APCC Response to Report on New Emergency Services Network Implementation Delays
Responding to the Public Accounts Committee Report ‘Upgrading emergency service communications – recall’ – released on the 21st April – which outlines the Committee’s concerns regarding delays to the delivery of the new Emergency Services Network system, Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner and APCC Portfolio Lead on Police Technology & Digital, made the following statement:
“Recent experience shows us that major incidents such as natural disasters and terror attacks require the swift and co-ordinated response of our emergency services to save lives and preserve affected areas.
“Clear and stable communication channels between responders are absolutely essential when every second counts, which is why it is essential there is no gap in services in the transition from the existing Airwave platform to the new Emergency Services Network.
“Police and Crime Commissioners are monitoring the progress of the ESN project as members of the Home Office Oversight Group, and the current determination is that communications coverage will continue to be provided through Airwave until the ESN is in place.”