Back Norwich radios
We first touched upon this issue back in August, but it is defintely worth repeating. On Election Day voters in Norwich should approve funding for a new police radio system before a tragedy happens because of unrealiable commuications.
The current communication system is built on an infrastructure dating to the 1940s. It leaves dead spots in the hilly terrain of Norwich. Police officers cannot fully rely on the radio communiciations when confronting dangerous, life-threatening situations. In addition to putting the police and the public in danger, the existing situation exposes the city to massive liability if the failure of the radio system is tied to a bad outcome.
City officials long recognized the need to address this problem, but faced a steep price tag. An earlier assessment placed the cost at more than $10 million. Elected leaders balked at the expense.
A revamped plan has come with a far more manageable $2.7 million estimate, the bond amount that city voters will be asked to approve on Nov. 6. The item appears as Question 3 on Norwich ballots.
The planned system would piggyback on the state’s emergency broadcast infrastructure. Utilizing state radio towers would significantly reduce the amount of new construction needed to replace the existing system.
Once completed, the system would mean that police officers could be assured of staying in communication with dispatch and with each other at all times.
The city Finance Department estimates repaying the 20-year bond would cost the owners of median-valued homes in the city between $11 to $14 per year. That seems well worth the investment to help assure police can carry out their mission to serve and protect. The upgrades would improve communications for both the radios carried by officers and for those in the police cruisers.
Given the reasonable cost of the upgrade and the importance of the matter, there is no reason for voters to pass on this opportunity.
The Day Editorial Board strongly recommends a “yes” vote on Question 3 in Norwich.