We know from past experience with emergencies that the ability to communicate effectively between agencies is critical. So critical, in fact, that when the DHS was established in 2002, they were mandated to develop a strategy to “address emergency communications shortfalls.”They are also tasked with setting guidelines and standards for the deployment of inter-operable communication systems, and setting deadlines for meeting these. This is the first release of a comprehensive plan which addresses the various aspects of this mandate.
This release (an 83 page .pdf document) gives an overview of the issues involved, then details the vision, goals, and capabilities needed for truly inter-operable communications systems. 7 objectives to achieve this state are described in detail, with the currect state of activities, key gaps and obstacles driving action, and recommended national milestones for each listed.
Finally, the 9 appendices (what good is a government publication with a list of acronyms used?) provide extensive, detailed background on the legislative requirements, source documents, and key federal emergency communications initiatives, programs, systems, and services. These documents alone are worth reading for anyone involved in emergency communications.