Today I thought we’d have a look at something different. I’m full of a cold virus today so this post is easy to write up. I also thought it would be interesting to have a look at.
Police communication systems. How do officers communicate with their control room?
They do this with something called the Airwave set. It’s an advanced radio system.
The below video shows one of its great features in action.
That’s the radio communication system. But, what else do officers have at their disposal? Well, Airwave created the Pronto.
As you can see, it’s a very smart piece of kit, but not every police force uses it. The force I used to work for uses Blackberry’s for instance. Yes, the Airwave radio is used as the main communication tool, but for other capabilities, as shown in the above video, you can get these elsewhere. But I wanted to show you what kind of communication they would be engaging in. Also, not every member of staff gets given these as it’s expensive. In my old force, only the uniform cops had the Blackberry’s because they were working out in the field so to speak. All other units usually had time to do any checks and what have you, back at the office. It’s not as fast paced a role. So, consider which force you are writing about, and what department they are working in. And, of course, you can make it up if they use a fancy Pronto or not, you’re a fiction writer!
Rebecca Bradley is a retired UK police detective and now a crime writer.
She writes the DI Hannah Robbins series.
When catching a killer isn’t enough…
The naked, battered body of an unidentified teenager is found dumped in an alleyway and post-mortem finds evidence of a harrowing series of events.
Another teenage death with the same MO pushes DI Hannah Robbins and her team in the Nottingham City division Major Crimes Unit, to their limits, and across county borders. In a race against the clock, they attempt to unpick a thick web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth behind the deaths.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Just how far are the team willing to push themselves to save the next girl?
Margot Kinberg says
Oh, rest and take care of yourself, Rebecca! I hope you feel better soon. And thanks for sharing this; it’s really interesting!
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Margot. 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
That second video was tense. Getting backup there quickly was essential.
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes, and it can often be like that out on the street. They face a tough crowd front-line cops.
Lisa Hardy says
Airwaves sets are also good as they cannot be picked up on scanners unlike American radio sets. They are also encrypted. You do get some areas where the signals are very poor though.
Our Force also have Blackberrys or Blackcurrants as one of my colleagues calls it!
Rebecca Bradley says
Yes, they’re great. I remember when we first got them. The old ones we used were easily scannable, but the Airwaves weren’t. It was brilliant.
Clare Chase says
Thanks so much for all these fascinating posts, Rebecca – that second video really brings home the feeling of acute danger and how crucial these communication systems must be. I do hope you feel much better soon!
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoy them, Clare!