Most public safety administrators would agree that funding for communications projects is difficult to obtain. Often, public safety agencies do not even begin to discuss a new communications system or upgrade until the existing system nears total failure, making the need for a new system urgent. The construction of a stand-alone radio system can take anywhere from six months to several years. Until then, officers must continue to use the failing system, compromising officer and public safety. Equipment on MPSCS can be deployed in the time it takes to order and install mobiles and portables and train personnel. The result is a quickly implemented upgrade in communications capabilities, without the hassles of site acquisition, renovation or construction.
MPSCS features state-of-the-art, digital, trunked technology. The system is Project 25 compliant and is recognized as being one of the world's premier public safety two-way radio communications systems. To learn more about MPSCS technology visit our MPSCS Technology Basics page.
The State of Michigan is dedicated to keeping MPSCS technology current. The system currently adheres to the ASTROâ 25 6.5 IP Voice Platform, a stepping-stone for future upgrades and enhancements. Constructing a stand-alone system means that the agency is responsible for upgrades, a process that can be costly and troublesome to the entire jurisdiction. Upgrades to the MPSCS infrastructure are currently installed free of charge to its members; thus, users are provided newer technology without the aggravation of securing additional funds.
MPSCS provides local, countywide and statewide interoperability without the implementation of cumbersome patches. Any member of MPSCS can speak with another member with the simple touch of a button, a measure that is already proven as a life saving, safety-enhancing tool for the citizens and public safety officials of Michigan.
MPSCS provides 97 percent mobile radio coverage. While there is no guarantee of portable radio coverage, it has been found that portable coverage usually exceeds that of current local radio systems. The system is also open for customization by an agency that wishes to achieve a specific level of portable radio coverage in its jurisdiction. The system's flexibility allows various approaches to coverage enhancement.
MPSCS also features statewide radio infrastructure, which allows members to communicate from the Ohio and Indiana borders to the shores of Lake Superior at the push of a button. This feature is particularly useful for task forces, prisoner transports, warrant pick-ups and homeland security coordination efforts. The statewide infrastructure also enhances local talkgroups, as agencies not only benefit from the MPSCS towers in their jurisdiction, but also utilize towers in neighboring counties to provide a wide area of local coverage.
Additionally, MPSCS works co-operatively with Canadian and adjoining state's agencies to provide cross-jurisdictional communications in border areas.
The MPSCS operates the Network Communications Center (NCC), an around-the-clock operation that monitors the system and dispatches service support as needed. The NCC is not a 9-1-1 dispatch center, but does provide system support so that members need not worry about the status of the system's infrastructure. Normally, a local communications center that functions on a stand-alone system must worry about vandalism, catastrophic weather and other acts of God, as these factors have the capability to eliminate an entire county's communications within seconds. With MPSCS, local communications managers can be relieved of these concerns and focus on their essential operations.
MPSCS provides members with cutting-edge technology at a low cost. The construction of an equivalent stand-alone system can cost much more than joining the MPSCS. These individual systems often do not provide any of the unique features that are standard with MPSCS. If your agency is seeking to upgrade its communications capabilities, it makes sense to evaluate what already exists for your jurisdiction with MPSCS.
