This study confirmed much of what has been generally believed about police use of wireless communications equipment and interoperability. It also revealed some surprises. Fragmented spectrum and funding were identified as serious interoperability obstacles, and problems with channel congestion and outdated equipment were quantified. The study revealed trends related to the shift from analog to digital systems, high VHF to 800 MHz, and increasing use of spectrum for data transmissions related to the use of MDTs and laptop computers. Surprises include the extent to which agencies already have channels dedicated for interoperability, their general level of confidence in handling routine local interoperability events, and the relatively modest requests for additional channels.
Nonroutine events remain a challenge for most agencies.
Willingness to adopt interoperability standards is linked to funding issues.