Richmond City Council
November 18, 2025

CONFIDENTIAL
868.4125

MOTOROLA

QUANTAR
823.4126
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:

Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes
859.4625

MOTOROLA

QUANTAR
814.4625
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:

Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes

CONFIDENTIAL
860.7125
MA/COM

EDACS MASTR III
815.7125
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:
dbSPECTRA 8Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes
868.6125
MA/COM

EDACS MASTR III
823.6125
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:
dbSPECTRA 8Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes

CONFIDENTIAL
868.8625
MA/COM

EDACS MASTR III
822.8625
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:
dbSPECTRA 8Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes

MOTOROLA
MTR2000
Manufacturer:

Model:

Power Source:

Transmit (MHz)
Call Sign:

Transmit Pwr. (watts):

Receive (MHz):

LAND MOBILE RADIO INFORMATION
TX Antenna
Height:

RX Antenna
Height:

Combiner Manufacturer: # of Channels:

Multicoupler Manufacturer: Model:

Twr. Top Amp: Manuf:

GOOD
Radio Condition
ERP (watts):

NoYes
Manufacturer: GLENAYRE
Model #: 4T-6
Frequency Band:

Radio Configuration:

MICROWAVE / FIBER EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
MW Owner: RICHMOND
Digital, DS1 Capacity
Comments:

Analog: NoYes

CONFIDENTIAL
Main Ant. Height:

Main Ant. Diameter:

Diversity Ant. Height
Diversity Ant. Dia.:

Multiplexer Manuf.: Model #:

Multiplexer Type: Capacity:

Chan. Band Manuf.: Model #:

Alarm Sys. Manuf.: Model #:

Alarm Sys. Type:

DC Charger Volts: Amps:

Condition:

Condition:

Volts:

Type:

Amp/Hr. Rating:

MW Condition /
Comments:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
FOT. Owner:

System Configuration
FOT. Manufacturer: Model #:

Capacity:

Interface Cards Number of
Cards
Unused Slots
FOT. Condition
/ Comments:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
Router / Switch
Manufacturer:

Model #:

Dehydrator: NoYes

CONFIDENTIAL
JKNOWLES9/15/2006
Survey Date Surveyors Observed Position (NAD83)
Latitude(N) Longitude(W)
Site Access

WALNUT CREEK DISPATCH
Site Name Site Type
Telco T1's: YES
Comments:

Site Description
Compound room for
additional shelter:

NO
Building Design Description
Has Fiber: Yes No
Other Tower(s) /
Comments:

Yes No

NO TOWER ON SITE
Parking Adequate: Yes No
Fencing / Gate: Yes No Type:

Fire Suppression: Yes No Type: FM-200
Smoke Alarm: Yes No
Emergency Lighting: Yes No
POTS: Yes No

CONFIDENTIAL
Manufacturer:

Model #:

Outside Diminsions: 250 X 200
Prefab./Built on Site: BUILT ON SITE
Wall Construction: BLOCK
Roof Construction: RUBBER
Floor Composition: CONCRETE
Comments:

Outside Grounding System Description

UNKNOWN
Generator
Manufacturer: CUMMINGS Model #:

Capacity: KVA:

Phase:

Transfer Switch
Manufacturer:

Model #:

Volts: Amps:

Comments:

Fuel System
Fuel Type: DIESEL # of Tanks: 1
Tank Size (gallons):

In-Ground / Above
Ground:

IN-GROUND
Comments:

EQUIPMENT ROOM INFORMATION
Electrical Panel
Power Rating:
225Amps: 120/240Volts: 1Phase:
15 RACKS, 8 CABINETSComments:

HVAC
Manufacturer: Model #:

Cooling Tons: # of Units:

Description:

Grounding System
LINEARSystem Type:

Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

UPS System
MITSUBISHIManufacturer: 2033AModel #:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
Comments: Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
2 CONFIDENTIAL
1# of Units:

Condition / Comments:

Alarm
Manufacturer: Model #:

Type / Condition /Comments:

Describe
Floor Space:

Transmission Line Entry
Total Ports: # of Ports Used:

ENTRY THROUGH CONDUIT
Description / Comments:

Additional
Comments:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)
kVA: Batt. Capacity

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: DICTAPHONE
Equipment Room Details: 6 RACKS-2 CABINETS, - 10 X 14, ROOM IS FULL 2 CABINETS, 15 X 15, ROOM HAS ADOUT 8 FT OF SPACE FOR MORE EQUIPMENT Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: ANTIOCH
County: Contra Costa
Surveyor: Jknowles
Survey Date: 9/18/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 30 X 20 FULL
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type:

Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: EPE TECHNOLOGIES Model #: EPS-2000
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 5 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched: ANTIOCH PD, BRENTWOOD
# of Spare Positions: 1
Notes:

Channel Capacity: 32 # of Channels Used: 10
Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: Model:

Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type gold elite
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 6
MONITOR- SECURITY CAMNotes:

Dispatch/Radio Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
RADIO
PHONE
CAD
CAD
CAD
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Call Taker Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:
6 20" DISPLAYS, 2 32" DISPLAYS, FAXOther Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: CAPTURE
Equipment Room Details: 24-RACKS, 6 CABINETS, 20 X 40
SEVER ROOM -7 CABNETS, 20 x
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: CCC SHERIFF
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/16/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 30 X 60
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type: LINEAR
Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: EMERSON Model #: AP51A
# of Units: 1 kVA: 80 Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments: GOOD
Model #:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 15 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions: 2
Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions: 8
Notes:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: SPECRA COM Model:

Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MOTOROLA Model #:

Notes:

Racks: 8
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 23
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application

RADIO/COMM
CAD
CAD

MAPPING-NOT USE, BAD GIS
PHONE
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
# of Positions 2
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Call Taker Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application

RADIO/COMM
CAD
CAD

MAPPING-NOT USE, BAD GIS
PHONE
Supervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make: MOTOROLA
Console Model # GOLD ELITE

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.:

Equipment Room Details: 3 CABINETS - 1 RACK, HAS BIG DESK IN ROOM, ROOM IS 12 X 10 1 RACK, 2 CABINETS, AND UPS ROOM IS 10 X 12
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: CONCORD PD
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/16/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description ROOM IS 30 X 20, LITTLE SPACE AVAILABLE Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type:

Equipment Grounding
Description:

DISPATCH EQUIPMENT NOT GROUNDED
Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: LIEBERT Model #:
# of Units: kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 7 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched: CONCORD, CLAYTON
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: Model:

Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MOTOROLA Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 7
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
RADIO
CAD
GIS
CAD
PHONE
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Call Taker Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

FAX, 3 - 27" TVs,Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: NICE LOG RECORDER
Equipment Room Details: 3 ROOM, 5 CABINETS-SERVER ROOM - 10 X 15 7 RACKS, 1 CABINET - SECOND ROOM - 15 X 20
5 RACKS - THIRD ROOM - 12 X 10
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: CONSOLIDATED FIRE
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/16/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 40 X 30
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type:

Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: BEST POWER Model #: FE
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 9 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Channel Capacity: 64 # of Channels Used:

Comments: P25 COMPLIANT
Fire Station Alerting Make ZETRON Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: Model:

Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type GOLDEN ELITE
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):
6 TRUNKS
Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MOTOROLA Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 9
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
RADIO
CAD
PHONE
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Call Taker Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:
4-42" MONITORSOther Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: DICTAPHONE
Equipment Room Details: 1 RACK, 1 CABINET, BULT IN SHELVES, DESK. ROOM IS 10 BY 15, BUT NEED TO BE

ORGANIZED
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: PINOLE PD
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/16/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type:

Equipment Grounding
Description:

POOR
Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: BEST POWER Model #: FE
# of Units: kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 2 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions: 1
Notes:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: Model:

Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 3
GIS BADNotes:

Dispatch/Radio Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application

SECURITY CAMS
RADIO
CAD
GIS
PHONE
Console Make: ERICSSON
Console Model # ERICSSON

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Call Taker Position Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.:

Equipment Room Details: 5 RACKS, 2 CABINETS,
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: PLEASANT HILL PD
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/15/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 25 X 30, ALSO IS THE RESEPTION FOR PD DEPARTMENT Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type:

Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: BEST POWER Model #: FE
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 3 # of Call Taker Only Positions 4 # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: SPECTRA COM Model: GPS5283
Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type GOLD ELITE
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MOTOROLA Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 3
# of Positions 4
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position
Call Taker Position
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
PHONE
CAD
RADIO
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
CADMonitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: PYXIS
Equipment Room Details: 5 RACKS, 9 CABINETS, 10 X 40
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: RICHMOND PD/FD
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/17/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 40 X 45, OPEN FLOOR PLAN
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type: LINER
Equipment Grounding
Description:

EQUIPMENT GROUNDED TO UNDER RAISED FLOOR
Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: BEST POWER Model #: UNITY360
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #: MAXPRO
Channel Capacity: 32 # of Channels Used: 12
Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 6 # of Call Taker Only Positions 2 # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make ZETRON Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: SPECTRACOM Model: NETCLOCK/2
Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type MA/COM
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):
8 TRUNCKS
Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MA/COM Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 6
# of Positions 2
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position
Call Taker Position
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
PHONE
cad
CAD
CAD
RADIO
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
CAD
PHONE
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: NICE
Equipment Room Details: 13 RACKS, NO OPEN RACKS,
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: SAN RAMON VALLEY FIRE
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/16/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 25 X 30 ROOM DOES HAVE SPACE
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type: LINEAR
Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices: NO
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: LIBERT Model #: NFINITY
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity:

Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 3 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions: 1
Agencies Dispatched: SRVF
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: SPECTRACOM Model: NETCLOCK/GPS 9283
Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: MOTOROLA Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 3
# of Positions
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position
Call Taker Position
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
PHONE
CAD
CAD
CAD
RADIO
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions 1
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
PHONE
CAD
CAD
CAD
RADIO
Supervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

FAX,Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
Logging Recorder Manuf.: DICTAPHONE
Equipment Room Details: 15 RACKS, 8 CABINETS
Raised Computer Flooring: Yes No
Center Name: WALNUT CREEK
County: CONTRA COSTA
Surveyor: JKNOWLES
Survey Date: 9/15/2008
Revisit:

Adequate Air Conditioning Yes No Model #:

Dispatch Room Description 19 X 25
Pwr. distribution Units: Yes No
Great Good Average Poor(Rate)Grounding System:

System Type: LINEAR
Equipment Grounding
Description:

Surge Suppression Devices:

Great Good Average Poor(Rate)UPS System:

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI Model #: 2033A
# of Units: 1 kVA: Battery Capacity: 30
Condition and Comments:

