Law Enforcement

When a violent tornado hit northeast Arkansas in March 2020, it caused major destruction to homes, businesses, and a shopping mall, mangling vehicles, damaging an airport, and derailing a train. Despite the wreckage, FirstNet kept first responders connected and communicating throughout the storm and its aftermath.

The FirstNet Authority released a statement in support of the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and AT&T’s alliance to educate members on FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.

Connecting to tools and resources is vital for law enforcement agencies. With FirstNet, officers and deputies in rural and remote areas have increased access to the databases and systems they need. Harry Markley, FirstNet Authority Senior Law Enforcement Advisor, highlights how three agencies are using FirstNet to maximize operations and improve incident outcomes.

Every spring, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those in the fire service, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and emergency telecommunicator communities, as well as our nation’s public servants.

Home to mountain ranges and forested areas, Washington County, Oregon presents communications challenges for local public safety. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office relies on FirstNet to stay connected with deputies, citizens, and dispatch centers.

The Cranford Police Department in New Jersey trialed FirstNet Push-to-Talk, a service built on 3GPP mission critical push-to-talk standards. This service provided officers with an easy-to-use system with clearer voice quality and wider coverage area than traditional land mobile radios.

A tornado struck Carbon Hill, Alabama in March 2020, causing significant damage to the community. The city lost all of the radio repeater equipment used by the Carbon Hill Police Department, but they were ready with FirstNet as a backup. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon uses FirstNet on cell phones and mobile data computers to better protect a community of 600,000 people spread out in mostly rural areas.

At the 2020 Winter Institute Workshop and Exercise, hosted by the Texas A&M University’s Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center, public safety officials practiced integrating new technologies, including a FirstNet deployable, into disaster operations during a simulated cyberattack. Participants included unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) teams from Florida State University, which integrated their UAS with the deployable to share information with command posts.

First responders rely on dogs for many tasks that no human or technology can do. As K9 units continue to proliferate across public safety, industry is designing new technologies to keep them safe and increase their effectiveness. Many of these technologies require a reliable, secure broadband connection to function properly.

Knoxville Fire and Rescue in Iowa subscribed to the network in order to address existing communications gaps. 

The Muleshoe Police Department in Texas uses FirstNet to run duty phones and tablets, enhancing communications and improving interoperability.

New Hampshire's first responders got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of four new, purpose-built cell sites, as well as more than 100 other network enhancements. The sites are part of the FirstNet network expansion and will bring increased coverage, capacity, and capabilities to first responders across the state.

Officers with the Troy Police Department in New York rely on FirstNet for a differentiated emergency communications experience in the city’s densely populated urban setting. FirstNet’s priority and preemption service allows officers to stay connected, make calls, and send and receive information securely without signal delay or disruption.

The Brazos County Sheriff's Office in Texas uses FirstNet to turn their police vehicles into mobile offices and stream dashboard video back to headquarters. 

Historic Annapolis, Maryland, hosts nearly two million tourists annually, and public safety officials are responsible for protecting these visitors and local residents throughout the town and in the surrounding Chesapeake Bay. Recognizing the need for reliable communications for first responders, local law enforcement, emergency management, and city services are rolling out FirstNet.

The Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, and other city emergency responders rely on FirstNet's dedicated and highly secure communication platform to improve patient care and command decisions.

With FirstNet's reliable broadband connection, Derry police officers are always connected and able to extend their LMR footprint.