Clackamas County first responders begin the switch to a new digital emergency radio system

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On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the Clackamas County Public Safety Radio Communications System will begin switching to a new digital emergency radio system that replaces the county’s outdated, failing analog system.

Why did the Clackamas County Public Safety Radio Communications System need to be replaced?

The existing analog radio system that serves the majority of law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies in Clackamas County is outdated and at risk of failure. It was built in 2000, using technology from the early 1990s. Vendor support for the system ended in 2017. Technicians have been forced to search online auction sites and third-party vendors to obtain replacement parts. In some cases, they have had to take parts from other systems or borrow parts from neighboring public safety jurisdictions to keep the system functioning.

How is this funded?

In 2016, voters of Clackamas County approved Ballot Measure 3-476. Bond funds from this measure built the new digital radio system to replace the outdated analog system used by the multi-agency Clackamas 800 Radio Group (C800).

What are the advantages of the new digital system?

The new system is more reliable and will provide increased radio coverage throughout Clackamas County.

The digital system also offers more security for first responders. Law dispatch channels will be on a 30-minute delay before they’re streamed publicly. This will allow first responders to communicate during emergencies without fear of broadcasting information in real-time that could endanger them or the public. For citizens using the PulsePoint application, there will be no change.

How can you listen to the new digital system?

Once the upgrade is complete, you will be able to listen online at Broadcastify.com or on your mobile device with the Broadcastify App. Broadcastify is a free streaming service for public safety, aircraft, rail, and marine-related communications.

For more information on C800 and the Clackamas County Public Safety Radio Communications System upgrade project visit: C800.org