Broome radio system, mobile unit streamline law enforcement communication. How it works

A newly implemented radio system in Broome County streamlines communication across local law enforcement agencies.

The updates, which totaled $35 million, include the creation of 23 new radio towers and over 4,000 radios, implemented over the past year and half. The system was partly funded through a 2019 legislative bill which allowed Broome County to charge cell phone customers one dollar a month for 10 years to pay for the program.

According to Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, local law enforcement previously used over 10 different radio systems, some of which were decades old, and could not communicate with each other. Garnar cited problems such as communication in areas without service and concrete walls blocking the radio transmissions with old systems.

The new updates give law enforcement agencies in the county a single, unified system. At a Thursday afternoon press conference, Garnar said Broome County would be responsible for replacing and maintaining the systems.

"We have some of the best emergency responders in this nation, and now all of them have the best emergency equipment to use," said Garnar.

As part of the newer system, a Mobile Command Unit, dubbed MCU, was created for the county. The MCU is a large truck with multiple camera surveillance units, some of which are raised and help those inside monitor large areas.

In a room filled with monitors and a radio setup, event or incident-specific dispatch is routed directly to dispatch operators in the truck.

Another room features a central table where command staff can be briefed on ongoing events and incidents.

The MCU can be deployed as a support to first response teams, or used for scheduled events. It has been used for the Greater Binghamton Airshow, the Dick's Sporting Goods Open, and will be used for Spiedie Fest and LUMA this year.

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Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said the goal of the new system, from when it was first suggested, centered around helping and keeping law enforcement, fire and medical personnel safe and well-equipped.

"Today is a good day for Broome County, but it is equally as important for the men and women who are going out into harm's way every single day and protecting our community," said Akshar.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Broome unveils radio system to improve law enforcement communication