Chicomm Blog

One of the most satisfying parts of my job at Chicago Communications is helping clients, such as healthcare organizations and school districts, build centralized security systems that integrate voice, video surveillance, and data analytics.

These centralized command centers streamline communication, help schools and hospitals respond faster, reduce costs, and improve safety system-wide.

Here are a few real-world examples of how centralized command centers are making a significant impact.

Does your staff spend too much time watching video surveillance footage? Do they have a hard time spotting safety issues? In some cases, security footage can be so cumbersome and overwhelming that no one reviews it on a regular basis, leaving an organization blind to threats or abnormal behavior. 

If you answered “yes,” it may be time to update your video surveillance system.

I can't tell you how many times I’ve heard from a customer, "My police radio system sounds bad," only to find that their radios are not set up correctly.

Not having the right setup and/or not using two-way radios properly will lead to all kinds of performance issues, even if you have the latest emergency communications equipment. This can impact everything from routine conversations to emergency communications and disaster response. Before you call to have your radios or systems serviced, it’s worth the time to try a few troubleshooting tips first.

The simplicity of the solutions here may surprise you, so keep reading for my answer to why your police radio system sounds so bad. Hint: It’s probably not the radio.

What good is intelligence if it isn’t able to be shared?

That is the principle underlying the idea of unified communication.

Whether it’s a public safety system, a commercial system, or a standalone system, intelligence gained through radios, cameras, and other automated systems needs to be easily shared across multiple devices. 

In an ideal world, no equipment would ever need to be repaired. 

We certainly don’t live in that world. But we do live in a world where people don’t need to experience frustration and delays when it comes to two‑way radio repair.

It all comes down to service.

In today’s interconnected world, some folks assume that it’s easy to tie together WiFi, video, and two‑way radio communications.

Not quite. 

When schools closed their doors to slow the spread of COVID‑19 in March 2020, many teachers and students found themselves scrambling to navigate new online learning platforms, video conferencing calls, and a sudden absence of face‑to‑face interactions. Standard classroom challenges were quickly compounded by technical difficulties, including.

• Unstable internet connections
• Inadequate capacity on the school virtual private network (VPN)
• Cybersecurity threats
• Long call wait times for campus IT support

For more effective communications, many industry leaders are exploring the use of DRM—digital mobile radio—technology to improve operations. By understanding this technology and its benefits, you can have a greater sense of whether it’s a good fit for your organization.

If you’re in the market for communications technologies to improve your operations, two terms you’ll hear frequently are WIFI and CBRS. Here, we look at WIFI vs CBRS, including their definitions, benefits and key differences to provide insights to help you determine which one is a fit for your company or organization.

It isn’t an overstatement to say that reliable communications in public safety saves lives. We know that departments rely on their radios and accessories to keep themselves and the people they serve safe. And you’re doing it all with fewer resources than ever.

As agencies balance safety and security with budgetary concerns, the right communications solution needs to meet all of their requirements and be economical. Police and firefighters have many of the same issues but different needs, and communications systems need to be tailored to meet their unique situations.

With all of the factors to consider for communications in public safety, here is some insight into how to maintain quality and security on a budget.