Public safety officials need advanced communications technology, survey shows
Public safety officials say advanced communications technology is their most critical tool in responding to emergencies, according to a survey released last week by the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and Schaumburg, Mo.-based Motorola. Fire and police officials also said they were more concerned about their ability to respond to natural disasters than to terrorist attacks or crime.
The survey also found that the greatest need for improvement in advanced communications technologies is in range, speed and availability, interoperability and availability of equipment. “Improving communications and providing critical information to emergency responders helps save lives,” said APCO First Vice President Richard Mirgon in a statement. “This survey indicates that better-informed users are more effective in their jobs, and the continuing advancement of technologies gives our first responders the tools necessary to protect themselves and the public.”
The entire survey is available at https://feedback.motorola.com/governmentandenterprise/northamerica/en-us/public/functions/Microsite/Microsite.aspx?Site=en_US/microsites/FutureTech&WT.mc_id=Futuretech08_pressrelease.