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The Law Enforcement Take: Fall 2021
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The Law Enforcement Take with Harry Markley
FirstNet deployables provide unique benefits to public safety
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When the FirstNet Authority set out to create a nationwide public safety broadband network, we consulted with the public safety community. One thing we heard is public safety needs temporary coverage solutions that are readily available and easily integrated into operations. That’s why the FirstNet deployable program is available today and expanding to meet first responders’ evolving needs.
Unique benefits of FirstNet deployables
FirstNet deployables boost coverage during disasters, large planned events, or in remote areas—and are available to subscribers 24/7 at no extra cost. These mobile cell sites link to FirstNet via satellite, do not rely on commercial power availability, and provide similar capabilities and connectivity as a cell tower.
The FirstNet fleet has 100+ deployables located at sites around the country and U.S. territories that can be sent to emergencies in a matter of hours or scheduled in advance of planned events. The FirstNet-dedicated fleet includes large satellite trucks, compact satellite equipment that can be towed, communication vehicles, tethered drones, and a blimp.
Broadband traffic from non-public safety users in the area can cause congestion on commercial networks. With FirstNet, a deployable can be locked down to Band 14, the FirstNet broadband spectrum that’s dedicated to first responders, to ensure public safety get prioritized communications. Deployables also can be used to establish WiFi hotspots, so it’s easy for every first responder on site to connect to FirstNet’s reliable service regardless of the device used.
Best practices for requesting deployables
When you request a deployable asset, keep in mind some best practices.
Know beforehand what information to provide to help assess the best option for your situation. Be ready to:
- Provide incident conditions such as environmental concerns
- Specify the area requiring coverage
- Discuss terrain and access such as road conditions, steep inclines, sharp curves, wash-outs, or roadway or bridge restrictions. State if an escort will be required.
- If the deployable is going on a parking garage or other structure, provide height or weight restrictions, turning radius within building, etc.
Choose carefully for the site where the deployable will be located:
- The site should be secure.
- Every deployable must have a minimum 100-foot safety perimeter, and should be placed at least 500-foot away from a command post or other areas with heavy responder radio traffic.
- Satellite requires a clear unobstructed view of the southern sky.
- Deployable generators are refueled by AT&T, so ongoing access is required. Technicians can manage everything else remotely from the network operations center.
While the deployable is in use, make sure to use satellite resources wisely.
- Deployables are dependent on satellite connectivity.
- Satellite bandwidth is a limited resource and does not compare to the backhaul capabilities of terrestrial connections like fiber.
- Only stream video or use other high-bandwidth applications if they are necessary to the mission.
- Educate other users on the need to preserve bandwidth for mission-critical applications.
Your experience
What is your experience with deployables? What do you need in temporary coverage solutions? Send me an email or find me or my colleagues at:
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FirstNet’s Z-axis capability gives first responders 3D location information not available with traditional GPS. In addition to latitude and longitude coordinates, Z-axis provides altitude data to vertically locate first responders in tall buildings.
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Tech, Innovations, and Hot Topics in Law Enforcement
Read what we’ve been hearing from public safety in the field about trends and drivers for law enforcement and emergency communications.*
Using technology tools, law enforcement agencies can better execute alternative responses for calls that don’t require a police presence. Tools like next-generation data centers, video feeds, and data analytics can help law enforcement more effectively engage with mental health specialists and other outside partners.
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When the computers in their patrol cars began slowing down, officers with the Milford Police Department in Delaware were unable to access databases and reporting software. After switching to FirstNet, the department has a reliable connection, enabling officers to use mission critical capabilities and to seamlessly upload video from dashcams and body-worn cameras.
Watch the video |
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Harry Markley is a Senior Public Safety Advisor and the First Responder Network Authority Law Enforcement Subject Matter Expert. Learn more about Harry or email him with your questions. |
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Top photo: A FirstNet deployable asset being loaded onto the Put-in-Bay ferry that operates in Ohio on Lake Erie. Deployables boost coverage for public safety during disasters, major incidents, and planned events. Learn more about the FirstNet deployables fleet.
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*FirstNet Authority may provide hyperlinks for third-party, non-governmental websites in order to offer additional context and added value for our users. FirstNet Authority does not endorse any product or service and is not responsible, nor can it guarantee the validity or timeliness of the content on hyperlinks outside of the federal government. In addition, users may wish to review privacy notices on non-government sites since their information collection practices may differ from ours.
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