Model #:

Channel Capacity: # of Channels Used:

Comments:

Site Type: DISPATCH

DISPATCH CENTER INFORMATION

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Dispatch Only Positions: 6 # of Call Taker Only Positions # of Supervisor Positions:

Agencies Dispatched:
# of Spare Positions:

Notes:

Comments:

Fire Station Alerting Make Model:

Paging: Model:

Netclock: SPECTRACOM Model: NETCLOCK/GPS
Control Stations Location Qty
Mobile Data Equipment Make Model #:

Console Equip. Type
Incoming Circuits
(connectivity):

Central Electronics Equipment
Manufacturer: Model #:

Notes:

Racks:

Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
# of Positions 6
# of Positions
Notes:

Dispatch/Radio Position
Call Taker Position
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
PHONE
CAD
CAD
CAD
RADIO
Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
Application
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Console Make:

Console Model #
Console Make:

CONFIDENTIAL
# of Positions
Computer Terminals and Moniters
Notes:

Monitors
Monitor 1
Monitor 2
Monitor 3
Monitor 4
Monitor 5
Control Station
ApplicationSupervisor Position
Monitor
Mouse
Desktop
Headset
Footswitch
PBX/KTS Telephone Se
Notes:

Customer Premise
Equipment:

CAD: NoYes
Federal NCIC NoYes
Security Video Monitor NoYes
State Criminal Database NoYes
Alarm NoYes
NoYesSystem Manager
Notes:

Other Miscellanous
Equipment:

Console Model #
Console Make:

Console Model #

CONFIDENTIAL
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

Appendix C

Surveyor Results

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

1 Appendix C – Surveyor Results ............................................................................................................................................ 2 C.1  Survey Reported Radio Problems ......................................................................................................................... 2 C.2  Radio Problem Descriptions .................................................................................................................................. 2 C.3  EBRCS Radio System Requirements ................................................................................................................... 4 C.4  System Attribute Descriptions ............................................................................................................................... 5 C.5  Additional Survey Comments ................................................................................................................................ 8 C.6  Survey Questions .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Table C-1  Alameda County Trunked Radio Problems ......................................................................................... 32 Table C-2  Alameda County Conventional Radio Problems ................................................................................. 33 Table C-3  Contra Costa County Trunked Radio Problems .................................................................................. 34 Table C-4  Contra Costa County Conventional Radio Problems .......................................................................... 35 Table C-5  EBRCSA System Attribute Ranking .................................................................................................... 36 Table C-6  Alameda County 911 Dispatch Center ................................................................................................ 38 Table C-7  Alameda County Voice System ........................................................................................................... 39 Table C-8  Contra Costa 911 Dispatch Center ...................................................................................................... 41 Table C-9  Contra Costa County Voice System .................................................................................................... 42

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

2 Appendix C – Surveyor Results

In order to identify current problems and the future radio system needs of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, an online survey was used to obtain this critical information.

This appendix summarizes the results of the On-line Survey. Although the number of participants from each agency was not sufficient to make definitive statements, the trends reported in the online survey align with the information that was reported during group agency meetings and provide a snap shot of the existing problems with the aging radio systems in both counties. A list of the survey questions is provided in SECTION C.6.

C.1 Survey Reported Radio Problems
Alameda County and Contra Costa users, dispatchers and technical points of contact were asked to participate in an online survey that captured some information about their current communication systems. TABLES C-1 and C-2 summarize the problems for trunked and conventional radio systems for Alameda County. TABLES C-3 and C-4 summarize the problems for trunked and conventional for Contra Costa County. The tables indicate the level or seriousness of the perceived problems. Problems are listed in order of “overall” severity and are also ranked by discipline: fire, law enforcement, and all others.

C.2 Radio Problem Descriptions
The problem areas summarized in TABLES C-1 through C-4 are defined below. The headings listed below correspond to the “Problem” Column of Tables C-1 through C-4.

Two separate lists of problems are shown below, one for trunked radio systems and one for conventional radio systems. Although there are many similarities between the two lists, some of the problems are unique to each type of radio system.

Problem Descriptions for Trunked Radio Systems (Tables C-1 and C-3):

Capacity -- The system has insufficient capacity to support traffic associated with peak or emergency conditions.

Complex Operation -- The radio is complicated to operate or the radio user needs to know the characteristics of the system, which could cause difficulty if the user is in a high-pressure situation.

Dispatcher Access -- For whatever reason, the dispatcher or the user cannot gain access to each other on a routine basis. Either the user must compete for the dispatcher’s time, or the dispatcher has no way to contact the user.

Equipment Maintainability -- Maintenance is inadequate on user equipment (including consoles and desk top units); the user regularly needs to return to get the same thing fixed.

Indoor Portable Operation -- Portable units cannot reliably be used in the system, particularly indoors.

Interference -- Users from your own or other localities interfere and step on the local users. This either overrides critical communications or forces messages to be repeated.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

3 Interoperability -- The system does not allow users the ability to communicate between agencies within the jurisdiction.

Limited Coverage -- Dead spots regularly occur, particularly between dispatcher and user.

Outdoor Portable Operation -- Portable units cannot reliably be used in the system, particularly outdoors.

Regional Interoperability -- The system does not allow users the ability to communicate between agencies outside of the jurisdiction.

System Busies – The user has to wait to gain access to the radio system, not because someone is using the talkgroup, but because a channel is not available.

System Reliability -- There are frequent breakdowns of old or poorly maintained infrastructure equipment.

Talk Group Congestion -- On your radio system, too much unrelated chatter from other users is heard; user tends to turn volume down unless they specifically need to call someone, and thus cannot be reached.

Problem Descriptions for Conventional Radio Systems (Tables C-2 and C-4):

Capacity -- The system has insufficient capacity to support traffic associated with peak or emergency conditions.

Channel Congestion -- Too many unrelated functions using the channel; user tends to turn volume down unless they specifically need to call someone, and thus cannot be reached.

Channel Unavailable -- Too many users on the channel; user cannot gain access when the situation requires communications with other units or with the dispatcher.

Complex Operation -- The radio is complicated to operate or the radio user needs to know the characteristics of the system, which could cause difficulty if the user is in a high-pressure situation.

Dispatcher Access -- For whatever reason, the dispatcher or the user cannot gain access to each other on a routine basis. Either the user must compete for the dispatcher’s time, or the dispatcher has no way to contact the user.

Equipment Maintainability -- Maintenance is inadequate on user equipment (including consoles and desk top units); the user regularly needs to return to get the same thing fixed.

Indoor Portable Operation -- Portable units cannot reliably be used in the system, particularly indoors.

Interference -- Users from your own or other localities interfere and step on the local users. This either overrides critical communications or forces messages to be repeated.

Interoperability -- The system does not allow users the ability to communicate between agencies within the jurisdiction.

Limited Coverage -- Dead spots regularly occur, particularly between dispatcher and user.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

4 Mobile to Mobile -- Users cannot talk between mobile units more than a short distance.

Outdoor Portable Operation -- Portable units cannot reliably be used in the system, particularly outdoors.

Regional Interoperability -- The system does not allow users the ability to communicate between agencies outside of the jurisdiction.

System Reliability -- There are frequent breakdowns of old or poorly maintained infrastructure equipment.

Rating Scale:

0 - No problem identified.

1 - Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future.

2 - Occasionally a problem which affects some operations but is generally worked around.

3 - Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency.

4 - Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission.

5 - Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

C.3 EBRCS Radio System Requirements
Alameda and Contra Costa County member agency users, dispatchers and technical points of contact were asked to participate in an online survey that captured their needs in the new radio system. These results are shown in TABLE C-5. Needs are listed in order of “overall” importance and are also ranked by discipline: fire, law enforcement, and all others.

The online survey results indicate that users are very concerned with the following attributes in a new radio system:

 Power Backup
 Reliability/Failure Hierarchy
 Survivability
 Single Points of Failure
 Improved Voice Radio Coverage
 In-Building Coverage
 Staffing and Training
 Minimize Interference
 Emergency Alerting
 Operational Boundary Transparency
 Future Expansion
 Owner-Controlled Connectivity Network
 Interoperability with Adjacent Localities
 Recorder Operations
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

5  Microwave Additional Capacity
 Centralized Maintenance
 Regional Connectivity

C.4 System Attribute Descriptions
The attributes summarized in TABLE C-5 are defined below. The headings listed below correspond to the “Ref” Column in Tables C-5.

Reference Column Descriptions:

a. Improved Voice Radio Coverage: The system shall provide a signal availability of 95 percent to/from mobile radios, with coverage evenly distributed over the service area for all operational functions.

b. In-Building Coverage: The system shall provide a signal availability of 95 percent to/from portables in building.

c. Minimize Interference: The system should minimize or eliminate interference.

d. Increased Channel Capacity: The system design shall include additional channels for current and future capacity. Additional channels are important to alleviate congestion on the dispatch and incident channels.

e. On-Scene Fireground/Tactical Communications Channels: Direct radio-to- radio frequencies (firegrounds) enable local incident communications in- building, below grade, and in other situations where repeated channels do not offer solid coverage.

f. Monitored Firegrounds: Fireground communications must be available to be monitored by dispatch, command personnel, or recording.

g. Emergency Alerting: The radios and system shall provide an emergency function for alerting dispatch and supervisors to the need for assistance.

h. Workgroup Oriented Operation: The system shall be organized with sufficient channels or talk-groups to allow departmental workgroups to have their own channel or talk group.

i. Voice Security: The system shall provide encrypted communications for users that need to prevent unauthorized interception of sensitive information.

j. Operational Boundary Transparency: System operation will be logical, with the focus on whom the user wants to call rather than where they are located.

