New police radio system aired (From Gazette Series)

New police radio system aired

AFTER several months of exhaustive trials, coverage testing and training, Sunday saw the final launch of the new Airwave radio system into Cotswold and Stroud division.

Police officers have started using the system, which boasts greatly increased coverage, improved security and state-of-the-art technology.

Airwave project manager Cyril Smith said the new radios are an excellent piece of kit for police officers.

"I joined the police before the advent of personal radios and I have seen them develop from infancy through to state-of-the-art communications systems, as we have now," he said.

"This is the last division to go live in the rollout and the response over the last few months from police officers has been very positive"

Airwave is a directive of the Home Office and is already being used by other forces.

When all forces are the system police hope it will lead to improved across-country communications.

Mr Smith added: "It also means that we will be able to communicate more effectively with other agencies within the county such at the British Transport Police and MoD Police on a common radio system."

"This system has direct benefits to the general public, since access to information and person to person contact directly means officers spend less time in the stations and more time on the beat."

Police claim that with greatly increased coverage, police officers will be able to communicate with their colleagues from the majority of locations in Gloucestershire.

The improved security means that encrypted, digital communications will prevent scanning of police transmissions, especially by criminals looking to track police movements.

Chief Constable Timothy Brain was present at the first 'go live' of the Airwave radio back in December. He stated: "The new Airwave radio is a very impressive and essential piece of equipment that will serve to make us even more effective in our operational duties.

"Airwave will deliver a modern, digital, more reliable and better quality radio service, giving the police the communications technology they need to fight crime"