November 2023

11/15/23 | Issue 24

Law Enforcement Connections for School PDs

With the recent expansion of police departments at schools and universities, AWIN has seen an uptick in the applications for school police departments to join AWIN. Even one AWIN radio in the hands of a school resource officer or administrator can provide a vital communication resource during a critical incident..... but only if there is someone on the other end to help.

In an effort to encourage interoperability and the best possible use of the AWIN system, AWIN has recently begun requesting that school PDs applying for radio IDs first seek a talkgroup permission from their local law enforcement agency. This may be the city's police department, or perhaps the county sheriff's office. We firmly believe that programming such talkgroups into a school's AWIN radio from the onset will lead to better outcomes in dire situations.

The AWIN Talkgroup Permission Agreement is an easy-to-complete form available on the AWIN website. Please contact Rachel Wilson, AWIN User Experience Lead, at 501-683-0491 or rachel.wilson@adem.arkansas.gov for any questions or assistance.

AWIN Talkgroup Permission Agreement

AWIN Heads to the Ouachita Mountains

AWIN has multiple tower sites located on federal lands in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, managed by the U.S. Forestry Service. These sites are required to undergo annual inspections of the buildings, structures and equipment to ensure good conditions. The photo above was taken earlier this month by David Baker, AWIN Program Manager, while heading to the Tall Peak site in beautiful Polk County for the annual inspection.

Thank you, David, for the lovely photo.