Changes in the user agencies' operational boundaries shall be transparent to radio users. The radio system shall allow any group or department to operate with full communications capability within the service area.

k. One System Serves All Agencies: Convenient, same-radio communications is important between all Public Safety agencies within the locality.

l. Interoperability through Dispatch: The radio system shall provide a connection between all dispatch operations allowing dispatchers to facilitate information flow between agencies through dispatch and incident command, rather than at the user level.

m. Interoperability with Adjacent Localities: The radio system design shall emphasize compatibility with radio systems in the adjacent localities to enable CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

6 public safety users to assist in adjacent counties (and vice versa) and communicate with users from other Public Safety agencies using their assigned radios.

n. Interoperability with State Agencies: The radio system design should emphasize compatibility with radio systems in use by the State to facilitate communications with State agencies.

o. Interoperability with Federal Agencies: While local agencies cannot operate radio on Federal channels, compatible equipment would facilitate Federal/local cooperative efforts if Federal users could communicate over the locality infrastructure.

p. Person Location: Dispatch can determine the location of a user (to his portable or mobile radio), useful for example when sending assistance.

q. System Control: The Locality is significantly more comfortable with the high level of system control that comes with exclusive use and system ownership.

r. Text Messaging: The mobiles and portable radios shall be capable of text messaging.

s. Dual Band Operation: The user radios need to operate on VHF and 700 / 800 MHz.

t. Recorder Operations: Logged audio is important for all dispatch and incident communications.

u. Vehicle Location: Automatic vehicle location (AVL) shall allow vehicles to be located by dispatch.

v. Future Expansion: The system shall be capable of future expansion in the number of channels and the number of users. System design shall incorporate expansion to the level of usage predicted for the next 15 years with only the addition of equipment.

w. Owner-Controlled Connectivity Network: The system shall be interconnected using a dedicated interconnecting backbone network, such as microwave or fiber. The goal is to maximize reliability, minimize use of leased carriers and associated costs, and maintain control of the network. Additionally, a dedicated, highly reliable network interconnecting all major radio locations is highly desired. This can be via microwave or fiber.

x. Microwave Additional Capacity: The network design shall include extra capacity, over and above the radio and mobile data needs, for other Locality uses.

y. Regional Connectivity: The system design shall provide infrastructure connectivity to adjacent areas.

z. OTAP: The system shall provide for Over-the-Air-Programming of radios.

aa. OTAR: The system shall provide for Over-the-Air-Rekeying of encrypted radios.

bb. Over-the-Air-Reflash: The system shall provide for over-the-air upgrades to operating software or new software versions for mobiles and portables.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

7 cc. Survivability: The system shall be designed to survive in severe weather or emergency conditions. If dispatch points are shifted from their primary to a backup location, radio control shall be available at the backup location to the same degree it was available at primary dispatch.

dd. Reliability/Failure Hierarchy: The radio system and equipment must be designed such that single-mode failures do not perceptibly impact the routine operations of the system.

The following requirements shall apply to failure conditions:

 Channel failure: no operating impact due to failed voice channel.  Site failure: no operating impact except reduced coverage area.  Primary power failure: UPS backup shall be supplied for all communications equipment, and generator backup for the radio equipment.  Console failures: Single console failure: use reserve console. Console common equipment failure: dispatchers operate co-located radio control station.
 Communications Center failure: Dispatch using radio control stations at a backup dispatch center.

ee. Single Points of Failure: The system shall, as much as practical, minimize single points of failure. This is accomplished through redundant equipment, multi-node network design, distributed processing, backup equipment, etc.

ff. Power Backup: All fixed radio equipment shall require backup power with automatic transfer, capable of handling 100 percent loading of radio equipment.

An uninterruptible power system (UPS) shall be required for all communications equipment.

gg. Staffing and Training: The system vendor shall provide formal training for system administrators, supervisors, dispatchers, radio users, and maintenance technicians.

hh. Centralized Maintenance: The Locality / Agency prefers to centrally maintain and administer the radio system, dispatch systems, and user radios, either in- house or using a service shop. Centralized maintenance provides consistent and coordinated services for all user departments.

ii. Competitive Procurement Process: The overall system concept shall be available from more than one vendor allowing a competitive procurement process. Equipment shall be procured using open non-restrictive, competitive specifications. Award to be based on the most cost-effective system meeting the specified operational and functional requirements.

jj. Commonality of Equipment: A single vendor shall install and supply all required equipment; as much as possible, user equipment shall be similar in operation and maintenance requirements. The goal is to minimize spare parts inventory and multiple vendor training requirements.

kk. Multiple Sources: Compatible user equipment shall be available from multiple vendors. Competitive procurement of user equipment is more important than equipment commonality.

ll. Phased Implementation: As much as possible, system procurement and implementation shall occur on a phased basis, allowing costs to be spread over several years. The radio system shall be designed to add user groups to the system over time.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

8 mm. Tiered Subscriber Cost: High-, mid-, and low-tier radio equipment with feature sets and costs matched to the user group shall be provided.

Users ranked the attributes utilizing the following scale:

Rating Scale:

0. Attribute is NOT IMPORTANT to the user.

1. Attribute is MINIMALLY IMPORTANT to the user.

2. Attribute is NICE TO HAVE, could enhance operations.

3. Attribute is USEFUL, will promote more efficient day to day operation.

4. QUITE IMPORTANT, lack could result in degradation of mission, injury, or loss of property.

5. CRITICAL, lack generally will result in injury, loss of property, or degradation of mission.

C.5 Additional Survey Comments
The survey respondents were given the opportunity to provide additional comments in a free form text format. These comments are provided in their unedited form in TABLES C-6 through C-9.

C.6 Survey Questions
This section presents the CTA Surveyor questions used for the EBRCSA survey. Each section contains a group of related questions, such as Current Trunked Radio System Assessment or Current Conventional Radio System Assessment.

User Information - Initial Questions

Note: These questions gather information about the survey participant. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is your radio system Trunked or Conventional?
Trunked
Conventional

Your radio system is trunked if you use talk groups. Trunked systems are typically at 700, 800 or 900 MHz. Your radio system is conventional if you use channels or frequencies. Conventional radio systems are typically at high band, VHF or UHF frequencies.

Are you a manager or administrator of the radio system? Yes
No

You manage or administer the radio system.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

9 Do you use or carry a Pager in your work?
Yes
No

You carry a pager, or you send out pages over a paging system as a part of your work.

Do you use Mobile Data in your work (laptop or mobile data computer in your vehicle connected to the radio or via an "air card")?
Yes
No

Answer "Yes" if you use mobile data.

Do you have Mobile Data on your system?
Yes
No

Answer "Yes" if you use mobile data.

Are you a Dispatcher?
Yes
No

Are you a Supervisor?
Yes
No

Do you have mobile data on your system; that is, a laptop or mobile data computer in the vehicle either connected to the radio or via an "air card"?

Current Conventional V oice Radio System
Assessment
This section will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Conventional” to the question “Is your radio system Trunked or Conventional?

Rating Scale and Problem Descriptions are shown in Section C-2:

Current Trunked V oice Radio System Assessment
This section will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Trunked” to the question “Is your radio system Trunked or Conventional? ______________________________________________________________

Rating Scale and Problem Descriptions are shown in Section C-2:

Paging System
This section and the Current Paging System Assessment section will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the question “Do you use a pager in your work?”

What Type of Paging System Do You Use?

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

10 Tone and Voice Pager
Digital pager
Other

Current Paging System Assessment
Rating Scale:

0. No problem identified.

1. Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future.

2. Occasionally a problem which affects some operations but is generally worked around.

3. Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency.

4. Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission.

5. Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

6. Don’t Know, insufficient information available to answer this question.

Limited Coverage: With your current paging system, do you experience dead spots or have limited coverage?
Limited Coverage -- Dead spots regularly occur; can’t receive a page.

Indoor Pager Operation: Do you receive your pages reliably, particularly indoors? Indoor Pager Operation -- Pagers cannot generally and reliably be used in the system, particularly indoors.

Interference: If you have a tone & voice pager, do pages from another locality cause interference? (If you have a digital pager, please leave blank or answer "Don't Know").

Interference – Pages from other locations are heard and interfere, creating interference.

System Reliability: How reliable is your paging system? Reliability -- Frequent breakdowns of old or poorly maintained equipment, generally infrastructure equipment.

Equipment Maintainability: Is maintenance on your pager adequate, or do you regularly need to get the same thing fixed?
Equipment Maintainability -- Maintenance is inadequate on paging (user) equipment; the user regularly needs to return to get the same thing fixed.

Mobile Data

The Mobile Data sections will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the question “Do you use mobile data in your work?”

Mobile Data Information
Current Mobile Data Operations
Do you use mobile data on a radio system, a commercial (cellular) data service provider or both?

Your radio system may provide the ability to have mobile data. Mobile data may be provided by a commercial data services provider or cellular provider via an "air card."

Radio System
Commercial Data Service Provider
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

11 Both

If your mobile data is on a radio system, what is the frequency band?

Low Band
VHF
UHF
700 MHz
800 MHz
900 MHz
Other

What Type of Mobile Data Equipment Do You Use?

Laptops
Mobile Data Computers or Terminals
Other

If you selected "Other," please describe.

Mobile Data Applications

Does your mobile data system support GPS or Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)?

Does your mobile data system support sending fingerprints?

Does your mobile data system support sending maps or geo-files?

Does your mobile data system support sending images?

Does your mobile data system support video?

Current Mobile Data Assessment
Rating Scale:

0. No problem identified.

1. Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future.

2. Occasionally a problem which affects some operations but is generally worked around.

3. Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency.

4. Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission.

5. Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

6. Don’t Know, insufficient information available to answer this question.

Limited Data Coverage: When you use mobile data, do you experience areas of limited data coverage?
Limited Data Coverage Area -- Dead spots regularly occur,

Access: Can you gain access to the mobile data system when you need to? Access -- User cannot gain access when the situation requires data communications.

Capacity: Does the system have sufficient capacity to support mobile data during peak or emergency conditions?
Capacity -- The system has insufficient capacity to support traffic associated with peak or emergency conditions.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

12 System Reliability: Are there frequent problems; does the equipment breakdown? System Reliability -- Frequent breakdowns of old or poorly maintained equipment, including infrastructure equipment.

Complex Operation: How easy is it to operate the laptop, MDC or the mobile data application?
Complex Operation -- The mobile data application is complicated to use, which could cause difficulty if the user is in a high-pressure situation.

Dispatcher Access: Can you gain access to the dispatcher via the mobile data system?
Dispatcher Access -- For whatever reason, the dispatcher or the user cannot gain access to each other via the data system on a routine basis.

Equipment Maintainability: Is maintenance on your laptop or MDC adequate, or do you regularly need to get the same thing fixed?
Equipment Maintainability -- Maintenance is inadequate on user equipment; the user regularly needs to return to get the same thing fixed.

Data Speed: Does it take a long time to send or receive a message? Data Speed—It takes a long time to send and / or receive a message, or the message has to be resent.

Current Dispatch Center - Assessment
The Dispatch Center section will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Dispatcher” to the question “Are you a Radio User or a Dispatcher?”

Rating Scale:

0. No problem identified.

1. Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future.

2. Occasionally a problem which affects some operations but is generally worked around.

3. Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency.

4. Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission.

5. Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

6. Don’t Know, insufficient information available to answer this question.

Complex Operation: How difficult is it to operate your radio console on the system? Complex Operation – The radio console is complicated to operate. This could cause difficulty in a high-pressure situation.

Paging Operation: If you send out pages, how cumbersome or difficult is it to send out a page on the system?
Complex Operation – The paging system is complicated to operate, which could cause difficulty in a high-pressure situation.

Dispatch Center Size: Does your dispatch center have sufficient space to comfortably house all necessary personnel for the current dispatch operation as well as space for expected growth?
Dispatch Center Size –The dispatch center has sufficient space to comfortably house the dispatchers, call-takers, management and supervision, and technical support for the current dispatch operation as well as space for expected growth.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

13 Equipment Area Size: Does your dispatch center have sufficient space to comfortably house the equipment used to support the current dispatch operation as well as space for expected growth?
Equipment Area Size - The dispatch center has sufficient space to comfortably house the equipment used to support the current dispatch operation as well as space for expected growth. There is sufficient space for consoles, radios, telephones, and computers.

Expansion Capacity: Does your dispatch center have sufficient unused space to expand both the dispatching area and equipment space?

Radio Console System: Does the console system adequately interface with and support the radio system and is it easy to operate?
Radio Console System - The Console system adequately interfaces with and supports the radio system. Dispatchers easily operate the console system features. All controls and information readouts shall be clear and easily understood. The system supports headsets, foot controls, select and unselect audio, and other modern features.

CAD System: Does the CAD system adequately interface and support the records management system and is it easy to operate?
CAD System - The CAD system adequately interfaces and supports the records management system. The dispatchers easily operate the system features. All controls and information readouts are clear and easily understood. The technology makes the dispatch and call taking easier not more difficult. The system aids the dispatcher and call takers in answering calls, event locations, unit selection, report and incident numbering, and associative needs. Systems shall be designed for single entry and automation when possible to reduce work activities.

CPE System: Does the 911 telephone system (CPE) operate easily and seamlessly for all in-coming 911 calls and out-going transfers?
CPE System - The 911 telephone system (CPE) operates seamlessly all in-coming 911 calls and out-going transfers. All controls and information shall be easy to read and understandable. The system requires few buttons pushes in operations. PBX/Admin Telephones - The PBX telephone system operates seamlessly all in-coming administrative calls and all out-going telephone lines. All controls and information are easy to read and understandable. The system requires few buttons pushes in operations.

PBX/Admin Telephones: Does the PBX telephone system operate easily and seamlessly handles all in-coming administrative calls and all out-going telephone lines? PBX/Admin Telephones - The PBX telephone system operates seamlessly. All in- coming administrative calls and all out-going telephone lines. All controls and information are easy to read and understandable. The system requires few buttons pushes in operations.

Furniture: Is the furniture a full featured design that allows raising and lowering the work positions, tilting work surfaces and management of the required cables and power cords?
Furniture - The furniture is a full featured design. The design allows raising and lowering the work positions, tilting work surfaces, management of the required cables and power cords. The design of the furniture assists the dispatcher and call takers with a convenient and comfortable layout.

Lighting: Is the dispatch center lighted in such a manner as to improve the operating environment, including individual controlled task lighting, natural light and/or windows, and in-direct lighting?

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

14 HVAC: Does the dispatch center have an effective heat and air conditioning system that provides for a wide range of temperature conditions, as well as provide for sufficient air movement?
HVAC - The dispatch center has an effective heat and air conditioning system that provides for a wide range of conditions, from chilly nights to hot days. Humidity is controlled. There is sufficient movement of air and infusion of fresh air to allow the dispatch area to have a non-stuffy atmosphere.

Reliability: Are the systems that support the dispatch operation reliable? Reliability - The systems that support the dispatch operation shall be reliable. Failures shall be far between and the dispatcher shall have a sense of confidence that the systems will be running when needed.

Back-Up Provisions: Is there an alternative dispatch center that is capable, when staffed, of performing the emergency functions performed at the primary center? Back-Up Provisions – An alternative dispatch center is maintained that is capable, when staffed, of performing the emergency functions performed at the primary center. The alternate center is separated sufficiently from the primary center to ensure the survivability of the alternate center.

Maintainability: When a system or device fails are the repairs quickly begun and performed?
Maintainability - In the rare occasions when a system or device fails the repairs are quickly begun and performed. Overall there is a high confidence level that the system will be kept running.

Parking: Is there an easily accessible, well-lighted and secure parking facility? Parking - The Dispatch center has easy outside parking access with mass transit and traffic access. The parking lot shall be well lighted and secure.

Internal Facilities: Does the dispatch center have adequate break areas, restrooms, and quiet rooms?
Internal Facilities - The dispatch center is designed with adequate break areas, restrooms, and quiet rooms. The restrooms are located near to but not in the dispatch area. There are un-recorded telephones for personal use.

Security: Is there controlled access to the Dispatch Center using locked doors and closed circuit cameras for entrance controls?
Security - The Dispatch center is designed with controlled access to the Center using locked doors and closed circuit cameras for entrance controls. The exterior of the facility is well lighted and secure.

Dispatch Center Condition: Is the Dispatch Center neat, clean and organized?

Equipment Area Condition: The equipment area is neat and clean; the equipment is installed in a professional manner.

Radio Equipment – Current Quantities
The Radio Equipment sections will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the question “Are you a manager or administrator of the radio system?”

Current Radios in Operation (Not Including Spares)

For each equipment category, enter the total number of units you operate (not including spares) for each frequency band.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

15 Equipment
Type
Low Band VHF UHF Dual Band
700 / 800 MHz
800 MHz 900 MHz
Mobiles
Portables
Desktop or
Control
Stations

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Current Spare Radios in Inventory

For each equipment category, enter the total number of spare units you have in inventory for each frequency band.

Equipment
Type
Low Band VHF UHF Dual Band
700 / 800 MHz
800 MHz 900 MHz
Mobiles
Portables
Desktop or
Control
Stations

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Mobile Data Equipment – Quantities

The Mobiles Data Equipment sections will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the questions “Are you a manager or administrator of the radio system?” and “Do you have Mobile Data on your system?

Current Equipment in Operation (Not Including Spares)
Please enter the number of current laptops or MDCs you have in operation (not including spares).

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Current Spare Equipment in Inventory

Please enter the number of spare laptops or MDCs
you have in inventory.

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Immediate Needs

Are the radio equipment quantities you entered in the previous section sufficient for your current staffing needs?

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

16 Immediate Radio Equipment Needs

This section will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the previous question.

For each equipment category, enter the total number of units you need today for each frequency band.

Equipment
Type
Low Band VHF UHF Dual Band
700 / 800 MHz
800 MHz 900 MHz
Mobiles
Spare Mobiles
Portables
Spare
Portables

Desktop or
Control
Stations

Spare Desktop
or Control
Stations

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Additional Mobile Data Needs

Additional Laptops or MDCs: Please enter the number of additional laptops or MDCs you need today but do not have (not including spares).

Additional Spare Laptops or MDCs: Please enter the number of additional laptops or MDCs you need in inventory but do not have today.

Min: 0
Max: 9999

Radio Equipment – Forecasted Quantities

Enter the percentage increase in the quantities of user equipment estimated to be needed 5, 10 and 15 years from now. For example, if you currently have 500 mobiles, 300 portables, and 20 desktop stations, and you enter 10 (percent), this means you would need 50 more mobiles, 30 more portables, and 2 more Desktop stations in 5 years. This is a rough estimate, and so will be applied across each radio type (mobiles, portables, control stations). Note that the range is 0% to 1000%, allowing for no increase to up to 10 times as many radios as currently in place. It would be unusual for increases over 50%, unless you are expecting significant growth, or planning consolidation with other Agencies on a shared system, for example

5 Years 10 Years 15 Years
What percentage
increase in
equipment do you
forecast for 5, 10,
and 15 years out?

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

17 Interoperability Continuum – Governance
The Interoperability sections will only be presented if the survey participant answers “Yes” to the question “Are you a manager or administrator of the radio system?”

______________________________________________________________________

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum - Governance

Governance
A common governing structure for solving interoperability issues will improve the policies, processes, and procedures of any major project by enhancing communication, coordination, and cooperation, establishing guidelines and principles, and reducing any internal jurisdictional conflicts. This group should consist of local, tribal, state, and federal entities as well as representatives from all pertinent public safety disciplines within the identified region. A formal governance structure is critical to the success of interoperability planning.

Rating Scale
1- Individual Agencies Working Independently
2- Informal Coordination Between Agencies
3- Key Multi-Discipline Staff Collaboration on a Regular Basis 4- Regional Committee Working with a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan Framework
5- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability governance structure with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability governance structure with other agencies outside your jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability governance structure between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability governance structure between federal and local government.

Interoperability Continuum – Standard Operating
Procedures

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum - Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are formal written guidelines or instructions for incident response. SOPs typically have both operational and technical components.

Established SOPs enable emergency responders to sucessfully coordinate an incident response across disciplines and jurisdictions. Clear and effective SOPs are essential in the development and deployment of any interoperable communications system.

Rating Scale
1- Individual Agency SOPs
2- Joint SOPs for Planned Events
3- Joint SOPs for Emergencies
4- Regional Set of Communications SOPs
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

18 5- National Incident Management (NIMS) Integrated SOPs 6- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes your Standard Operating Procedures for interoperability with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes your Standard Operating Procedures for interoperability with agencies outside your jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes your Standard Operating Procedures for interoperability between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes your Standard Operating Procedures for interoperability between federal and local government.

Interoperability Continuum – Technology - V oice

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum – Technology - Voice

Technology
Although technology is a critical tool for improving Interoperability, it is not the sole driver of an optimal solution. Success in each of the other elements is essential to its proper use an implementation, and should drive technology procurement. Technology is highly dependent upon existing infrastructure within a region. Multiple technology solutions may be required to support large events.

Rating Scale
1- Swap Radios
2- Gateway
3- Shared Channels
4- Proprietary Shared Systems
5- Standards-based Shared Systems
6- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of interoperability with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of interoperability with other agencies outside your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of interoperability between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability governance structure between federal and local government.

Interoperability Continuum – Technology – Data

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum – Technology Data

Technology
Although technology is a critical tool for improving Interoperability, it is not the sole driver of an optimal solution. Success in each of the other elements is essential to its proper use an implementation, and should drive technology procurement. Technology is highly dependent upon existing infrastructure within a region. Multiple technology solutions may be required to support large events.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

19 Rating Scale
1- Swap Files
2- Common Applications
3- Custom-Interfaced Applications
4- One-Way Standards-based Sharing
5- Two-Way Standards-based Sharing
6- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of data interoperability with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of data interoperability with other agencies outside your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of data interoperability between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes the technology or your means of data interoperability between federal and local government.

