EXPLORING PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO INTEROPERABILITY WITHIN A METROPOLITAN COUNTY OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS: A CASE STUDY EVALUATION

Nancy L. Huyck Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

ABSTRACT

This study examines the effectiveness of grant funding for public safety mobile radio interoperability through the use of a survey that was designed and distributed to first responders   and agency personnel employed by a metropolitan county of southwestern Illinois.           Survey research is used to assess the success of Public Safety Interoperable Communications (2007) grant funding in implementing interoperable communications. A synthesis of government documents provides an overview of the county’s usage of grant funds and insights from personal interviews with police and fire service emergency personnel supplement the survey data.