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SAFECOM MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Charlie Sasser: National Association of State Technology Directors
Author: Wes Rogers, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Charlie Sasser, SAFECOM Member, National Association of State Technology Directors
SAFECOM, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) premier public safety communications advisory council, is made-up of public safety stakeholders with a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds. We took the opportunity to speak with Charlie Sasser, a representative with the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) and one of SAFECOM’s longest serving members, to briefly talk about NASTD and his involvement in SAFECOM activities.
NASTD is a member-driven organization whose purpose is to advance and promote the effective use of information technology (IT) and services to improve the operation of state government. NASTD represents IT professionals from the 50 states and the private sector. These members also play a strategic role in planning and shaping state government technology infrastructures and policies. Corporate members provide information technology, services, and equipment to state government. READ MORE
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RECENT PUBLICATIONS
CISA Launches the SAFECOM Nationwide Survey
Author: Billy Bob Brown, Jr., Executive Assistant Director, Emergency Communications Division
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announces the launch of the SAFECOM Nationwide Survey (SNS). The SNS provides critical data on federal, state, local, tribal and territorial emergency communications capabilities and gaps. Results from the survey will impact the future of emergency communications at all levels of government. For the data to be reliable, we need widespread participation across the public safety community, meaning all law enforcement, 911, EMS, fire, and emergency management agencies are encouraged to take the survey. The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is open through September 29, 2023. READ MORE
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SAFECOM Releases Updated Introductory Presentation for Stakeholder Use
Author: Wes Rogers, Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
SAFECOM is constantly adapting to the evolutions of the emergency communications ecosystem. As such, SAFECOM updated the Introduction to SAFECOM presentation, which provides stakeholders with information on SAFECOM’s history, goals, and structure. The presentation can be used by SAFECOM members as a promotional tool to market the SAFECOM brand to the broader public safety community or other interested groups. The updated presentation includes logos for SAFECOM member organizations. The presentation also includes an updated list of recent resources and publications developed by each of SAFECOM’s committees. READ MORE
The Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications (FPIC) Releases The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Encryption in P25 Public Safety Land Mobile Radio Systems Guide
Author: Jim Downes, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Senior Advisor - FPIC Program Manager
The Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications (FPIC) has released The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Encryption in P25 Public Safety Land Mobile Radio Systems document. This document is a comprehensive guide that provides readers new to the topic of encryption with a discussion of the basic issues related to establishing and maintaining effective encryption for Project 25 (P25) interoperable land mobile radio (LMR) communications systems. The document is an update and combination of previously published documents issued by the FPIC, SAFECOM, and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) in 2016. READ MORE
CISA, SAFECOM and NCSWIC Publish SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), publishes the SAFECOM Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants (SAFECOM Guidance). Updated every year in coordination with stakeholders, the SAFECOM Guidance assists entities planning or applying for federal financial assistance funding to invest in emergency communications projects. Specifically, the guidance provides information to recipients on eligible activities, technical standards, and other terms and conditions common to most federal emergency communications grants. READ MORE
SAFECOM and NCSWIC Develop Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment
Author: Joshua Black, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC Next Generation 911 (NG911) Working Group Lead
CISA, SAFECOM, and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) developed the Considerations for Cyber Disruptions in an Evolving 911 Environment document to help ECCs develop or update their COOP plans to better respond to cyber incidents as they transition to NG911. The document discusses the various threat vectors for NG911 systems and provides considerations for updating COOP plans, such as identifying alternate ECCs, maintaining data, and engaging with partners. The document also includes helpful resources and a checklist of considerations. READ MORE
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Interoperability Business Case: An Introduction to Ongoing Local Funding
Author: Eric Abdullateef, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), publishes the Interoperability Business Case: An Introduction to Ongoing Local Funding document. This updated resource helps public safety officials justify local emergency communications funding by providing step-by-step guidance on building a compelling business case. The document also provides a brief overview of how dedicated emergency communications grant funding has evolved and features a real-world example of business case success. READ MORE
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CISA ENGAGEMENTS
CISA Recognizes Mark Buchholz During Bi-Annual SAFECOM Meeting
SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) would like to congratulate Mark Buchholz on his award. During the Spring SAFECOM Bi-Annual Meeting on May 10, 2023, in Pasadena, California, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recognized SAFECOM member, Mark Buchholz, for his contributions to the 911 community. READ MORE
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COMMUNICATIONS IN ACTION
CISA Releases NECP Spotlight: Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) Training
Volunteer emergency communications is a common hobby where individuals learn to operate and communicate through radio networks. These auxiliary communicators (AUXCs) are vital during emergencies as they can enhance communication between first responders and the public even when phone lines and Internet may be down or disrupted. Due to the key role AUXCs can play during a crisis or event, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) created a standardized training called auxiliary communications (AUXCOMM).
