Technology: Key to Improving Communication

When our nation recently marked the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, we were reminded of the horrors of that day and the very real threats that we still face.  In order to make our country safer, the 9/11 Commission recommended improvements to interagency communication and information sharing.  Because many experts believe that our country’s greatest security threat may come from within our borders, it is important, now more than ever, to ensure that our local jurisdictions have the technologies they need to do their job.

Unfortunately, to the dismay of many first responders, the Administration has consistently attempted to cut the funding of crucial programs that aid our local agencies in their missions. This type of misplaced budget cut shows a lack of understanding of the needs of our local law enforcement agencies.

One of the most successful programs, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, has been an annual target for severe cuts by the Administration.  To say that the COPS program has been successful is an understatement.  It has put over 100,000 police on our streets and funded countless training programs and equipment upgrades.  In the wake of 9/11, COPS is a program that should be expanded, not cut.

The COPS program has also done a lot for Maine.  In fact, our state has received over $4.5 million a year in COPS grant funding, which has put hundreds of police officers on Maine streets, including in Bangor, Lewiston, and other communities. 

But in addition to funding the hiring and training of police officers, the COPS program also funds technology improvements.  That’s important because some departments and agencies could do more if they had access to the latest technologies.  In Maine, we have a number of agencies that work cooperatively together to serve and protect everything from our cities and towns, to our parks, borders, waterways, ports, and schools.  With better technology, interagency communication and administration could be streamlined and conducted in a way that is not only more efficient, but ultimately more effective.

That’s why I fought so hard to secure $600,000 in funding for the Maine Warden Service’s Data Solutions Project.  This project will equip all Maine game wardens with laptop computers so that they can better share real-time information and manage incidents and investigations.  The new technology will also be used to support search and rescue operations through rapid distribution of maps, photographs and descriptions of missing persons. 

The efficiencies that will be realized through this new technology will allow our state’s wardens to spend more time in the field and less time on paperwork.  This is important for our public safety because wardens are sometimes the only state officers in much of rural Maine.  Ultimately, the deployment of laptops will enhance the Maine Warden Service’s ability to interface with other agencies while protecting our environment and securing our nation. 

Maine Wardens have been called to respond outside of their usual roles in the past by helping protect Maine Yankee, Bath Iron Works and our border with Canada in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.  With this new funding through the COPS program, they will be even better prepared for the future.

To keep our nation safe, it is crucial that we provide our local and state agencies with the tools they need to do their job.  I am pleased that the House of Representatives recognized the merits of the Maine Warden Service’s Data Solutions Project, and I will continue to fight any attempts to cut back support for our nation’s first responders.

 

9/15/2006 5:22:54 PM

 
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