model Color Codes:

Level One (least interoperable) ................. 0 Counties

Level Two ................................................. 16 Counties

Level Three............................................... 68 Counties

Level Four .............................................. 108 Counties

Level Five (most interoperable) ............... 62 Counties

Total:................................................... 254 Counties

Average Statewide Interoperability Level: 3.85

2014-2015


Appendix: C Associated Documents and Information


ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION

Additional supporting information, such as the resources below, can be found on the

Texas Department of Public Safety website:

http://www.dps.texas.gov/LawEnforcementSupport/communications/interop/

“When They Can’t Talk, Lives Are Lost” brochure – from the National Association

of Counties

“Operation Texas Talks” brochure

Texas Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP)

Texas Statewide Interoperability Channel Plan and Memorandum of

Understanding

http://www.dps.texas.gov/LawEnforcementSupport/communications/interop/