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Statewide System Management Group formed to oversee PSIC funds
In August 2007, the Office of Justice Assistance was notified that the state would receive $15.3 million of Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) funds to foster statewide interoperable communications in Wisconsin. The state took a number of steps to develop a plan for these funds that is fair, equitable and will effectively achieve communications interoperability in Wisconsin.
Over 25 agency representatives have met to make recommendations on the proposed spending of the PSIC funds allocated to this state. Joining the Office of Justice Assistance were representatives from fire departments, sheriff departments, police departments, state public safety agencies, WI Department of Corrections, county and local emergency management directors, the Urban Area Security Initiative Region, emergency medical services, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System of Wisconsin (MABAS – an organization of fire departments) , the Statewide Interoperability Executive Council and the Wisconsin universities. From the meetings that occurred, there is support for this common venture, and the state plans to document this statewide support through a series of agreements.
OJA has been designated as the administering agency for Public Safety Interoperability Communications (PSIC) funds that Wisconsin will receive. The mission of the WISCOM system is to provide statewide reliable and responsive communications interoperability between fire, police, rescue, emergency medical and emergency management and other government services. The system's first capability with be to achieve a wider area, no boundary, flexible system for mutual aid communcations for all first responding agencies.
In March of 2008, The Office of Justice Assistance invited Public Safety Agency Executives to attend a session held in Steven's Point. The session was the next step to implement the long term goal in the Statewide Communications Interoperable Plan (SCIP) utilizing Public Safety Interoperable Communications funds. From this session, the Statewide System Management Group (SSMG) was formed for the purpose of providing interim governance of WISCOM. The members that formed this group (SSMG) were selected by the agencies and disciplines represented at the session.
Throughout the grant period, OJA will continue to provide staff support to assist the SSMG’s leadership in its duties and activities. Updates and additional information about the Statewide System Management Group can be found on the SSMG sub-section on the SIEC main page (left side). This includes the Meeting Minutes, and SSMG Charter. Current members are listed in the Group Directory.
Message from Governor Doyle:
Since September 11, 2001, states all across the country have been working to make this country a safer place. While we can take pride in the fact that Wisconsin is one of the safest states in the country, we must nonetheless remain vigilant. In particular, we must make sure that our first responders have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively, whether they are responding to a terrorist attack or a natural disaster.
That is why Wisconsin is developing a comprehensive plan that will enable our first responders to coordinate and talk to one another. Such a plan will help ensure a seamless system of rapid response and recovery.
First responders and other vital emergency services often utilize different radio frequencies and technologies that are not interoperable. In creating the Wisconsin State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC), Wisconsin recognizes the significance of interoperable technology to enable seamless communication for first responders in times of emergencies. The attainment of interoperable communications within various jurisdictions requires a great deal of statewide coordination and leadership; the creation of the SIEC provides a body fully capable of this function. These dedicated professionals are working hard to ensure that the people of this state are safe and should an emergency situation develop, communications between agencies can be readily achieved, minimizing damage and casualties. I am confident that through these comprehensive efforts Wisconsin will only get stronger and more secure.
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