Schiff Participates in Demonstration of New Public Safety Communications System
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Schiff participated in a demonstration of a new public safety communications system with Members of Congress, local public safety officers, and local public officials. The demonstration highlighted the new Interagency Communications Interoperability System (ICIS) which allows public safety officials from various agencies to communicate quickly and effectively in order to coordinate efforts when a local crisis occurs.
“With the constant threat of an earthquake, forest fire and a new era of homeland security demands, it is imperative that our firefighters, police, first responders and public officials have the ability to communicate in a time of crisis,” Schiff said. “The cities in our region continue to lead the way in the development of interoperable communications systems. Whether chasing a suspect across city lines, reacting to a hillside fire, or worse, it is imperative that our emergency responders have the ability to communicate quickly and uninterrupted. This is a core recommendation of the bipartisan 911 commission, and I will continue to push to see each of the commission recommendations implemented in our community and around the nation.”
Rep. Schiff has continually fought for funding for ICIS during his tenure in Congress, and obtained $500,000 for our local communications system -- a top priority of law enforcement and emergency responders. Often, local law enforcement agencies, first responders and other public safety officials use differing communications equipment that does not allow agencies to talk to one another. ICIS allows seamless communication between all those responsible for responding to a local crisis such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
Congressman Schiff is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.