LA-RICS

What is LA-RICS?
The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System (LA-RICS) is a collaborative effort of law enforcement, fire service and health service professionals with elected and appointed officials to implement a regional interoperable radio communication system. The new system will allow interagency coordination and response to routine, emergency and catastrophic events.
What is communications interoperability?
Communications interoperability refers to the ability of public safety agencies – including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services – to exchange voice and/or data information wirelessly on demand, in real-time, with appropriate security.
What are the barriers to interoperability?
There are a number of issues preventing interoperability among public safety agencies. The four primary issues preventing interoperability among agencies in the Los Angeles region are:
  • Incompatible and aging communications equipment
  • Uncoordinated planning and funding
  • Limited and fragmented radio spectrum
  • Lack of standardized equipment
How does the proposed system improve the lives of the residents of the Los Angeles region?
The system will provide improved emergency response to the region’s 10 million residents. The Los Angeles Region is designated as a high-threat area by the Department of Homeland Security. While to date the area has avoided a serious terrorist attack, regional communication is an essential component of emergency planning and response.
How does the proposed system improve first responders’ safety and efficiency in serving the public and protecting lives?
There are numerous ways in which interoperable communications improve the services of first responders in the Los Angeles region. The benefits of the proposed system include:
  • Improved speed and efficiency of voice and data communications – Enabling public safety agencies operating in the region to immediately share information and intelligence during routine operations and natural or man-made disasters.
  • Improved ability to work together and mitigate emergencies – The Los Angeles Region requires an extreme level of multi-jurisdiction, multi-discipline mutual aid response. These incidents are commonplace, well understood, and demand seamless interoperability to achieve positive life safety results.
What first responders will be included in the system?
LA-RICS is primarily designed for first responders throughout the Region/County of Los Angeles, which includes all law enforcement (capacity to add CHP and federal agents), fire and their paramedics, paramedic base hospitals, and potentially the Los Angeles Unified School District, who has their own police department.
Has a project of similar magnitude and complexity ever been attempted?
Yes, there are regional interoperable communications projects being planned or in place across the country. For example, in the past few years, the State of Indiana has developed Project Hoosier SAFE-T, a statewide, interoperable, wireless public safety communications system for Indiana local, state, and federal first responders/public safety officials. Regional planning efforts are underway in numerous states and regions including New York, Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan.
Are there examples or best practices for this type of system?
There are a variety of shared public safety communications systems that have proved successful throughout the country, including systems in the States of Florida, Indiana and Utah; San Diego County, and the Capital Region of Washington DC, among others. LA-RICS will continue to monitor these and other systems in order to take advantage of the lessons learned in their implementation and operation.
How will ICIS fit into LA-RICS?
The Interagency Communications Interoperability System (ICIS) has successfully developed an interoperable communications system for its six member cities and recognizes the need for all agencies in the LA Region to have interoperable communications. ICIS is committed to working with LA-RICS in the development of the regional system.
When will the system be completed?
While the project is still in the planning phases, the system is estimated to take 5 years to implement.
How much will the system cost?
The total cost of the system is currently estimated to be approximately $600 million.
How will the system be maintained?
The LA-RICS steering committee will develop a maintenance plan and strategy for maintaining the system.
 
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