Interoperability Continuum – Training and Exercises

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum - Training & Exercises

Training & Exercises
Proper training and regular exercises are critical to the implementation and maintenance of a successful interoperability solution. Implementing effective training and exercise programs to practice communications interoperability is essential for ensuring that the technology works and responders are able to effectively communicate during emergencies.

Rating Scale
1- General Orientation on Equipment
2- Single Agency Tabletop Exercises for Key Field and Support Staff 3- Multi-agency Tabletop Exercises for Key Field and Support Staff 4- Multi-agency Full Functional Exercises Involving All Staff 5- Regular Comprehensive Regional Training and Exercises 6- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes your interoperability training and exercises with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes your training and exercises for interoperability with agencies outside of jurisdiction.

Please select the response that best describes your training and exercises for interoperability between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes your training and exercises for interoperability between federal and local government.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

20 Interoperability Continuum – Usage

SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum – Usage

Usage
Usage refers to how often interoperable communications technologies are used.

Success in this element is contingent upon progress and interplay among the other four elements on the Interoperability Continuum.

Rating Scale
1- Planned Events
2- Localized Emergency Incidents
3- Regional Incident Management
4- Daily Use Throughout Region
5- Don't Know

Please select the response that best describes how often you use interoperability with other disciplines within your own jurisdiction or locality.

Please select the response that best describes how often you use interoperability with other agencies outside your jurisdiction.

Please select the response that best describes how often you use interoperability between state and local government.

Please select the response that best describes how often you use interoperability between federal and local government.

V oice Interoperability Assessment

In this Voice Interoperability Assessment section, you will be asked to describe how your interoperability, using voice radio, with other Agencies. There are four groups of questions - interoperable communications within your jurisdiction, between jurisdictions, with State agencies, and with Federal agencies.

Please answer all questions to the best of your ability.

Clicking on any Question will provide "Help" in this screen. Click in the response field to the right of the Question to provide your response.

You can change any response.

Current Interoperability
The section asks who you have interoperability with currently, within your jurisdiction or locality, outside your jurisdiction or locality, with state agencies and with federal agencies.

What disciplines within your jurisdiction do you currently have interoperability with?

Select all that apply – Disciplines within your jurisdiction that your Agency currently has interoperability with. If you do not have interoperability with any other disciplines, check "None".

Law Enforcement - Sheriff
Law Enforcement - Police
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

21 Law Enforcement - Tribal
Fire
EMS
Emergency Management
Hospitals
Correctional Facilities
Local Public Works
Other Local Government
Other Tribal Government
Other
None

What disciplines outside your jurisdiction do you currently have interoperability with?

Select all that apply – Disciplines outside your jurisdiction that your Agency currently has interoperability with. If you do not have interoperability with any other disciplines, check "None".

Law Enforcement - Sheriff
Law Enforcement - Police
Law Enforcement - Tribal
Fire
EMS
Emergency Management
Hospitals
Correctional Facilities
Local Public Works
Other Local Government
Other Tribal Government
Other
None

What State Agencies are you currently able to communicate with? (List must be customized for applicable state)
Select all that apply - State Agencies that your Agency communicates with. If you do not communicate with any State Agencies, check "None".

State Police
Fish and Game
Homeland Security
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Commerce
Corrections
Health
Emergency Management
Human Services
Information Technologies
National Guard
Transportation Dept.

Other
None

What Federal Agencies are you currently able to communicate with? Select all that apply - Federal Agencies that your agency communicates with. If you do not communicate with any Federal Agencies, check "None".

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Bureau of Land Management
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

22 Drug Enforcement Administration
Dept of Interior
Dept of Homeland Security
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Parks Service
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Secret Service
Transportation Security Agency
US Dept of Agriculture
US Forest Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Marshals
US Postal Service
Other
None

If you selected “Other” for having interoperability with any local, state or federal disciplines or agencies, please enter the agencies here.

List the specific disciplines that you have interoperability with that are not listed above.

Need Interoperability
What disciplines in your jurisdiction do you need to communicate with, but cannot?
Select all that apply – Disciplines that your Agency is not currently able to interoperate with. If you do not communicate with any other disciplines, check "None".

Law Enforcement - Sheriff
Law Enforcement - Police
Law Enforcement - Tribal
Fire
EMS
Emergency Management
Hospitals
Correctional Facilities
Local Public Works
Other Local Government
Other Tribal Government
Other
None

What disciplines outside of your jurisdiction do you need to communicate with, but cannot?
Select all that apply – Disciplines that your Agency is not currently able to interoperate with. If you do not communicate with any other disciplines, check "None".

Law Enforcement - Sheriff
Law Enforcement - Police
Law Enforcement - Tribal
Fire
EMS
Emergency Management
Hospitals
Correctional Facilities
Local Public Works
Other Local Government
Other Tribal Government
Other
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

23 None

What State Agencies or disciplines do you need to communicate with, but cannot? (List must be customized for applicable state)
Select all that apply - State Agencies that your Agency is not currently able to interoperate with. If you do not communicate with any other disciplines, check "None".

State Police
Fish and Game
Homeland Security
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Commerce
Corrections
Health
Emergency Management
Human Services
Information Technologies
National Guard
Transportation Dept.

Other
None

What Federal Agencies or disciplines do you need to communicate with, but cannot? (List must be customized for applicable state)
Select all that apply – Federal Agencies that your Agency is not currently able to interoperate with. If you do not communicate with any other disciplines, check "None".

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Bureau of Land Management
Drug Enforcement Administration
Dept of Interior
Dept of Homeland Security
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation
National Parks Service
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Secret Service
Transportation Security Agency
US Dept of Agriculture
US Forest Service
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Marshals
US Postal Service
Other
None

If you selected "Other" for needing interoperability with any local, state or federal disciplines or agencies, please enter the agencies here.

List the specific Agencies that you communicate with (interoperations) that have not been selected above.

Interoperability Methods
What Methods Do You Use for Communications or Interoperability with Other Agencies Within Your Jurisdiction?

Select the Methods you use for Communications with other Agencies within your Jurisdiction. Please read the Drop-Down list items carefully before making your CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

24 selection. A “shared radio system” is where multiple agencies share a common frequency band and agree on common channels.

Radio on a Shared System
Shared Frequency or Channel
Portable Radio Cache
Second Radio or Radio Swap
Local Mutual Aid Channel
Government Mutual Aid
State Fire Aid
Law Enforcement Assistance Channel
Gateway or Bridge
Console Patch
Hard Patch (e.g. through a Control Station)
Dispatch has Desktop or Control Station
Shared Database
Cell phone or Nextel
Indirect via Land Line
Indirect via Runner
Other
None

What Methods Do You Use for Communications or Interoperability with Other Agencies Outside Your Jurisdiction or Locality?
Select the Methods you use for Communications with other Agencies with other Jurisdictions. Please read the Drop-Down list items carefully before making your selection. A “shared radio system” is where multiple agencies share a common frequency band and agree on common channels.

Radio on a Shared System
Shared Frequency or Channel
Portable Radio Cache
Second Radio or Radio Swap
Local Mutual Aid Channel
Government Mutual Aid
State Fire Aid
Law Enforcement Assistance Channel
Gateway or Bridge
Console Patch
Hard Patch (e.g. through a Control Station)
Dispatch has Desktop or Control Station
Shared Database
Cell phone or Nextel
Indirect via Land Line
Indirect via Runner
Other
None

What Methods Do You Use for Communications or Interoperability with State Agencies?
Select the Methods you use for Communications with State Agencies. Please read the Drop-Down list items carefully before making your selection. A “shared radio system” is where multiple agencies share a common frequency band and agree on common channels.

Radio on a Shared System
Local Mutual Aid Channel
Government Mutual Aid
State Fire Aid
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

25 Portable Radio Cache
Second Radio or Radio Swap
Law Enforcement Assistance Channel
Gateway or Bridge
Console Patch
Hard Patch (e.g. through a Control Station)
Dispatch has Desktop or Control Station
Shared Database
Cell phone or Nextel
Indirect via Land Line
Indirect via Runner
Other
None

What Methods Do You Use for Communications or Interoperability with Federal Agencies?

Select the Methods you use for Communication with Federal Agencies. Please read the Drop-Down list items carefully before making your selection. A “shared radio system” is where multiple agencies share a common frequency band and agree on common channels.

Radio on a Shared System
Local Mutual Aid Channel
Government Mutual Aid
State Fire Aid
Portable Radio Cache
Second Radio or Radio Swap
Law Enforcement Assistance Channel
Gateway or Bridge
Console Patch
Hard Patch (e.g. through a Control Station)
Dispatch has Desktop or Control Station
Shared Database
Cell phone or Nextel
Indirect via Land Line
Indirect via Runner
Other
None

If "Other" was selected for an interoperability method, please describe it here.

Future Radio System Requirements

This section contains features and functionality desired in a Radio Communications System. Please rate the importance of the following system attributes to your Agency for a future radio system.

These system attributes are characteristics that COULD be emphasized in a new system design.

Please rate each attribute according to importance for your operation using the rating scale defined below. "Click" on the button to select your desired response. Please answer all questions to the best of your ability. You can change any response.

Rating Scale:

0. Attribute is NOT IMPORTANT to the user.

1. Attribute is MINIMALLY IMPORTANT to the user.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

26 2. Attribute is NICE TO HAVE, could enhance operations.

3. Attribute is USEFUL, will promote more efficient day to day operation.

4. QUITE IMPORTANT, lack could result in degradation of mission, injury, or loss of property.

5. CRITICAL, lack generally will result in injury, loss of property, or degradation of mission.

6. Don't Know, insufficient information available to answer this question.

Radio Coverage
Improved Voice Radio Coverage: The system should provide radio coverage evenly distributed over the service area for all operational functions. The goal is for there to be no dead spots.

The system shall provide a signal availability of 95 percent to/from mobile radios, with coverage evenly distributed over the service area for all operational functions.

In-Building Coverage: The radio system should provide in-building coverage in the metropolitan areas and in other areas where appropriate.

The system shall provide a signal availability of 95 percent to/from portables in building.

Minimize Interference: The system should minimize or eliminate interference.

Radio Voice Operations
Increased Channel Capacity: The system design shall include additional channels for current and future capacity. Additional channels are important to alleviate congestion on the dispatch and incident channels.

