Project Summary
Throughout the history of the California Highway Patrol (CHP),
the Department has responded and provided assistance at emergency incidents
ranging from traffic collisions to catastrophic events. The September 11th
terrorist attacks necessitated an increased vigilance and improvement of
departmental homeland security preparations and strategies. Since the terrorist
attacks, the development of radio interoperability and integrated public safety
communications systems has become a key goal in radio system implementation to
minimize the threat to the health and safety of the public during an emergency.
In an effort to accomplish this objective, the Department
identified a need for a more versatile and mobile platform to provide immediate
response to emergency incidents. As a result, the Department purchased nine
Chevrolet Tahoes. These vehicles were equipped and integrated with satellite,
airborne video downlink, and interoperable communications equipment to allow
the vehicle to perform as a mobile communications center, as well as provide
internet access, satellite surveillance, and a command and control system
display.
In the event local infrastructure is destroyed, the Incident
Command Vehicle (ICV) will provide CHP a direct link between allied agencies
and first responders, and in effect, replace a CHP office, capable of providing
telephone, Internet, email, and satellite television service which will
facilitate quicker response and mitigation of incidents.
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