Title
Radio Communications System Access to RCMP Encrypted Channels
Proposed Motion
That Council allow the Alberta First Responders Radio Communication (AFRRCS) to join encrypted RCMP Channels and authorize funding up to $16,000 from Future Operating Restricted Surplus to upgrade in-car (mobile) radio infrastructures to meet technical requirements.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion, as presented, to allow for Enforcement Services and Parkland County to work in alignment and safely with RCMP/ other inter-agency partners.
Purpose
To upgrade current mobile radios to those that are capable of communicating with RCMP for officer safety, and work in collaboration with municipal partners.
Summary
In 2020, Enforcement Services commenced using the AFRRCS radios, which included 18 portable radios and 10 mobile (in-car) radios. The AFFRCS radios were viewed as a positive step in officer safety for various reasons, mainly the ability for each officer to be heard throughout the County on one channel. Additionally, the AFRRCS radios increased Enforcement Services ability to communicate with outside agencies on the Common Event Talk Groups.
However, as the RCMP migrated onto the AFRRCS radio system, RCMP informed CPO agencies they would no longer have access to their channels.
At the time of purchasing the AFRCCS radios, Enforcement Services was aware of the decision by the RCMP. As such, the decision was made not to install encryption keys with the initial radio purchase, which reduced costs.
Since 2020, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services has been working with the RCMP to find a solution to the safety concerns raised by CPO agencies. In September 2023, the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services announced an agreement with the RCMP for CPO agencies to regain access to the RCMP encrypted radio channels, which includes no fees for service delivery for programming, key loading, and access to the RCMP encrypted channels. There will be a fee associated with upgrading the technical specifications, which is $15,486.08.
Enforcement Services views not having the RCMP channels as a safety risk to our officers on the road. For example: recently, there was a shooting that occurred in Paul First Nation in which the suspect had fled via Range Road 35, where our officers were conducting an enforcement operation. The officers were not aware of the imminent danger should they have stopped the suspect vehicle. Previously, with the old radio system and RCMP migration, our officers would have heard the high priority call on the RCMP channel and vacated the area due to the safety risk.
Enforcement Services believes having our mobile radios capable of communicating with the RCMP is advantageous for officer safety and inter-agency communication, thereby increasing our crime prevention efforts. Administration supports this collaborative approach with municipal partners.
Historical Information:
2020 - Radio purchase
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Responsible Leadership: maintain the public's trust through transparent and fair decision-making, superior service delivery, and effective engagement.
Responsible Leadership: to engage and collaborate with all orders of government, particularly our inter-agency protective services partners and neighbors.
Financial Impact:
Cost: up to $16,000
Source of Funding: Future Operating Restricted Surplus