On-Scene Fireground/Tactical Communications Channels: The system design should include licensed simplex frequencies for use by fire departments on-scene.

Direct radio-to-radio frequencies (firegrounds) enable local incident communications in- building, below grade, and in other situations where repeated channels do not offer solid coverage.

Monitored Firegrounds: The system design should provide a means or routing fireground channels to dispatch. Fireground communications must be available to be monitored by dispatch, command personnel, or recording.

Emergency Alerting: The radios and system shall provide an emergency function for alerting dispatch and supervisors to the need for assistance.

Workgroup Oriented Operation: The system shall be organized with sufficient channels or talk groups to allow departmental workgroups to have their own channel or talk group.

Voice Security: The system shall provide encrypted communications for users that need to prevent unauthorized interception of sensitive information.

Operational Boundary Transparency: The radio system design shall utilize multiple tower sites, and to the extent possible, automatically switch to the correct site, transparent to the radio user.

System operation will be logical, with the focus on whom the user wants to call rather than where they are located. Changes in the user Agencies' operational boundaries shall be transparent to radio users. The radio system shall allow any group or department to operate with full communications capability within the service area.

One System Serves All Agencies: One radio system shall support all Public Safety agencies including all Law Enforcement, Fire agencies and Emergency Medical Service agencies. It may also support Public Service agencies.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

27 Convenient, same-radio communications is important between all Public Safety agencies within the Locality.

Interoperability through Dispatch: The radio system shall provide a connection between all dispatch operations allowing dispatchers to facilitate information flow between agencies through dispatch and incident command, rather than at the user level.

Interoperability with Adjacent Localities: The radio system design shall emphasize compatibility with radio systems in the adjacent localities to enable public safety users to assist in adjacent counties (and visa versa) and communicate with users from other Public Safety agencies using their assigned radios.

Interoperability with State Agencies: The radio system design should emphasize compatibility with radio systems in use by the State to facilitate communications with State agencies.

Interoperability with Federal Agencies: The radio system design shall emphasize compatibility with radio systems in use by the Federal agencies operating in the locality.

While local agencies cannot operate radio on Federal channels, compatible equipment would facilitate Federal/local cooperative efforts if Federal users could communicate over the locality infrastructure.

Person Location: The radio system shall include radio location technology to map the location of user radios.

Dispatch can determine the location of a user (to his portable or mobile radio), useful for example when sending assistance.

System Control: The Locality is significantly more comfortable with the high level of system control that comes with exclusive use and system ownership.

Text Messaging: The mobiles and portable radios shall be capable of text messaging.

Dual Band Operation: The user radios need to operate on both VHF and 700 / 800 MHz.

Recorder Operations: The system design shall provide the capability of recording audio for all Public Safety agencies using the system.

Logged audio is important for all dispatch and incident communications.

Dispatch Operations
Increased Dispatch Channel Capacity: The system shall provide for sufficient channels for dispatch operations.

Dispatch Capacity: The dispatch system shall provide sufficient consoles and dispatcher positions so that a dispatcher can be contacted whenever one is needed.

Dispatch Coverage: Users can contact dispatchers via radio from anywhere in the operational area.

Mobile Data Functions
One Mobile Data Network Serves All Agencies: One mobile data system shall support all Public Safety agencies.

A common system is important for compatibility and to avoid duplication of equipment, operation, and maintenance.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

28 Cross CAD Interconnection: The system design shall include a means of exchanging information across different CAD systems.

CAD information exchange is important for information database sharing.

Mobile Data Criticality: The mobile data system is equally important to public safety communication as the voice radio system.

The mobile data system will be designed to meet the same critical communications standards as the voice radio system.

Vehicle Location: Automatic vehicle location (AVL) shall allow vehicles to be located by by dispatch.

Unit location information can assist dispatch in selecting units for incident response and by incident commanders for checking location status of assigned units.

EMS Telemetry: The mobile data radio network shall support telemetry of EMS patient data.

This function is needed in the vehicle while en route and patient-side in the field.

High-Speed Broadband Service: The system design shall include locations with access to wireless broadband service. High bandwidth service is important for advanced surveillance applications, exchange of bulky files, access to bandwidth intensive Locality information, and laptop maintenance.

Mobile Applications: The mobile data system shall be designed around an application set suitable for routine law enforcement and fire operations.

These capabilities typically include:
 CAD dispatch
 Records access
 Unit status
 Sheriff civil process
 In-car mapping
 Messaging
 Email
 State and National Queries
 Access to electronically stored reference materials
 Other law, fire, public service specific applications  Fingerprints
 Image Files (Mug Shots)

Advanced Mobile Applications: The mobile data system shall include capacity and capability for advanced applications for law enforcement and fire operations.

Advanced capabilities include:
 Video Surveillance
 Field biometrics
 Mobile access to many types of Locality information
 Larger photos
 Field citations
 Field reports

Access Locality / Agency Information: The mobile data radio network shall provide access to Locality GIS information.

Transfer of this type information tends to require significant bandwidth and may be offered over wireless broadband or be provided as local MDC or laptop files.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

29 Paging and Alerting Operations
Private Personnel Paging: The radio infrastructure shall include a private paging system and pagers for alerting individuals and groups of users in any agency.

Private paging helps assure rapid and reliable paging using dedicated equipment with guaranteed capacity.

Fire Station Alerting: The radio infrastructure shall include equipment for alerting individual fire stations.

Paging over Cellular: The paging system shall include a means of delivering pages over secondary path through commercial wireless service to cellular phones or PDA devices.

This capability provides a backup paging service and also out-of-town paging.

Infrastructure Capabilities
Future Expansion: The system shall be capable of future expansion in the number of channels and the number of users. System design shall incorporate expansion to the level of usage predicted for the next 15 years with only the addition of equipment.

Owner-Controlled Connectivity Network: The system shall be interconnected using a dedicated interconnecting backbone network, such as microwave or fiber.

The goal is to maximize reliability, minimize use of leased carriers and associated costs, and maintain control of the network. Additionally, a dedicated, highly reliable network interconnecting all major radio locations is highly desired. This can be via microwave or fiber

Microwave Additional Capacity: The network design shall include extra capacity, over and above the radio and mobile data needs, for other Locality uses.

Regional Connectivity: The system design shall provide infrastructure connectivity to adjacent areas.

OTAP: The system shall provide for Over-the-Air-Programming of radios.

The radios shall be capable of being reprogrammed over-the-air.

OTAR: The system shall provide for Over-the-Air-Rekeying of encrypted radios.

Over-the-Air-Reflash: The system shall provide for over-the-air upgrades to operating software or new software versions for mobiles and portables.

Reliability and Availability
Survivability: The system shall be designed to survive in severe weather or emergency conditions.

If dispatch points are shifted from their primary to a backup location, radio control shall be available at the backup location to the same degree it was available at primary dispatch.

Reliability/Failure Hierarchy: The radio system and equipment must be designed such that single-mode failures do not perceptibly impact the routine operations of the system.

The following requirements shall apply to failure conditions:

 Channel failure: no operating impact due to failed voice channel.  Site failure: no operating impact except reduced coverage area.  Primary power failure: UPS backup shall be supplied for all communications equipment, and generator backup for the radio equipment.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

30  Console failures: Single console failure: use reserve console. Console common equipment failure: dispatchers operate co-located radio control station.

Communications Center failure: Dispatch using radio control stations at a backup dispatch center.

Single Points of Failure: The system shall, as much as practical, minimize single points of failure.

This is accomplished through redundant equipment, multi-node network design, distributed processing, backup equipment, etc.

Power Backup: All fixed radio equipment shall require backup power with automatic transfer, capable of handling 100 percent loading of radio equipment. An uninterruptible power system (UPS) shall be required for all communications equipment.

Training and Maintenance
Staffing and Training: The system vendor shall provide formal training for system administrators, supervisors, dispatchers, radio users, and maintenance technicians.

Centralized Maintenance: The Locality / Agency prefers to centrally maintain and administer the radio system, dispatch systems, and user radios, either in-house or using a service shop.

Centralized maintenance provides consistent and coordinated services for all user departments.

Cost and Procurement
Competitive Procurement Process: The overall system concept shall be available from more than one vendor allowing a competitive procurement process.

Equipment shall be procured using open non-restrictive, competitive specifications.

Award to be based on the most cost-effective system meeting the specified operational and functional requirements.

Commonality of Equipment: A single vendor shall install and supply all required equipment; as much as possible, user equipment shall be similar in operation and maintenance requirements.

The goal is to minimize spare parts inventory and multiple vendor training requirements.

Multiple Sources: Compatible user equipment shall be available from multiple vendors. Competitive procurement of user equipment is more important than equipment commonality.

Phased Implementation: As much as possible, system procurement and implementation shall occur on a phased basis, allowing costs to be spread over several years. The radio system shall be designed to add user groups to the system over time.

Tiered Subscriber Cost: High-, mid-, and low-tier radio equipment with feature sets and costs matched to the user group shall be provided.

The initial cost of user radios is a prime concern in the evaluation of proposed alternatives.

Radio System Needs

What radio system Features or Technologies do you need that you don't have today?

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

31 Mobile Data System Needs

What mobile data Features or Technologies do you need that you don't have today?

Value Added Comments

In this Additional Comments section of the survey, please provide any additional comments by typing them in the answer field to the right of the question. Your answers will be helpful in the overall communication system study. After completing this section, please proceed by clicking the Next button.

Voice Radio System
What is working well today?
Describe the aspects of the Communications System which are working well today.

Which areas need the most improvement?
Describe the areas which need the most improvement.

Additional related comments
Please provide any additional related comments.

Mobile Data System
What is working well today?
Describe the aspects of the Communications System which are working well today.

Which areas need the most improvement?
Describe the areas which need the most improvement.

Additional related comments
Please provide any additional related comments.

9-1-1 System
What is working well today?
Describe the aspects of the Communications System which are working well today.

Which areas need the most improvement?
Describe the areas which need the most improvement.

Additional related comments
Please provide any additional related comments.

CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

32 Table C-1 Alameda County Trunked Radio Problems

Problems Overall Fire Law Enforcement
Regional Interoperability: 3.9 5.0 3.8
Limited Coverage: 2.6 2.0 2.6
Equipment Maintainability: 2.2 1.0 2.3
System Busies: 2.1 1.0 2.2
System Reliability: 2.1 5.0 1.8
Capacity: 1.9 1.0 2.0
Indoor Portable Operation: 1.9 0.0 2.1
Interference: 1.8 0.0 2.0
Interoperability: 1.8 0.0 1.9
Talk Group Congestion: 1.5 0.0 1.6
Outdoor Portable Operation: 1.1 0.0 1.2
Dispatcher Access: 0.9 2.0 0.8
Complex Operation: 0.4 0.0 0.5
0 : No problem identified.
1 : Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future. 2 : Occasionally a problem, affects some operations but is generally worked around. 3 : Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency. 4 : Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission. 5 : Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

Trunked Radio Problems
Table C-1
Alameda County
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

33 Table C-2 Alameda County Conventional Radio Problems

Problems Overall Fire
Law
Enforcement Other
Regional Interoperability: 2.6 0.6 3.6 4.0
Indoor Portable Operation: 2.4 1.8 2.9 2.5
Limited Coverage: 2.1 1.5 2.7 2.3
Interoperability: 1.8 0.3 2.7 3.0
Interference: 1.7 1.7 1.9 1.3
Mobile to Mobile: 1.5 0.4 2.0 2.5
Outdoor Portable Operation: 1.3 1.0 1.0 2.5
Channel Congestion: 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.3
Channel Unavailable: 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.0
Capacity: 0.9 0.5 0.8 2.0
Equipment Maintainability: 0.8 0.3 1.0 1.7
System Reliability: 0.7 0.3 0.9 1.3
Dispatcher Access: 0.3 0.0 0.3 1.0
Complex Operation: 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3
0 : No problem identified.
1 : Identified problem, currently not of concern. May become a concern in the future. 2 : Occasionally a problem, affects some operations but is generally worked around. 3 : Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loss of operational efficiency. 4 : Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission. 5 : Critical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

Conventional Radio Problems
Alameda County
Table C-2
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

34 Table C-3 Contra Costa County Trunked Radio Problems

Problem Overall Fire Law Enforcement Other
Regional Interoperability: 3.2 2.7 3.7 2.0
Limited Coverage: 3.1 2.7 3.4 2.0
Indoor Portable Operation: 2.9 2.8 3.1 2.0
Equipment Maintainability: 2.7 3.8 2.2 2.0
System Reliability: 2.6 2.2 2.8 2.0
Interference: 2.3 1.8 2.5 4.0
Interoperability: 2.1 1.3 2.6 1.0
System Busies: 2.0 2.7 1.8 0.0
Outdoor Portable Operation: 1.6 1.5 1.7 1.0
Capacity: 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.0
Talk Group Congestion: 0.9 1.7 0.6 0.0
Dispatcher Access: 0.8 0.7 1.0 0.0
Complex Operation: 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.0
0: No problem identified
1: Identified problem, currently not a concern. May become a concern in the future. 2: Occasionally a problem, operations but is generally worked around. 3: Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loos of operational efficiency. 4: Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission. 5: Crtical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

Table C-3
Contra Costa County
Trunked Radio Problems
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

35 Table C-4 Contra Costa County Conventional Radio Problems

Problem Overall Fire Law Enforcement
Regional Interoperability: 2.7 5.0 1.5
Limited Coverage: 1.8 2.0 1.7
Indoor Portable Operation: 1.3 2.0 1.0
Interoperability: 1.0 1.0 1.0
Channel Unavailable: 0.3 0.0 0.3
Channel Congestion: 0.3 0.0 0.3
Interference: 0.3 1.0 0.0
Mobile to Mobile: 0.0 0.0 0.0
Outdoor Portable Operation: 0.0 0.0 0.0
System Reliability: 0.0 0.0 0.0
Capacity: 0.0 0.0 0.0
Complex Operation: 0.0 0.0 0.0
Dispatcher Access: 0.0 0.0 0.0
Equipment Maintainability: 0.0 0.0 0.0
0: No problem identified
1: Identified problem, currently not a concern. May become a concern in the future. 2: Occasionally a problem, operations but is generally worked around. 3: Regularly a problem, operations are routinely affected to the extent there is a loos of operational efficiency. 4: Frequently a problem, frequently affects operations, compromises the ability of the user to fulfill his mission. 5: Crtical concern, usually affects operations, potential compromise to safety of user or of citizen.

Table C-4
Contra Costa County
Conventional Radio Problems
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

36 Table C-5 EBRCSA System Attribute Ranking

Ref Attributes Overall Fire Law
Enforcement Other
ff Power Backup 4.9 4.9 4.9 5.0
dd Reliability/Failure Hierarchy 4.9 4.8 4.9 5.0
cc Survivability 4.8 4.8 4.9 4.8
ee Single Points of Failure 4.8 4.8 4.9 5.0
a Improved Voice Radio Coverage 4.8 4.6 4.9 4.8
b In-Building Coverage 4.7 4.6 4.7 4.6
gg Staffing and Training 4.6 4.4 4.7 4.4
c Minimize Interference 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.6
g Emergency Alerting 4.5 4.6 4.5 4.2
j Operational Boundary Transparency 4.4 4.3 4.5 3.8
v Future Expansion 4.4 4.1 4.5 4.0
w Owner-Controlled Connectivity Network 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.0 m Interoperability with Adjacent Localities 4.2 4.3 4.2 3.8 t Recorder Operations 4.1 4.1 4.2 3.2
x Microwave Additional Capacity 4.1 3.8 4.2 4.2
hh Centralized Maintenance 4.1 4.3 3.8 4.8
y Regional Connectivity 4.0 3.8 4.1 3.6
l Interoperability through Dispatch 3.9 3.9 4.0 3.4
Ratings
0 - Attribute is NOT IMPORTANT to the user.
1 - Attribute is MINIMALLY IMPORTANT to the user.
2 - Attribute is NICE TO HAVE, could enhance operations. 3 - Attribute is USEFUL, will promote more efficient day to day operation. 4 - QUITE IMPORTANT, lack could result in degradation of mission, injury, or loss of property. 5 - CRITICAL, lack generally will result in injury, loss of property, or degradation of mission.

Note: To identify further information about an attribute, look up the Ref column in Section C-4.

Table C-5
EBRCSA
System Attribute Ranking
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

37 Ref Attributes Overall Fire Law
Enforcement Other
h Workgroup Oriented Operation 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.2
e On-Scene Fireground / Tactical Communications Channels 3.8 4.4 3.5 4.3 z OTAP 3.8 3.9 3.8 3.8
jj Commonality of Equipment 3.7 3.4 3.8 3.7
aa OTAR 3.7 3.5 3.8 3.8
u Vehicle Location 3.7 3.9 3.7 2.8
d Increased Channel Capacity 3.7 3.6 3.8 3.8
s Dual Band Operation 3.6 4.1 3.4 3.6
bb Over-the-Air-Reflash 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.6
f Monitored Firegrounds 3.6 4.4 3.1 3.5
ii Competitive Procurement Process 3.6 3.8 3.6 3.5
mm Tiered Subscriber Cost 3.5 3.4 3.7 4.0
n Interoperability with State Agencies 3.5 4.1 3.4 2.8
kk Multiple Sources 3.4 3.7 3.3 3.8
ll Phased Implementation 3.4 2.9 3.4 4.3
k One System Serves All Agencies 3.3 3.3 3.3 2.8
p Person Location 3.3 3.3 3.4 2.0
i Voice Security 3.2 1.6 4.1 2.2
q System Control 2.7 2.8 2.5 3.8
o Interoperability with Federal Agencies 2.6 2.8 2.6 2.0 r Text Messaging 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.0
Ratings
0 - Attribute is NOT IMPORTANT to the user.
1 - Attribute is MINIMALLY IMPORTANT to the user.
2 - Attribute is NICE TO HAVE, could enhance operations. 3 - Attribute is USEFUL, will promote more efficient day to day operation. 4 - QUITE IMPORTANT, lack could result in degradation of mission, injury, or loss of property. 5 - CRITICAL, lack generally will result in injury, loss of property, or degradation of mission.

Note: To identify further information about an attribute, look up the Ref column in Section C-4.

Table C-5 (Continued)
EBRCSA
System Attribute Ranking
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

38 Table C-6 Alameda County 911 Dispatch Center

Submission Id
Locality
Type
Locality
Name
Agency
Discipline Agency Name
Other
Agency
Name What is working well today?
Which areas need the most
improvement?
Additional related
comments
2360 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
2372 County Alameda Fire Fire Today, so far everything.

Tommorow is a different day....
(sorry).

Typical lack of funding to provide
appropriate number of qualified dispatch
personnel 24/7/365.

Typical dispatch issues
related to too few dispatchers
doing too much work.

Example might be one
dispatcher serving entire PD
and FD for a period of time.

That's an avoidable accident
waiting to happen.
2373 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
2382 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
2406 Count
y Alameda Fire Fire No comment No Comment
2418 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement Dispatch Consoles are all very
reliable.

Intermittent radio issues and delay for
repair. Dead spots for patrol officers using
handpacks.

Overall the reliability of our
current system is poor. Any
time repairs are scheduled,
we're left with the possibility of
not having a reliable radio
system; our current County
Radio Repair technicians
often leave us wondering if
the whole system is going to
fail. In general, we have too
much issues with bleedover,
squealing and squelching.
2420 Count
y Alameda Fire Fire N A NA N A
2428 Count y Alameda Other Othe r GSA
2434 Count y Alameda Fire Fire
2436 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement CAD to Telco connections work
well
Too many keyboards mice in play
2447 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement space for future growth
2452 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement In general this system has better
coverage and capabilities
The current trunking system (primary
equipment) as it impacts dispatch centers is
rapdily getting to old to maintain. We need
to install a new system with growth potential
2470 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
2479 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement overall reliabilty must be improved with all systems.
2480 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Alameda County 911 Dispatch Center
Table C-6
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

39 Table C-7 Alameda County Voice System

Submission
Id
Locality
Type
Locality
Name
Agency
Discipline
Agency
Name
Other Agency
Name What is working well today?
Which areas need the most
improvement? Additional related comments
2352 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement Coverage
2354 County Alameda Fire Fire
The VHF system. Our primary communications system
(800Mhz), has passed the point of
obsolesence and is now limping along on
what limited parts can be found. We need a
new, stable radio system from top to
bottom. It needs to be P25 compatible and
of comparable or higher quality in all ways
than our current system. Improvements in
coverage area are mandatory with a new
system where our new system has entire
buildings that we cannot communicate
within.
2357 Count
y Alameda Fire Fire
2360 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
We continue to be able to
communicate.

Resolving dead zone areas & spotty
reception/transmission areas. Some
interference.
2372 County Alameda Fire Fire
The simplistic (and reliable)
VHF radio system in our small
jurisdiction (one sq mile).

