Homeland Security and Public Safety

Legislative campaign helps Texas develop a comprehensive plan for a statewide interoperable communications system.

Challenge:

Public safety personnel must be able to communicate in order to effectively respond to emergency situations and disasters. This has never been more apparent than on September 11, 2001 when New York City Police Officers and Fire Fighters were unable to communicate with each other. In Texas, the lack of a state coordinated effort has caused critical gaps in the states radio communications structure. Often times, different state and local emergency entities are unable to communicate. Our Fortune 100 client sought to help the state solve this communication problem and to develop a mechanism for funding.

Strategy:

Working with the Governor’s Director of Homeland Security we developed legislation establishing the Public Safety Radio Communications Council as the responsible state entity for developing and implementing a coordinated plan a statewide interoperable communications system. Working with Legislators and staff we successfully identified our legislative champions and supporters and built support for this initiative in the legislative process.

Result:

The Texas Legislature established the Public Safety Radio Communications Council (PSRCC) and mandated that its members develop a comprehensive plan for a statewide interoperable communications system. The Texas Legislature also mandated that state and federal funds and grants be allocated to the PSRCC for the design, implementation and maintenance of a statewide integrated public safety wireless communications system.