FieldComm 91 is LCWC's Field Communications Unit. The unit went into service April 2nd, 2003. The vehicle is a converted 35-foot motorhome that is used to provide on-scene communications and coordination at major emergencies and large public gatherings.
The interior of the vehicle is divided into two sections. The front section is a meeting area where command officers for the police, fire and ems agencies can meet to coordinate their response. The rear section of the vehicle is the communications area where LCWC's telecommunicators and supervisors handle most on-scene communications.
The communications section of Field Comm 91 contains three telecommunicator work areas. Each area is equipped with programmable radios capable of working on all public safety radio frequencies, a 4-line telephone set, and computer workstation. Other equipment in the communications section includes an aviation radio, a citizens band radio, a Uniden scanner, a radio interconnect unit, a combination printer/fax/copier/scanner and a 24" plotter for maps and posters.
Capabilities
FieldComm 91 is equipped to provide on-scene communications and coordination needs. The unit will normally respond with three LCWC personnel consisting of a Communications Supervisor, a Telecommunicator, and a Radio Technician. Additional personnel will respond as needed by the situation. Below is a list of just some of the capabilities available at the scene:
Radio Communications
- Programmable radios capable of operating on all frequencies.
- Radios are pre-programmed with all Lancaster County frequencies and frequencies for surrounding Counties and State agencies. Radios can be reprogrammed on the scene by a Radio Technician.
- Twelve portable radios and a repeater system are available to hand out to special tactical teams.
- The JPS radio interconnect unit can cross-patch any combination of radios together to allow communications between agencies on different radio systems.
- Trunked radio for communicating on Chester County's 800Mhz Radio System.
- Aviation radio for communicating with helicopters and airports.
Telephone Communications
- A compact phone switch provides a phone system with 4 lines and intercom capability.
- Four cellular phone lines provided by two different carriers allow for land-line voice and fax.
- Phone sets are located in all three areas of the unit and can be extended to the exterior.
Computer Network
- Three computer workstations with standard Microsoft software for word processing, spreadsheets, digital imaging, and databases.
- Wireless Internet connection and e-mail.
- Access to LCWC's Computer Aided Dispatch system.
- Access to the County's law enforcement systems.
- Ability to create and print maps with the County's Geographic Information System.
- Network jacks and wireless network in all areas including the exterior for networking additional laptops or workstations.
