PITO extends deal with Arqiva

The Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) has extended its contract with Arqiva to run a vehicle equipment and installation test facility.

Under the terms of the five-year deal Arqiva will carry out electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing on police and emergency services vehicles at the testing centre at Carterton near Oxford.

Staff from Arqiva’s Public Safety group, under the guidance of PITO officers, will assess the performance of in-vehicle equipment, such as radios, computers and mobile data units, to minimise or eliminate cross-interference with TETRA radio systems and maintain optimal performance of all equipment.

Field staff from Arqiva will also visit forces on behalf of PITO to advise on best practice for vehicle equipment installation to PITO specifications. Arqiva is providing PITO with a secure, fully managed Vehicle EMC Workshop facility at Carterton to carry out practical testing on emergency services vehicles. Real-life operating conditions will be simulated at the remote Oxfordshire site, specially selected for the low level of electrical noise in the radio frequency bands used by the emergency services.

Jim Mathieson, head of Automotive and Equipment Section at PITO commented: “In-vehicle technology is continuously evolving, making policing more effective and it’s important that we maintain an optimal level of performance and compatibility between systems.

“Arqiva’s assistance enables us to prevent cross-interference between the equipment and gauge how best to improve its overall performance. Arqiva has an excellent understanding of the work that UK police forces carry out and a long history of working in this field.

“We are confident in their ability to help us meet the needs of modern policing and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”

Alastair Davison, Managing Director of Arqiva Public Safety added, “We are very pleased to support PITO and the UK’s police forces at the Carterton facility to ensure that they receive the best performance from their in-vehicle equipment.

“As the emergency services continue to switch to the Airwave network, we hope to continue working with PITO to offer the EMC testing service to more of the UK ‘blue light’ services including the fire brigades and ambulance trusts.”