| Chief of Police Armand P. La Barge |
| York Regional Police |
| 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 4W5 1866-8POLICE TTY 1-800-668-0398 Fax 905-853-5810 www.yrp.ca |
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THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK POLICE SERVICES BOARD REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE 29 AUGUST 2007 __________________________________________ Re: Purchase of Mobile Radios __________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Between 1993 and 2000, 240 Motorola Spectra mobile radios were purchased for use in York Regional Police vehicles. Given the fact that these radios are operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, under various challenging conditions, they have begun to break down and are reaching their end of life. The Motorola Spectra mobile radio is no longer in production, so in addition to integrity issues due to age and usage, the radio is no longer supported by Motorola and it is increasingly difficult to obtain replacement parts. For these reasons, it is necessary to replace them with newer and more reliable units. Only Motorola products can be used with Motorola Smartnet II Simulcast Trunking Radio System operated by York Regional Police. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Motorola has provided a quotation of $3,295.67 exclusive of taxes for each XTL Model 2500 mobile radio. The Capital Budget contains sufficient funds for the purchase of the 58 radios at a total purchase price of $217,909.70 inclusive of all taxes. BACKGROUND: Since 1993, York Regional Police has operated a Smartnet II Simulcast Trunking Radio System manufactured by Motorola. The Motorola Smartnet II Simulcast Trunking Radio System is a proprietary, software controlled system which will be supported by Motorola until at least 2014 and is expected to remain in operation until that time. In order to be compatible with our current Smartnet II Simulcast Trunking Radio System, both mobile and portable radios must be supplied by Motorola. Motorola has supplied York Regional Police with high quality radio equipment built to military specifications. A large number of the system's original Spectra mobile radios continue to be in use today. Between 1993 and 2000, approximately 240 Motorola Spectra mobile radios were purchased for use in York Regional Police vehicles. Currently, we have approximately 185 Spectra mobile radios still in service, the majority of which were manufactured in 1993. In 2004, Motorola ceased to provide support for the Spectra model mobile radio. It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain parts and due to the age or these radios, and it is now necessary to replace those which become unserviceable. York Regional Police operates a Motorola public safety voice radio system which is also utilized by the municipal fire services. This radio system also supports some of the communication requirements of the Region's Emergency Medical Services. The majority of the system controls and equipment are located at York Regional Police Headquarters with a back-up site located on High Tech Road in Richmond Hill and 8 remote tower sites located throughout the Region. Radio system integrity is a key element in the communication of critical information to police and public safety professionals operating in York Region. Although most of the communication now takes place over the data radio system, voice radio is the essential communication medium relied upon during emergent operational incidents. In particular, police officers are totally reliant on this system in situations such as suspect apprehension pursuits, high risk vehicle stops, foot pursuits, and any task in which officers must be deployed on foot. The voice radio system is often an officer's only means of summonsing assistance or reporting upon a critical situation where time is of the essence. It is recommended that the Spectra model be replaced with Motorola XTL 2500 mobile radios. The Motorola XTL 2500 is an analogue/digital 700/800Mhz capable radio specifically designed and hardened for public safety use, is fully compatible with our 800 Mhz Motorola Smartnet ll Simulcast Trunking Radio System and is equipped with an emergency button function. Due to the proprietary nature of this software controlled trunking radio system there are no alternative vendors, therefore, Motorola Canada Inc. is the recommended vendor. Reliable mobile radio communication is critical for both officer safety and the effective delivery of service. This purchase will ensure that the oldest radios are replaced and a sufficient stock is available to replace radios that fail. |
Respectfully submitted, Armand P. La Barge, Chief of Police. |