Module 6:

Communications and

Communications Technology


Learning Objectives

•State the importance of planning when establishing 
a working protocol for communications during 
major special events.
•Identify the role and importance of communications 
interoperability during major special events.
•Identify issues and solutions related to 
interoperability.



Key Questions

1.Do we have a process in place to communicate 
regularly with all key partners?
2.Do we have adequate communications 
technology and equipment?
3.Do we have adequate communications backup?
4.Are communications command center facilities 
adequate in size and scope?
5.Can we integrate radio communication among 
many different agencies involved in the event?



Interagency Communication

•Multijurisdictional
•Unfamiliar agencies
•Focus and priorities may differ
•Communications may be confusing
•Radio systems will differ or not exist



Key Question 1
Do we have a process in place to
communicate regularly with all key partners?


Interagency Communications Strategies

•Support
•Dialogue
•Security



Question
Does your agency consider security in its 
interagency communications? 


Radio Communication Interoperability

•Communicate (via voice/data/video) when and 
where you need to
•NOTE:Everyone talking to everyone all at once



Problem:
Partner agencies have different models of radios 
with different frequencies.

Possible solutions:

•Pass out radios that have been stockpiled for 
special events.
•Use advanced technology to link existing radios 
into a common matrix.



Key Question 2
Do we have adequate communications technology 
And equipment?
Describe some of the ways you would communicate with
partners at a major special event.


Key Question 3
Do we have adequate communications backup? 
Have you had this type of experience? If so, were you
able to successfully prepare for it?


Radio Protocol Tips 

•Ask partners about their radio models, frequencies, contact 
for technical problems, etc.
•Check ("ping") all radios in the field on the day of the event.
•Don't use "10 codes" on the radio—different agencies use 
different definitions.
•Disseminate clear identification codes. E.g., use the 
agency name first, then a call number (“Alexandria 15”).



Radio Protocol Tips (continued)

•Ensure that radio chargers are available in key locations 
in the field.
•Brief personnel and distribute handouts on radio 
channels to use (e.g., channel 1 for outer perimeter, 
channel 2 for inner perimeter, channel 3 for emergencies) 
and protocols (limit chatter, assume anyone with a 
scanner can pick up your transmission, etc.).
•Ensure that all outside agencies bring radios to lead 
agency to enter frequencies into communications 
network, if the technology is available.



Key Question 4
Can we integrate radio communications among many
different agencies involved in the event?
Do you have someone or some agency in place to help
you answer this question during the planning stage?


Integrated Communications

Command Centers and Future Trends

•Incident command system
•Unified command
•Communications command center traits
•Communications command centers 
at the federal level



Incident Command System

•Common terminology
•Reliance on an incident action plan
•Manageable span of control
•Predesignated incident mobilization center 
locations and facilities
•Integrated communications
•Chain of command and unity of command
•Information and intelligence management
•Unified command 



Unified Command

•Enables agencies with different legal, geographic, 
and functional responsibilities to coordinate, plan, 
and interact effectively
•Overcomes much inefficiency and duplication of effort
•Individuals designated by their jurisdictional 
authorities jointly determine objectives, plans, 
and priorities and work together to execute them



Communications Command Center

•Facility adequate to house leaders and reps from 
each agency involved
•Stadium seating for good visibility
•Agency names on name tents
•Raised stage up front for briefings



Communications Command Center

(continued)

•Good lighting, adequate voice amplification, 
convenient bathrooms, and break room with 
beverages
•Private conference rooms for special meetings
•Access control
•High-speed Internet access for e-mail, data transfer, 
database management
•Laptops from each agency networked together 
and screened for viruses 



Communications Command Center

(continued)

•Video wall with live feeds of event venues, traffic 
and street activities, local and national news, and 
video from air support
•Videoconferencing technology
•On-site equipment vendors and agency computer 
technicians
•Contact information for all key persons -on each 
laptop and on chart in room



Federal Communications 
Command Centers

•U.S. Secret Service Multi-Agency Command Center 
(MACC)
•FBI Virtual Command Center



Key Question 5
Are communications command center facilities adequate in
size and scope? 


Conclusion



Tabletop Exercise:

Continuation of Module 1 Tabletop Exercise,

“Pre-Planning for Major Events”


BREAK