by AllThingsECC.com | Mar 19, 2025 | Comm Center News
Diga-Talk Solutions, a leader in the Push-to-Talk (PTT) over Cellular (PoC) communications sector, has announced its 2025 initiative to integrate Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity into its extensive pool of services. This innovative move, set to launch in 2026, aims to redefine the scope and capabilities of PTT communication by providing a seamless connection for critical communications, even in the most remote and challenging environments.
The new LEO satellite-enabled Push-to-Talk initiative promises to deliver reliable, real-time communication to industries such as public safety, energy, student transportation, and more, where traditional cellular networks have limited reach. By leveraging the power of satellite technology, Diga-Talk Solutions will ensure that users can stay connected regardless of their location, whether in the heart of a city or deep within a rural or wilderness area.
Key Features of the Diga-Talk LEO Satellite IoT Initiative:
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United States Coverage: With LEO satellites providing coverage even in the most remote locations, users will be able to access PTT communication services where traditional cellular networks cannot reach.
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System Redundancy: When traditional cellular networks fail LEO connectivity will take over allowing users to continue operating in critical times.
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Enhanced Reliability: Low Earth Orbit satellites ensure low latency and reliable performance, crucial for industries requiring instant communication in high-stakes situations.
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Seamless Integration: The new satellite IoT connectivity will work seamlessly with existing Diga-Talk+TM and School-RadioTM Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) devices and systems, ensuring minimal disruption for current users.
“Diga-Talk Solutions has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in communication technologies. By harnessing the emerging capabilities of Low Earth Orbit satellites, we are taking a giant leap forward in ensuring that our customers can rely on seamless, instantaneous communication anywhere in the country. This initiative will empower industries that depend on real-time collaboration and will play a key role in keeping workers safe, informed, and connected — no matter where their work takes them,” said Diga-Talk Solutions COO, Michael Ippolito.
by AllThingsECC.com | Mar 19, 2025 | Comm Center News
If you’ve ever wanted to be the calming voice on the other side of a crisis call, now’s the opportunity. Raleigh-Wake Emergency Communications Center is looking for individuals ready to serve their community in times of distress. The Center has opened applications for its 911 Training Academy, inviting candidates to join the ranks of those crucial first points of contact during emergencies.
For people looking to embark on a career of a significant impact, this could be the move. The academy, kicking off on June 12, is a 12 to 14 week dive into the skills necessary to manage critical situations over the phone. And here’s an enticing bit of info for job seekers—no prior experience is required. The job starts at a salary of $45,323.
Interested applicants have from today through April 6 to throw their hat into the ring. According to the release by the Raleigh Emergency Communications Center, the selection process includes a full background check, a job simulation, and an interview. This is to ensure that candidates are not only competent but also possess the emotional fortitude and quick-thinking capabilities needed for the role.
Those seeking more details or ready to submit their application can do so by visiting the official announcement on the City of Raleigh website.
by AllThingsECC.com | Mar 19, 2025 | Comm Center News
A couple in The Villages thanked a dispatcher for her life-saving assistance.
Jim and Nancy Rader of the Village of DeSoto recently visited the Sumter County Emergency Communications Center to meet Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Holly Sharlow, the voice on the other end of the 911 call that helped Nancy save her husband’s life.
On Oct. 28, 2023, Nancy Rader faced a terrifying moment when her husband, Jim, suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. In a state of panic, she dialed 911, where Sharlow answered and immediately provided calm, step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR. With Sharlow’s guidance, Nancy was able to keep chest compressions going for approximately six minutes, buying critical time until The Villages Public Safety Department arrived to take over advanced life-saving care.
“It was an honor to meet Jim and Nancy in person after such a life-changing event,” said Sharlow. “To know that the guidance I provided helped save a life is incredibly humbling. We don’t always get to hear the outcome of our calls, so meeting them and seeing Jim healthy was truly special. It’s why we do what we do.”
