March 01, 2006
Officials: New Radios For LAPD Would Cost $51 Million
It would cost $51 million to purchase new radios for Los Angeles Police Department officers, who are coping with an outdated system that has spotty reception, two department officials told the Police Commission Tuesday.
Officers have used the Astro radios by Motorola since 1994, and often run into "dead zones" while on patrol, meaning they are unable to communicate on the system -- particularly in parts of the San Fernando Valley, LAPD Capt. Sharyn Buck said.
"We all understand that there are dead zones in the city of Los Angeles," Buck said. "Any of us that drive home talking on our cell phone know there are dead zones, but we hope to address those issues because officer safety is very important."
Tim Riley, the LAPD's chief information officer, said new equipment is needed because Motorola stopped manufacturing the Astro in 2002, and will not make repairs to broken radios nor provide parts after June 2007.
Commissioner Alan Skobin agreed, noting that the typical lifespan of a police radio is 10 years.
"We're well past that," Skobin said.
But getting the funding may prove difficult.
The city's Chief Administrative Office has told the LAPD that money for radio isn't available, noting that the city faces a $245 million budget deficit.
It would cost $43 million to purchase 10,000 new hand-held digital radios, and another $8 million for 350 mobile radios installed in police cruisers.
The Police Commission agreed to have its executive director draft a letter to the CAO, requesting that funds for a new radio system be included in the city's budget.
The commission is expected to approve the wording of the letter next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, commission President John Mack asked Buck and Riley to develop a plan to address "drops" in radio calls.
"Even one occasion is too many when you talk about the safety of officers and of the public," Mack said.
Source: http://www.nbc4.tv/news/7553032/detail.html
Officers have used the Astro radios by Motorola since 1994, and often run into "dead zones" while on patrol, meaning they are unable to communicate on the system -- particularly in parts of the San Fernando Valley, LAPD Capt. Sharyn Buck said.
"We all understand that there are dead zones in the city of Los Angeles," Buck said. "Any of us that drive home talking on our cell phone know there are dead zones, but we hope to address those issues because officer safety is very important."
Tim Riley, the LAPD's chief information officer, said new equipment is needed because Motorola stopped manufacturing the Astro in 2002, and will not make repairs to broken radios nor provide parts after June 2007.
Commissioner Alan Skobin agreed, noting that the typical lifespan of a police radio is 10 years.
"We're well past that," Skobin said.
But getting the funding may prove difficult.
The city's Chief Administrative Office has told the LAPD that money for radio isn't available, noting that the city faces a $245 million budget deficit.
It would cost $43 million to purchase 10,000 new hand-held digital radios, and another $8 million for 350 mobile radios installed in police cruisers.
The Police Commission agreed to have its executive director draft a letter to the CAO, requesting that funds for a new radio system be included in the city's budget.
The commission is expected to approve the wording of the letter next Tuesday.
Meanwhile, commission President John Mack asked Buck and Riley to develop a plan to address "drops" in radio calls.
"Even one occasion is too many when you talk about the safety of officers and of the public," Mack said.
Source: http://www.nbc4.tv/news/7553032/detail.html
