Bernalillo County activates new public safety communications system

Bernalillo County's Public Safety Division, in collaboration with the New Mexico Department of Information Technology, activated the county’s new public safety communications system April 19. The new 700-megahertz P25 digital communications system replaces the county’s 25-year-old system and provides enhanced radio coverage and matches up radio capabilities for the Bernalillo County public safety departments to include the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department, Animal Care Services, Office of Emergency Management, Youth Services Center, and the Metropolitan Detention Center.

That's according to a press release from Bernalillo County.

“Having ability to transfer to the new radio system is a momentous event for Bernalillo County and something we have strived for years to accomplish,” says Deputy County Manager and Fire Chief Greg Perez. “Our men and women who proudly serve Bernalillo County will now have the confidence in the system that they rely so heavily on to communicate during emergency situations.”

The new communications system cost $4.9 million and includes 16 consoles, more than 1,600 portable and mobile radios, installation, programming, training, and warranty. The purchase was funded through capital outlay and general county funds.

Consolidation of the radio infrastructure will result in cost savings, increased operational efficiency, more reliable inbuilding coverage and coverage gaps, and the promotion of interdepartmental connection. Communication dispatchers were paramount in the process of identifying key components of the system and carrying out hours of testing and training on the new system.

The county has purchased radios and consoles to utilize the state-wide public safety communications system, to which NM DOIT is responsible for 100% of the infrastructure for the new system and has procured, installed, and will maintain infrastructure components that include microwave backhaul, networking gear, and RF equipment for the sites.

“Communication is the key to success for our employees and safety is the number one priority when it comes to our citizens,” said Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca. “I would like to thank Governor Michelle Lujan-grisham. This would not have been possible without the State of New Mexico’s financial contribution to this project.”

The system is also designed to enable the county departments to better communicate with other local, state and federal agencies when a multi-jurisdictional response is required.