GVTAPS joins E-Comm communications network
For immediate release— December 13, 2005
Vancouver - The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service (GVTAPS) has been connected to the E-Comm radio system, allowing GVTAPS officers to communicate directly with other police departments and emergency agencies throughout the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
The communications circle was completed December 7, 2005 with the transition of GVTAPS to the interoperable radio system, making it the 12th police department to come on board.
GVTAPS Chief Officer Robert Kind says "Like every police agency, the safety of the public and our police officers is our top priority. The E-Comm Radio System provides advanced communication capabilities for seamless policing."
In addition to the ability to directly communicate with other police departments and emergency agencies such as the BC Ambulance Service, the E-Comm radio system offers GVTAPS officers enhanced safety features such as emergency buttons, increased reliability and clarity, and higher peak traffic capacity.
E-Comm President Ken Shymanski adds: "We are pleased that Canada’s first transit police agency is now part of the E-Comm radio network. The system is now being utilized throughout the GVRD, which is a major public safety advantage."
GVTAPS will have 60 portable radios at its disposal for its 80 member force. GVTAPS is the first transit police agency in the country and the first new police department created in British Columbia in 35 years.
More than 5,400 wide-area radios are now active in southwest British Columbia. Currently, the network processes approximately 7.8 million radio transactions each month.
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For more information contact:
Jasmine Bradley
A/Manager of Corporate Communications
E-Comm
604-215-4877 (direct)
604-640-1342 (pager)
S/Sgt Dan Dureau
Acting Deputy Chief Officer
GVTAPS
604-515-8300