Nancy Rader said she will never forget the voice that guided her through one of the scariest moments of her life.
“I will forever be grateful for Holly’s guidance,” she said. “She walked me through every step and gave me the hope I needed to keep going until help arrived.”
by AllThingsECC.com | Mar 19, 2025 | Comm Center News
Samsung Electronics America today announced that the Chicago Police Department deployed 10,000 Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones to its officers. The Chicago Police Department is using Samsung mobile devices to help modernize police work where officers need to process vast amounts of information while personally engaging with their communities. The Samsung smartphones each include Samsung DeX, which gives users the experience of working on a desktop by connecting a smartphone or tablet to an external display device such as a TV, monitor or PC.1 Samsung DeX enables officers to quickly pivot from mobile to desktop experiences inside their vehicles – all without needing to return to their stations.
Samsung first partnered with the Chicago Police Department to launch a technology proof of concept in 2018. Under the expanded relationship, Samsung now provides mobile devices, Samsung DeX desktop experiences, and Samsung Knox security technologies for the city’s entire fleet of law enforcement, and has expanded to equip the Chicago Fire Department, as well. Today, Chicago’s police and firefighters rely upon Samsung technologies for secure information and communications as they protect and serve Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Giving Public Servants the Modern Mobile Tools They Need to Serve the Public
Chicago sought out technologies that would enable officers to engage with the people in their neighborhoods while reducing their time spent at desks processing paperwork. The Chicago Police Department is the second largest police force in the United States by sworn member size, with officers representing many ages and levels of experience, and the department needed to deploy a user-friendly technology that every person could use.
Paired with vehicle-mounted docks2, Samsung Galaxy smartphones proved to be the perfect modern solutions for officers. Moving from laptops to handheld devices enabled Chicago’s police to carry their tools everywhere, dramatically improving their ability to gather and access information in the field. “Thanks to Samsung DeX, we went from 3,000 vehicle-mounted laptops to around 10,000 Galaxy S-series phones that are now either assigned to officers or in a specific vehicle daily,” said Dennis Baliga, Deputy Director of IT Infrastructure, City of Chicago’s Office of Public Safety Administration.
The Chicago Fire Department chose Galaxy Tab tablets with unified mounts, using Samsung DeX in Vehicle to provide the same consistent desktop experience when connecting tablets to in-vehicle displays. Firefighters know that they’ll see the same desktop interface regardless of whether they are in a fire truck on the South Side or North Side of the city.
Samsung Technologies Are Improving Efficiency and Streamlining User Experiences
Using Samsung Knox Suite – Samsung’s enterprise-grade security platform – technology teams can design the mobile and desktop interfaces they want users to see on their devices, streamlining access to critical and secure applications. Better yet, Samsung Knox makes device setup fast. The Chicago Police Department reduced the amount of time spent provisioning a phone by 75%, compared with three years ago, saving the city’s teams countless hours.
“Between our Galaxy devices, Knox Suite, and Samsung DeX, they are really increasing efficiency and improving their cost savings,” said Todd Maxwell, Samsung U.S. Director of Business Development.
With custom configuration, Samsung devices enable officers to quickly access a wealth of specialized information directly from the field.
“Our Galaxy devices allow us access to state and local databases, city licensing and permitting, so at a special event, I’m able to check the parameters of a special event permit. We also have access to specific applications, like the Department of Transportation hazmat guide. Instead of carrying a big book that is inches thick and several pounds, I have an app on my phone. And I can access city service requests. If I need to report a pothole or traffic lights out, I can do it right from the phone,” explained Aaron Levine, Chicago Police Department Entertainment Venue Team Sergeant.
Samsung Knox also offers unparalleled device security – a must-have for officers who routinely handle sensitive data in the field.