Age of equipment (which is soon to be
replaced) and an inadequate amount of
immediately available backup hardware.

Forward looking plans related to interoperability with neighboring mutual aid jurisdictions are guesstimates at best due to the fact we have no idea when they may start using a compatable
(700/800 mhz?) system. This is compounded by a different county immediately to our north and a city (Berkeley) to our south which is apparently not interested in participating in the two county comm plan. Why spend $ to upgrade to a (700/800 mhz) system when your neighboring mutual aid jurisdictions don't? We do want to do the right thing today without realizing 5 years from today we spent money buying technology we still aren't using in day to day operations. We do hope the results of this survey shine a bright light on this subject and help to make it clear how today's dollars are best spent.
2373 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
ease of use for all users. coverage
2382 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2388 County Alameda Fire Fire
The VHF radio system Our primary communications system
(800Mhz), has passed the point of
obsolesence and is now limping along on
what limited parts can be found. We need a
new, stable radio system from top to
bottom. It needs to be P25 compatible and
of comparable or higher quality in all ways
than our current system. Improvements in
coverage area are mandatory with a new
system where our new system has entire
buildings that we cannot communicate
within.
2406 County Alameda Fire Fire
everything is up for the most
part and operational, but that
can change at a moments
notice.

Coverage, reliability and system support
with people who understand fire operations.

Table C-7
Alameda County Voice System
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

40 Submission
Id
Locality
Type
Locality
Name
Agency
Discipline
Agency
Name
Other Agency
Name What is working well today?
Which areas need the most
improvement? Additional related comments
2418 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Dispatch Consoles are all very
reliable.

Intermittent radio issues and delay for
repair. Dead spots for patrol officers using
handpacks.

Overall the reliability of our current system is poor. Any time repairs are scheduled, we're left with the possibility of not having a reliable radio system; our current County Radio Repair technicians often leave us wondering if the whole system is going to fail. In general, we have too much issues with bleedover, squealing and squelching.
2420 County Alameda Fire Fire
2423 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2428 County Alameda Other Other GSA microwave backbone phasing on simulcast 2434 County Alameda Fire Fire Dead Spots Too much air traffic. 2436 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
In general system is functional. Removal of dead zones, interference issues. elimination of single points of failure
In general the system is functional today, capacity for interoperability and increased reliability of coverage are key points
2447 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
dead spots and garbled transmissions
2452 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
overall, there is an improved
coverage area
all current equipment needs to be replaced,
repairs are becoming too difficult
2453 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Nothing reception and ability to transmit
2470 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
reliability
2477 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
In the coverage area
communication is good
Need broader range of coverage None
2479 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
We do not have good in building coverage;
we constantly have background noise and
small areas with no, or very little, coverage.
2480 County Alameda Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Other than the need for more
channels and improved
interoperability, our system is
We need more channels Your survey mentioned being able to sustain a weather emergency but not an earthquake. It will be of critical importance for you all to consider system survivability in an earthquake.

Table C-7 (Continued)
Alameda County Voice System
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

41 Table C-8 Contra Costa 911 Dispatch Center

Submission Id
Locality
Type
Locality
Name
Agency
Discipline
Agency
Name
Other Agency
Name What is working well today? Which areas need the most improvement? Additional related
comments
2361 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2374 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Telephone System. Minimal, if any, interuptions to
emergency communications has been experienced.

Superior support that is both timely and efficient.

Resolutions to problems are implemented quickly.

Knowledgable support and excellent problem reporting
system in place that prioritizes and responds to problems appropriately.
2381 County Contra Costa Fire Fire
Calls are dispatched in a timely manner., EMD dispatch., Knowledge and ability of dispatchers.,
2389 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Our Vesta 911 system is new and works well. Our dispatch center badly needs to be upgraded and re-configured. It's too small and the furniture is not ergonomically correct. integration between admin phones and 911
phones. we currently have two different
systems that are configured to work together
but there are some issues with transferring to
VoiceMail,etc. It works but is confusing.
2393 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
N/A, we do not have a dispact center.
2395 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2404 Count
y Contra Costa Fire Fire
2407 County Contra Costa Other Other County
Connection
2415 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Recently puchased a new CAD system and we
need to get a number of bugs fixed. Continued
practice using the system.
2419 County Contra Costa Fire Fire VERY RELAIBLE
2421 County Contra Costa Fire Fire very reliable and robust diaptch infrastructure Equipment is aging 2422 County Contra Costa Fire Fire We need dedicated Fire dispatchers 2425 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Center is great. None
2426 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Table C-8
Contra Costa 911 Dispatch Center
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

42 Table C-9 Contra Costa County Voice System

Submission Id
Locality
Type Locality Name
Agency
Discipline Agency Name
Other Agency
Name
What is working
well today? Which areas need the most improvement? Additional related comments 2345 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
overal clarity of
transmissions
Uniform, uniterrupted coveragae none
2346 Count y Contra Costa Fire Fire
2350 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Radio area coverage. Immediate interoperability with
area agencies
2353 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Our system has a default built in wherein if the
system loses power, there is still some coverage.

Unfortunately, that "some coverage" does not include
the agencies we dispatch for. We have tried to get
cooperation from the host agency, but have been
unable to get them to see the importance of
maintaining radios for everyone by splitting the
default.
2355 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
System works well
overall
Additional channels we are maxing out our current
s
ystem
2356 County Contra Costa Other Other
Department of
Information
Technology -
Telecom Radio
VHF coverage analog
is working well for our
Fire dept.

North and East County coverage. In building
coverage County wide.
..
2358 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
The radio system
works fine most of
the time, but when it
fails, it fails
completely. This
happens more
frequently than it
should.

Radio dead spots have been a problem since the
inception of the radio system. This has never been
addressed by system administrators.
2361 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
coverage. simulcast boadcasting.
2362 County Contra Costa Other Other
DoIT The radio systems
that are currently in
place in Contra Costa
County work well.

A few of the VHF frequencies that the Sheriff's
Department and Fire Departments use have
interference issues. It would be an improvement if
these frequencies could be replaced with clear
frequencies.

Interoperabilty. It's quite the buzzword these days. This word has been thrown around a lot in order to justify Alameda and Contra Costa Counties build a new regional radio system. The current design is dangerously flawed and expensive. There is a single point of failure in this design. The proposed system is underdesigned. The vendor keeps coming back with "new and improved" design versions in order to achive what is already in place with the current radio systems. This is a "buyer beware" radio system that has been proposed. The vendor that has been chosen to build this digital radio system, once the vendor has equipment in place will have the agencies involved "by the balls" as it were. By his own admission, the vendor is "trying to get his foot in the door" in Contra Costa County. Once the County is married to this system, there would be no turning back. I could go on and on. I do not have enough time to do so. Just remember Alameda County needs a new radio
system. Contra Costa County does not.
2363 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Line of sight
tra
qnsmission.

Dead spot due to geography. None
2374 County Contra Costa Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Day to day normal
operations of radio
system work ok
More time efficient support of Radio systems is
needed. The ability to recognize problem, identify
cause and provide a quick solution to communication
problems associated with this system is essential and
currently lacking. Quick resolution to problems
associated to systems is imparative to emergency
o
perations.

The telephone system, on the other hand, has been supported well by vendors ensuring that essential communication is always available. They are a great model for communication systems in public safety.

Table C-9
Contra Costa County Voice System
CTA Communications East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

43 Submission Id
Locality
Type
Locality
Name
Agency
Discipline Agency Name
Other Agency
Name What is working well today? Which areas need the most improvement? Additional related comments 2378 Count y Contra Fire Fire All s ystems working well 2381 County Contra
Costa Fire Fire
Dispatch, Quick and efficient response to
questions and/or problems., Maintenance,
Coverage and clarity, Ability for statewide
communications
Coverage within large buildings or garages (commercial type structures), All local fire agencies should be on the same system!, Single source purchasing with discounts available to group members.
2389 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
our system works fairly well within our city. coverage,quality and ability to talk to other agencies. Ability to talk from inside a building, programming and GPS location. We live in a hilly area where coverage is sometimes a problem. 2392 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2393 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
We are members of the West County
Radio Consortium. This allows us to
communicate freely with a few surrounding
agencies.

Ability to communicate freely with all surrounding agencies. 2394 County Contra
Ct
Fire Fire VHF signal continuity System redesign forcing expensive future investment. 2395 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Maintenance and Coverage
2398 County Contra
Costa Fire Fire Radio coverage is quite good - we do have a few weak spots but over all good
Weak signal spots
2404 County Contra Fire Fire The existing system works well 2407 County Contra
Costa Other Other
County
Connection
Both AVL and CAD screens work well part
time. The system gets overloaded and
fades out from time to time.

To clear up the dead spots thruout the system.
2410 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
When the Richmond system is up, and as
long as we stay in or close to our City the
regular communications are good.

The ability to speak with the Sheriffs Office and Highway Patrol, as well as with fire in a major event. Also radio coverage is terrible going east, we have to switch to cell phones.
2413 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
2415 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Have local control and sufficient capacity. Coverage and communicating with multiple jurisdictions. 2416 County Contra
Costa Other Other
District Attorney
Investigations
Dispatchers, agencies sharing equipment. Update of equipment and expansion of capabilities to communicate with more agencies on various radio systems.

Portability of MDC unit(s) for our small investigative unit. 2419 County Contra
Costa Fire Fire
Completely Interoperable with all Contra
Costa area local, state, and federal fire
assets.

Interoperability with Alameda County, more tactical channels 2421 County Contra
Costa Fire Fire System is interoperable with all, Local, State and Federal fire
partner agencies.

Not enough tactical channels and Dispatch is not on the Tac channels.
2422 County Contra
Costa Fire Fire
The County VHF/MDC system our 800 system, accountability for system failures, increased training in the dispatch centers. Dedicated Fire dispatchers Short term use equipment for site
failures. aka portable repeater to
get the system back up and
running while fixes occur.
2425 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
We have a system that works for us but not
well for contact with others who have
different systems (ie 800 mhz)
ability to talk to all governmental agencies, first law enforecment second everyone else
2426 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Voice radio, data system and data sharing Interopabilty we need to be able to talk to all publuic safety to include public works ect...in the region....roaming
2445 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Overall reliability of system in place. Emergency notification buttons on portables, wi-fi in vehicles, and improved communication mechanisms with allied agencies to improve interoperability.
2451 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
all coverage none
2456 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
general communications battery life and dead spots
2473 County Contra
Costa
Law
Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Table C-9 (Continued)
Contra Costa County Voice System
CTA Communications
...providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the future www.ctacommunications.com