Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons and Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott today announced an agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., to begin implementing the first phase of a statewide radio system that will enhance the efficiency, safety and service of troopers across the state.
The department secured $39.2 million dollars from the Tennessee General Assembly for phase I of the project, which will be utilized for radio upgrades in the THP Chattanooga, Fall Branch and Knoxville districts.
“We look forward to working with Motorola in replacing our aging and outdated radio system,” Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. “The implementation of this advanced, statewide interoperable communication system is a top priority in securing our state. It will ensure better communications among public safety agencies in Tennessee and with agencies in surrounding states.”
Replacing a structure more than 30 years old, the new radio system will provide commonality between THP’s system and the bordering states of Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. It will also offer new safety enhancements for State Troopers, such as Emergency Man-Down notification and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capabilities, along with improved coverage and the latest in interoperable radio capabilities.
“The lack of an adequate and reliable communication system has been an issue for our agency for decades,” THP Colonel Tracy Trott said. “We were unable to share vital voice or data information via radio with our neighboring jurisdictions in daily operations or emergency response situations. The new system will enhance the ability of troopers to perform critical duties across the state.”
Reusing antenna sites and equipment in existing Motorola Project 25 systems operated by the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Valley Regional Communications System (TVRS) will eliminate the requirement to build duplicate systems.
The new system will also improve communications interoperability between the Highway Patrol and similar Motorola radio systems operated by Tennessee cities, including Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson, and Franklin, as well as surrounding states of North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia.
About the Tennessee Department of Safety
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
