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Just in 2018, one year after the radio system was purchased, problems began to plague officials. In one instance, a KPD officer who had his firearm drawn was unable to reach dispatch. In another incident that same year, firefighters from the Kokomo Fire Department responded to an incident and lost communication. As a result, firefighters were pulled out and switched over to backup channels before returning to the scene.Now, it seems the issues are rearing their head once more, according to Howard County Sheriff Jerry Asher and Kokomo Police Department Chief Doug Stout.Deputies and officers with both KPD and the sheriff’s office have reported various issues, ranging from not being able to transmit from certain locations to difficulties hearing or understanding orders from the dispatch system. Officials say they are working to find a solution by addressing how issues are reported.According to Stout, KPD officers have reported difficulties in transmitting from certain locations and that he, Asher, and other officials have met to attempt to define what information is needed to diagnose the issues.
