ChiComm Blog

How AI Is Already Improving Officer Vigilance and Effectiveness

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, May 13, 2026

According to Motorola Solutions' The Intelligence-Led Agency: The Value of AI in Public Safety,70% of public safety professionals say AI makes them more efficient.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is any technology that analyzes data, identifies patterns, and generates outputs that help personnel work more quickly and accurately.

For police departments and dispatch centers across Chicagoland, this positive feedback on AI means one thing: the tools to help your people work smarter, respond faster, and stay safer already exist.

Read on to find out which AI solutions are proven and how to implement them responsibly.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Dispatch Technology, Law Enforcement Technology, AI Voice Recognition, Video Surveillance Technology, AI in Public Safety, Artificial Intelligence, AI Visual Intelligence, Real-Time Data Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Workflow Optimization, Situational Awareness, Decision Support Systems

Breathe Easier: A Modern Radio Dispatch Console Buyer's Guide

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Burnout. It’s a common problem among radio dispatchers. Lean teams, heavy workloads, and outdated technology that adds pressure instead of easing it. Relief begins with the right technology at your fingertips. This guide helps you find the radio dispatch console that supports your team and meets the demands of your work environment.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Emergency Communications, Healthcare Communications, Dispatch Technology, Operations Management, Radio Dispatch Console, Communication Systems, Buyer’s Guide

Public Safety DAS in Commercial Buildings: What You Need to Know

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Thursday, March 12, 2026

When firefighters, police officers, or EMTs enter a building during an emergency, they rely on their radios to stay connected with command and with each other.

But inside many buildings, that connection becomes unreliable.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Technology, Antenna System, Distributed Antenna System

License Plate Recognition (LPR): What Public Safety & Facilities Need to Know

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, January 27, 2026

License Plate Recognition (LPR) has become an increasingly common tool for public safety agencies and organizations looking to improve situational awareness and post-incident review.

When used appropriately, LPR can help teams identify vehicle activity associated with incidents, support investigations, and enhance response efforts.

At the same time, many organizations are unsure when LPR makes sense, how it fits into existing video systems, and what policies are needed to use it responsibly. Below, we break down what LPR is, how it’s commonly used, and what to consider before implementing it.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Technology, Video Surveillance

Essential Police Communication Technology for 2026: Radios, Cameras, and Dispatch

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Thursday, September 25, 2025

Police work depends on communication that is fast, reliable, and ready for emergencies. In 2026, the essentials are two-way radios, body-worn cameras, and modern 911 and dispatch technology. Together, these tools keep officers connected to dispatch, to each other, and to the community.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Technology

Call Boxes in 2025: Modern Emergency Communication for Public Spaces

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Fast and reliable communication is non-negotiable in today's world. In schools, parks, campuses, and transit systems, the ability to call for help instantly—without relying on cell phones—can make all the difference. However, many emergency phones and wall-mounted call buttons still in use are outdated, difficult to maintain, and don’t always function when needed.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Motorola Solutions, Radio System, MOTOTRBO, Safety Solutions

The Hidden Costs of Body Camera Storage and How to Avoid Them

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Body-worn cameras are now standard in many police departments. They help build trust, increase accountability, and improve officers' and public safety. But agencies often overlook one aspect of body camera programs when budgeting: the cost of storing the video.

Many departments find that storage is the single most expensive part of their body camera system. Without a plan, storage costs can quickly escalate out of control. This blog explains why that happens and what your agency can do to stay ahead of it.

Tags: Chicago Communications, Public Safety Communications, Motorola Solutions, Technology, Video Surveillance

First responder using FirstNet-compatible device in the field

FirstNet and the Future of Public Safety Communications: What’s New

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

In the aftermath of 9/11, FirstNet was established to give public safety professionals access to a dedicated communications network built to meet their mission: saving lives, solving crimes, and protecting communities.

Operated through a public-private partnership between the federal government and AT&T, FirstNet is the only nationwide wireless broadband network built for first responders, with first responders.

In an emergency, every second matters — and FirstNet ensures that first responders have reliable, secure access to voice, data, video, and location services when they need it most.

Tags: Public Safety Communications

An In-Depth Look at the APX 8000: The Best Radio for Public Safety

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Every moment matters when you’re in public safety, and having reliable, versatile communication tools is essential. The Motorola APX 8000 is built with public safety in mind, providing the features you need to stay connected, secure, and ready to respond in any situation. This radio combines unmatched interoperability, ruggedness, and a host of advanced features designed to meet the demands of critical environments. Here’s what sets it apart in 2025.

Tags: Two Way Radios, Public Safety Communications

VHF/UHF Radios and FCC Rules: What You Need to Know

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Monday, March 17, 2025

Staying compliant with FCC regulations is critical for anyone using VHF/UHF two-way radios. The FCC continues to crack down on unauthorized radios, enforcing rules that impact which radios are sold, imported, and used in the U.S.

If your radios aren’t compliant, you could face interference issues—or even fines. Here’s what you need to know about the latest rules and enforcement trends.

Tags: Public Safety Communications, Digital Two-Way Radios