The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) highlights the importance of training AUXCs to strengthen communications coordination during emergencies when traditional communications systems are down. This spotlight examines how AUXCs have assisted communities with essential emergency communication that saves lives. LEARN MORE
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CISA Releases NECP Spotlight: Working with Public Partners in Emergency Response
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CISA Releases NECP Spotlight: Working with Public Partners in Emergency Response
Many first responder agencies are integrating public partners outside of their organizations -- such as mental health officials, clinicians, social workers, and others -- into responses for non-violent emergency calls involving domestic disputes, substance abuse, or mental health crises. The integration of new public partners alleviates strain on emergency communications resources by directing calls toward alternative personnel which decreases 911 call volume and includes more agencies across the public safety communications ecosystem.
The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) highlights the importance of inclusive governance strategies and communications coordination in responding to emergency calls efficiently and effectively. The goal of inclusive governance focuses on expanding the partners involved in emergency communications governance structures beyond traditional first responders to bring their expertise and equities to these lifesaving missions. Programs that integrate public partners into emergency response help to support that goal. LEARN MORE
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CISA EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (SCIP) Workshop
CISA supports states and territories in the implementation of their SCIPs by providing in-person workshops and webinars. During the workshops, state and local representatives gather to discuss communications gaps and ways to implement SCIP initiatives. The SCIP Implementation Workshops are participatory and hands-on, and focus on the specific needs and priorities of each state and territory. LEARN MORE
For additional information on requesting a SCIP workshop, contact TARequest@cisa.dhs.gov.
Priority Telecommunications Services: Supporting Resilient 911 Communications
Author: Dawn Manga, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
To meet that critical need, CISA offers a suite of services to provide priority telecommunications should networks become congested or degraded. These services cover wireline (Government Emergency Telecommunications Service [GETS]), wireless voice communications (Wireless Priority Service [WPS]), and priority repair and installation of critical voice and data circuits (Telecommunications Service Priority [TSP]). Together, these services facilitate collaboration among public safety and emergency preparedness personnel during adverse events, provide resiliency at a low cost, leverage existing technology, and require no additional equipment.
To learn more about CISA’s PTS including GETS, WPS, and TSP, please contact the Priority Telecommunications Service Center, which has a team of dedicated specialists available to provide information and address questions. The Service Center can be reached Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM ET until 6:00 PM ET, at 866-627-2255 or via email at support@gwids.cisa.gov. LEARN MORE
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Author: Cary Martin, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) Planning, Training, and Exercise (PTE) Committee developed Leveraging the PACE Plan into the Emergency Communications Emergency Communications Ecosystem to serve as a guide on using the Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency (PACE) communication plan to prepare critical communications for out-of-the-ordinary situations. Developing and practicing your PACE will help improve your organization’s resiliency and preparations for the next disaster. READ MORE
NCSWIC PTE Committee Releases Hotwash (10-4) Comment Card
Author: Cary Martin, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) Planning, Training, and Exercise (PTE) Committee developed the Hotwash (10‑4) Comment Card to help incorporate the feedback and lessons learned during trainings and exercises. A Hotwash segment following trainings and exercises can be the perfect place to gain valuable insight and better prepare for any shortcomings in your strategic planning. READ MORE
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