UK Police donate radios to Sri Lanka Police

The Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) and Arqiva have coordinated an initiative to improve Sri Lankan police communications through the donation of £150,000 of redundant handsets from the UK police.

Operation Bracknell identified the need for a better emergency radio system in the country to circulate Tsunami warnings in the wake of the Asian Tsunami disaster. The analogue handsets and supporting equipment will help to improve the Sri Lankan police response to any future threats.

The equipment donated was taken out of police operational use in the UK following migration to Airwave, the first national digital radio network, in 2005. Many police forces responded to the appeal, however only certain equipment was accepted based on its suitability.

Tim Lunn, PITO Communications Directorate, said: “It is great news that the radios replaced by PITO’s Airwave project can be redeployed to save lives. We were happy to facilitate this initiative for such a worthy cause and I would like to thank those forces who responded to the appeal for their time and resources.”

Over five tonnes of accepted equipment will be delivered to the Sri Lankan High Commission later this month. TNT provided its logistics services for a reduced rate due to the charitable nature of the consignment.

Kevin Carrig, Contract & Service Manager, Arqiva Public Safety group, said: “I was part of the initial requirement scoping mission in Sri Lanka so I have seen first hand the existing radio system and can appreciate what a huge difference this donation will make in helping the police to protect its citizens. The Sri Lankan police communications division is an effective and competent resource but it is constrained by lack of funds. This was the ideal solution to its limitations.”