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What is Interoperability?
Interoperability is the ability for key public safety personnel to talk with one another via communication systems – to exchange voice and/or data with one another on demand and in real time, whenever necessary. It creates intercommunications that support effective tactical incident management and strategic emergency management activities; these in turn support a continuity of operations and government functions during emergencies and catastrophic events.
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In order to resolve interoperable communications issues and create a more formalized process for planning, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 1153 in early 2009.
SB 1153 is critical to interoperable communications efforts in the state of Oklahoma. First, it names OKOHS as a central point of contact for all statewide communications interoperability planning. Next, SB 1153 enumerates the planning duties for OKOHS. Some of these duties include:
1. Oversight and implementation of the Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP)
2. Coordination of a migration plan for use of communications interoperability technologies including aid to connect disparate systems used by public safety agencies
3. Assistance with applying for, receiving and holding authorization for frequencies and channels for state agencies
Click here to download and view SB 1153.
Statewide Interoperable Communications Planning Division
The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security's Statewide IOC Planning Division is responsible for the daily coordination of interoperability efforts in the state of Oklahoma. They work closely with the Statewide Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB) and other key public safety practitioners to improve communications interoperability in the state.
Oklahoma's Vision for Interoperability
All public safety entities in the state of Oklahoma will possess the knowledge, resources and technology to seamlessly communicate as authorized through voice and data, on demand and in real-time, during day-to-day operations and public safety events. This operating environment would ensure the effectiveness of response capabilities to mitigate potential damage to life and property that could occur from the inability to properly communicate.
Goals for Interoperable Communications in Oklahoma
- Goal 1: Formalize the governance of interoperability in the state of Oklahoma.
- Goal 2: SOPs are developed and modeled to conform to the elements of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
- Goal 3: Develop and implement voice and data technology standards for Oklahoma state agencies.
- Goal 4: A two-way standards-based sharing data system is developed and implemented statewide.
- Goal 5: A regular comprehensive statewide Training and Exercise Program is developed and implemented
- Goal 6: A comprehensive funding strategy is developed and managed to implement the elements of the SCIP and is updated annually.
- Goal 7: Create and implement a cadre of trained state and local Communications Unit Leader (COML) and Communications Technician (COMT) personnel able to deploy during public safety incidents.
The Importance of Interoperability
The following high-profile public safety events demonstrate the importance of reliable communications interoperability:
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Oklahoma City Bombing
On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City suffered the largest domestic terrorist attack on American soil. The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, located in Downtown Oklahoma City, was the site of a calculated explosion that killed 168 people and injured hundreds more. During the search and rescue efforts, critical information in the form of hand-written notes was passed between first responders via couriers equipped with golf carts due to the lack of seamless interoperable communications between responders.
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Oklahoma City Traffic Accident
In the early morning of August 31, 2000, a member of the Oklahoma City Police Department was in pursuit of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Interstate 40 in downtown Oklahoma City. At the same time, a member of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was en route to assist on an unrelated call when all three vehicles collided causing them to become engulfed in flames. The two law enforcement officials, along with the two suspects, were killed in the collision. An investigation found that the officers were unable to communicate with each other via radio.
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September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001, more than 2,700 people perished at the World Trade Center, including 340 firefighters. The 9/11 Commission Report describes multiple instances of public safety radio failure at the scene, including when first responders in the North Tower did not receive news of the South Tower’s collapse. Had the evacuation orders been received, loss of life may have been reduced.
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Not Just for Major Events
The inability to relay incident scene information directly and effectively can jeopardize the lives of public safety personnel across the U.S. and in the state of Oklahoma. Incompatible and ineffective communications systems hinder, and at times prohibit, incident coordination and daily operations. As noted in the examples above, this lack of interoperability could lead to an unnecessary loss of human life and property. Seamless radio communications is also critical for day-to-day operations among all first responders. From wildfires to routine traffic stops, reliable radio communications between first responders is vital to the safety of Oklahomans.
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Last Update December 2012
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