MCP Delivers Data-Driven Roadmap to Strengthen Statewide Emergency Communications

MCP helped a state 911 authority evaluate aging radio infrastructure, dispatch operations and technology limitations to develop a practical roadmap for improving emergency communications statewide.

Through a comprehensive assessment of every emergency communications center (ECC), MCP identified radio coverage gaps, evaluated computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and analyzed operational costs. The findings provided the authority with data-driven recommendations to strengthen interoperability, explore regionalization and plan technology investments around available funding.

Rather than recommending a costly, one-size-fits-all solution, MCP developed flexible options that addressed the state's mountainous terrain, fragmented operations and long-term financial sustainability.

The Challenges

The state 911 authority faced a complex emergency communications environment involving primary ECCs responsible for both 911 calltaking and emergency-response dispatch, along with numerous dispatch-only centers, including several located outside the state.

Many radio systems were aging or beyond their useful life, making maintenance increasingly difficult. Mountainous terrain created significant coverage gaps, while fragmented system ownership complicated coordination and interoperability. Limited funding also restricted opportunities for statewide modernization.

The state-provided CAD system presented additional challenges. Stakeholder interviews revealed dissatisfaction among fire departments because the system's capabilities were designed primarily for law enforcement operations.

The authority needed a clearer understanding of its existing systems, operating costs and opportunities to improve service delivery before making major technology investments.

What MCP Did

MCP conducted a comprehensive statewide assessment to connect operational needs, technology conditions and financial realities.

The team visited every communications center, evaluated existing CAD and radio systems, and conducted radio coverage studies to identify gaps. An extensive operational and financial survey helped determine the costs of processing 911 calls and dispatching emergency resources.

Using a weighted scoring methodology, MCP evaluated opportunities to regionalize dispatch operations, including combining dispatch-only centers with one another or with primary ECCs. This analysis identified options for improving cost efficiency, equipment purchasing and around-the-clock service.

MCP also assessed radio modernization alternatives, including regional consolidation of existing VHF/UHF systems. Because a statewide Project 25 digital radio system was considered cost prohibitive, the team recommended exploring hybrid communications solutions that combine existing radio infrastructure with cellular and satellite capabilities.

These findings formed a comprehensive roadmap that gave the authority multiple options for improving operations, coverage and interoperability without committing to a single modernization approach.

The Results

MCP delivered a data-driven roadmap that helped the authority evaluate modernization priorities and plan improvements over multiple years.

Key recommendations included:

• Dispatch regionalization: Identified opportunities to consolidate dispatch operations, improve cost efficiency and strengthen around-the-clock service.
• Radio coverage improvements: Recommended exploring regional VHF/UHF consolidation to address coverage challenges more affordably.
• Stronger interoperability: Proposed greater coordination among agencies and radio system owners, including agreements to share frequencies and licenses.
• Hybrid communications solutions: Recommended issuing a request for information (RFI) to evaluate radio, cellular and satellite technologies suited to the state's terrain and funding constraints.
• Long-term investment planning: Provided flexible options to help the authority prioritize projects based on regional needs, operational requirements and available resources.

The assessment gave the authority a clearer understanding of its communications environment and the tradeoffs associated with potential improvements.

The Benefits

MCP's recommendations established a foundation for more reliable, efficient and financially sustainable emergency communications.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved service reliability: Regionalization opportunities could strengthen dispatch coverage and support continuous emergency-response operations.
• More efficient use of resources: Consolidated operations and equipment purchasing could reduce costs and improve resource allocation.
• Better radio coverage: Regional and hybrid technology options could help address communications gaps in mountainous areas.
• Greater interoperability: Improved coordination and shared radio resources could strengthen communications among emergency-response agencies.
• Smarter modernization investments: A phased, data-driven roadmap enables the authority to evaluate improvements against operational priorities and funding constraints.

By combining statewide operational analysis with practical technology and financial recommendations, MCP helped the authority move beyond identifying challenges to establishing a clear path forward.

The result is a modernization roadmap designed to support better-informed investments, stronger emergency communications and the public safety agencies and communities that depend on them.