Kenton County Fiscal Court is beginning the process of updating their current radio system to a new a P-25 digital trunked system.
In early 2015, Kenton County Fiscal Court commissioned a needs analysis of its public safety radio system conducted by Trott Communications Group (Trott), a public radio systems consulting firm.
Based on the analysis by Trott, the Fiscal Court has decided to invest in the development of a P-25 trunked digital radio system.
“The new digital system not only enhances the safety in the County, but also helps connect the County to the region,” said Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. “Public safety is the primary purpose of this upgrade. It is necessary in order to continue to provide the safety the community deserves. We have a unified Fiscal Court that is willing to make the long over-due improvements to our system.”
This equipment is designed for public safety applications long-term. The P-25 trunked digital radio system will allow interoperability between police and fire units along with neighboring communities such as Cincinnati, to help enhance safety in Kenton County.
The primary focus of the system is to ensure reliable quality radio coverage to police and firefighters in the community. The system will also allow connectivity with other utilities such as public works and school systems.
“The investment in a P-25 radio system is long-term investment in a sustainable technology platform that will vastly improve communication capabilities for the first responders in Kenton County,” said Ed Butler, executive director of Kenton County Emergency Communications Center. “The Fiscal Court’s support of this project is a clear indication of their desire to ensure the safety of our first responders, citizens, and visitors.”
Kenton County Emergency Communications Center is responsible for dispatching the police and fire departments in fifteen different cities and the majority of the unincorporated areas in Kenton County. This includes dispatching services to thirteen fire departments, twelve law enforcement agencies and one animal control agency.
In February, the Kenton County Fiscal Court entered into a partnership with Trott Communications to begin the process of fine tuning the long-term radio system needs and writing an RFP (request for proposal) for the purchase of a new system.
The estimated time line for completion of this project is 2018. In the meantime, the Kenton Fiscal Court will maintain the existing system to keep it operational for the safety of citizens and first responders.
Kenton County Fiscal Court