Airwave rollout continues

The Northern Constabulary has become the latest force to reach its ready for service date in the rollout of the Airwave service.

Replacing the existing radio equipment, Airwave is a new digital voice service that has superior quality and improved over all coverage. The new service also offers encryption and mobile data features. With the continuation of the rollout, 32 forces are now be equipped with the system giving more than 125,000 officers and support staff vastly improved communications.

Sean Price, Chief Constable of Cleveland Police and ACPO lead for Airwave said, “Airwave is light years ahead of the radios that officers have had to suffer in the past. It is clear, has excellent coverage and is secure from eavesdropping. But it is important to emphasise that Airwave is much more than a replacement radio, as it will allow officer access to a whole range of different data whilst staying out on the beat protecting the public. To me, however, what is most important is the ability Airwave will give to people in our neighbourhoods to make direct contact with their local officers or community support officers via the Airwave phone and text links. It will enable us to be truly accessible to our communities and better able to protect them and work with them in making our streets and homes safer.”