California Police Chief- Fall 2013 CPCA_2017_Winter Magazine Final | Page 17

FirstNet will give first responders access to a dedicated,
high-speed network that will allow them to send and
receive crucial voice, text, data and video information when
it is needed, without interruptions from the overwhelming
increase in wireless traffic from the general public.
The FirstNet network will be a reliable, interoperable
network that will allow for better coordination and
communication between multiple agencies and
jurisdictions at the local, state and even national level.
Additionally, first responder subscribers will have the
ability to more efficiently provide needed information to
dispatchers during an emergency event.
As a member of law enforcement for 35 years, I have seen
firsthand the needs of our first responders. Serving as Police
Commissioner of the City of Boston from 2006 to 2013, I
experienced the chaos that occurs when a major crisis strikes,
as happened during the Boston Marathon bombing.
Following one of Boston’s most tragic events, I was
tasked with leading my department’s response to an
event that required immediate and wide-scale action. In
times of need such as that, communication among first
responders is crucial to protect as many lives as possible.
Unfortunately, cell phone systems in Boston experienced
failures during the critical two hours after the attack.
That is one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about
the FirstNet solution. The FirstNet network is vital to the
work of first responders and opting-in is the best choice
a state can make for first responders and citizens across
the nation.
I know the importance of having the best
communication tools available for our first responders to
protect and serve our communities. A communications
network created specifically with first responders in
mind has been needed for many years. The nationwide
implementation of FirstNet is a clear path towards
fulfilling that need. By opting-in, a state will give its
police officers and first responder subscribers access to an
advanced communications network that will help them
protect and serve more effectively than ever.
Whether to opt-in is a critical decision that several
states still face. Opting-in will give first responders
a tool that will truly transform public safety
communication across the nation. As members of the
law enforcement community, we must always work
in the best interest of our fellow first responders and
those we work to protect and serve. FirstNet will give
first responders the extra advantage they need while
working to communicate and coordinate with one
another during times of crisis. My hope is that states
continue to opt-in to the FirstNet network to help
first responders save lives and work to better protect
themselves and communities across the nation.
Ed Davis is the former Police Commissioner of the City of
Boston. Davis is a paid adviser to AT&T.  ■
WINTER 2017 | California Police Chief
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