Memphis Police Department Transforms First Responder Communications with FirstNet

What’s the news?  Memphis Police Department is connecting its officers to FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – the only network built with and for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Allowing the department to better serve Memphis, this advancement equips first responders with new technological capabilities and reliable access to critical information in the field and in the station.

FirstNet is delivering interoperable communications across public safety entities nationwide, allowing first responders to communicate with one another easily and quickly during everyday situations, big events and emergencies. This is integral to solving the communications challenges public safety has experienced in the past.

Memphis Police is using FirstNet on department-issued phones and tablets and in cameras strategically placed throughout the city to provide communication in the field and visual awareness. Routers are also available for the department’s vehicles to maintain connectivity during operations.

“The high level of network capacity provided by FirstNet allows our officers to stay better connected across the city,” said Chief Cerelyn Davis, Memphis Police Department. “Whether we are deployed for large events like the St. Jude Marathon and Memphis in May, working through storms, or responding to daily calls, FirstNet allows us to have the priority and preemption that keeps our officers and our communities safer.  We look forward to the future with FirstNet and how it evolves to suit the needs of public safety.”

Memphis Police has also been able to utilize FirstNet deployable assets such as the Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) and Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) during local incident responses. Providing extra connectivity, these assets allowed the department to have no interruption of operations in the field, keeping officers and the community safer.

Memphis Police joined FirstNet to provide first responders access to an entire public safety ecosystem of mission-ready tools and capabilities, including:

• Always-on priority and preemption to give first responders reliable access to the connection they need– and protect them from network congestion.
• A separate, dedicated and highly secure network core purpose-built for public safety and its sensitive communications.
• Innovative tools – public safety-centric innovative applications, mission-critical solutions and smart connected device options – to give public safety the actionable information and heightened situational awareness they need.
• A dedicated fleet of 150+ deployable network assets public safety agencies can call upon for additional connectivity at no extra charge during planned events, urgent crises and operations in remote areas— a unique benefit to the industry.
• Access to holistic public safety health and wellness tools and resources, like ROG the Dog, that go beyond network connectivity— all powered by the FirstNet Health & Wellness Coalition, which represents more than 5.1 million first responders.

“We’re honored that Memphis Police chose FirstNet to improve its communications technology and connectivity,” said Joelle Phillips, President, AT&T Tennessee. “As public safety’s partner, we believe it is our mission to give public safety the cutting-edge tools they need to keep our communities safe. FirstNet will help first responders in Tennessee and across the country perform at the highest levels to keep themselves and those they serve out of harm’s way.”

“FirstNet is the only broadband network built for public safety, by public safety,” said Jeremy Zollo, Assistant Executive Director and Chief Public Safety Advocacy Officer, FirstNet Authority. “We look forward to working with Memphis PD to make sure FirstNet continues to deliver the coverage and innovation they need to serve communities in the Midwest and help save lives.”

To learn more, visit Memphis Police.

What is FirstNet? FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. Shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet stands above commercial offerings. It is built with AT&T in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government. The FirstNet network provides first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like always-on priority and preemption, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum. These advanced capabilities help fire, EMS and law enforcement save lives and protect their communities.

Where can I find more information? For more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com. And go here for more FirstNet news.