Public Safety Communications: Lessons Learned From the Tragedy of 9/11
The September 11 attacks were further dramatic reminders that emergency response teams and other public safety agencies need to be able to communicate easily during times of disaster.
In many jurisdictions, emergency personnel can't communicate with one another because they operate on different radio frequencies. But according to a Public Service Wireless Network (PSWN) report, Answering the Call: Lessons Learned from the Pentagon Attack, initial responders to the Pentagon were able to communicate thanks in part to the high-level of previously established regional coordination.
After the attack, 50 state, local, and federal public service agencies responded — all with various missions and priorities — bringing nearly 900 emergency responders to the site. Everyone used wireless radios and telephones, but experienced little difficulty in communicating during the initial response. That's an achievement that PSWN — a joint effort of the Departments of Treasury and Justice — and Booz Allen helped bring about. Since 1997, the firm has provided management and technical support to the program.
"The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) helps coordinate all the local frequencies," says Booz Allen Vice President Ron Hodge. "COG is very active in making sure that the right people, processes, and technologies are in place. During any chaotic event, the initial response is crucial. In the case of the Pentagon attack, it was well coordinated — first responders knew exactly what frequencies to tune to."
story posted June 2002
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