When paramedics, fire fighters, and police respond to an emergency, the need to communicate with each other is vital. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. VIPER radio technology fixes this problem by allowing all of these agencies to communicate over one radio system. This capacity for multiple agencies to communicate on one system was deemed of great importance by the 9/11 Commission in its final report.
The Governor’s Crime Commission awarded the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety $5 million to increase VIPER bandwidth capacity. That way, local agencies will not have to re-invest in newer radio technology as frequently. Their equipment will work longer with VIPER, saving money in the long run. The NC Department of Insurance and the Town of Swansboro Police Department will also receive funding to help acquire VIPER-compatible technology.
The Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Data Warehouse also received funding from the commission. The warehouse will allow agencies to aggregate and exchange data in order to make better decisions. The project also contributes to further integration of data between law enforcement agencies, which leads to increased public safety. In combination with advancements in VIPER technology, law enforcement will be able to work smarter and faster.