“We trust the partnership we have with Samsung. As officers run people’s names, run their license plates, and are also logging into their systems, we have to worry about security like data leaks and HIPAA information. We are confident in Knox security. It ensures that they can do their job safely and securely,” said Dan Sullivan, Electrical Mechanic, City of Chicago’s Office of Public Safety Administration.
Supporting The Future of Public Safety and Services
From the versatile mobile-to-desktop transitions powered by DeX to the streamlined yet powerful and secure customizations enabled by Knox, Samsung equips public agencies and organizations with the technologies they need to meet modern challenges – from their offices and in the field. Samsung is dedicated to continually improving its products to support customers with cutting-edge innovations that precisely meet their needs.
The Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department’s successful implementation of Samsung’s solutions are already changing the way public servants interact with their communities, better preparing officers and firefighters to meet today’s neighborhood challenges. Samsung is continuing to develop tools that will improve communications, and outcomes for an even wider range of public agencies throughout the United States.
For more information about Samsung DeX, please visit https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/dex/
For more information about Samsung Knox, please visit https://www.samsungknox.com/
by AllThingsECC.com | Mar 18, 2025 | Comm Center News
Pilot project report shows accuracy and reliability of oral fluid testing instruments
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has finished a pilot project that could lead to new screening tools for law enforcement to save lives on Minnesota roads. The department’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) submitted results to state legislators this month on two oral fluid testing instruments that can help detect drug-impaired driving.
“Sadly, the deadly seriousness of impaired driving goes beyond just alcohol,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “Driving while under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol is a threat to every person on the road. Advances in roadside technology will help law enforcement identify drug-impaired drivers and keep us all safe.”
Statewide participation in the pilot project
Fifty-seven drug recognition evaluators (DREs) from 41 law enforcement agencies participated last year in the OTS-coordinated pilot project. They covered 36 counties across Minnesota.
The DREs tested two instruments, the Abbott SoToxa™ Oral Fluid Mobile Test System and the Dräger DrugTest 5000. They evaluated the instruments for factors such as ease of use, reliability, accuracy and practicality. The devices detect recent use of six drug classes and the specific chemicals that can impair drivers:
- Amphetamines: A stimulant that includes legal prescriptions to treat conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Benzodiazepines: A depressant that includes legal prescriptions to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Cannabinoids: Personal possession and use of certain amounts of cannabis and cannabis products are legal in Minnesota. The testing instruments detect the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the cannabinoid that can impair driving.
- Cocaine: An illegal stimulant.
- Methamphetamines: A stimulant.
- Opiates: A drug that includes legal prescriptions to treat pain.
The oral fluid testing instruments are screening tools, similar to preliminary breath tests (PBTs) law enforcement use to detect drunk driving. The tests help law enforcement gather evidence for establishing the probable cause needed to make a driving while impaired (DWI) arrest.
The pilot project was voluntary for drivers. DREs first performed the standard roadside evaluation of drivers suspected of impairment. If the driver agreed, they were then asked to provide an oral fluid sample for testing. The results couldn’t be used in court and did not establish probable cause for a DWI arrest.
Most common drugs detected were cannabinoids, methamphetamines and amphetamines
The pilot project showed how the simultaneous use of multiple substances is contributing to impairment. During the project, the instruments:
- Detected drugs in 87.2 percent of tests overall.
- Most frequently detected cannabinoids, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
- Detected more than one drug in 62 percent of the tests.
- Found that 90 percent of drivers who tested positive for alcohol with a PBT also tested positive for one or more drugs.
Blood or urine tests validated accuracy of oral fluid testing instruments
The oral fluid testing instruments are preliminary screening tools, but just like a PBT, their results can’t be used in court.
What can be used in court to help get a DWI conviction are blood or urine tests from DPS’ Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The pilot project showed that the oral fluid instruments accurately detected the same substances the BCA found in its laboratory tests. Most match rates exceeded 82 percent. As expected, the BCA detected more substances than the oral fluid testing instruments due to factors such as its more extensive testing capabilities.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Office of Traffic Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.
