California Interoperable Communications
Interoperability is the ability for emergency responders to communicate among jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government, using a variety of frequency bands, as needed and as authorized.
While interoperability is easy to define, implementing radio interoperability statewide involves the cooperation and collaboration with agencies and groups throughout the entire state of California. We achieve this cooperation and collaboration through a number or key committees and individuals. Successful interoperability in California relies on the collaborative interaction between a number of agencies at all levels throughout the state.
Interoperable Communications Planning
CalSIEC
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) is tasked with managing the interoperability spectrum and developing governance on behalf of all California public safety emergency responders. The CalSIEC consists of the planning chair / co-chairs from each of the CalSIEC Planning areas. Each Planning area has established a governance structure for interoperable communications that is comprised of emergency responders and public safety agencies from all public safety responders in the operational areas to include state agencies.
Events
California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CalSIEC) Meeting
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Public Safety Communications Offices 630 Sequoia Pacific Blvd., Rooms 115A&B, Sacramento, CA 95811
To participate in the video conference:
Go to: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 251 729 195 549
Passcode: qyhmCW
To participate by telephone:
1. Teleconference number: 415-906-4037
2. When prompted enter: 871 695 926#
For Assistance
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You can contact Elizabeth Stohlman at:
Elizabeth.stohlman@caloes.ca.gov
Past Events Videos/Notes
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024 —– Presentation —– Video
- Tuesday, May 16, 2023
- Tuesday February 14, 2023
- Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Northern Planning Area Committee (NPAC) – VACANT, NPAC Co – Chair , Mike Grant, mgrant@pcso.net, NPAC Co-Chair
Capital-Bay Planning Area (CBPA) –Andy Smith, andy.smith@sanjoseca.gov, CBPA Chair; Kody Kerwin, kodykerwin@gmail.com, CBPA Co-Chair
Central Planning Area (CPA) – Adam Amaral, Adam.Amaral@countyofmerced.com, Chair; and Gregory Padilla, Gregory.padilla@fire.ca.gov, Co-Chair
Southern Planning Area (SPA) – Jeff Hebert, jeff.hebert@sdsheriff.org, SPA Co-Chair; and Timothy Buchfeller, tbuchfel@riversidesheriff.org,SPA Co-Chair
Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC)
The SWICs office is the central coordination point for interoperable emergency communications effort in the state of California. The current SWIC is Devin Clarke:
devin.clarke@caloes.ca.gov (916) 894-5009.
The current Deputy SWIC is Shelly McMahon: Shelly.McMahon@caloes.ca.gov (916) 894-5014
Contact the SWIC at swic@caloes.ca.gov for more information.
Some of the SWIC responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) and Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP)
- Program Management
- Governance and Policy Development
- Grants Coordination
- Education and Outreach
SWICs formally serve as members of the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), a national governance body established to assist State and territory interoperability coordinators with promoting the critical importance of interoperable communications and best practices within their States and nationally.
Incident Communications Working Group (ICWG)
The California Incident Communications Working Group (ICWG) is a standing workgroup of the California Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (CALSIEC). ICWG is the designated Peer Review Committee (PRC) for All-Hazard Incident Communications Unit positions in accordance with best practices as published by the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) and the DHS SAFECOM Communications Unit Working Group. To request the document that describes the policies and procedures that will be followed by the ICWG, please contact SWIC@caloes.ca.gov.
Credentialing Process
A primary objective of the ICWG is to support the credentialing process of All-Hazards Incident Communications personnel as defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The documents below are Information Sheets for each position and the checklist for obtaining a Position Task Book (PTB) approval:
California Regional All-Hazards Communications Unit Recognition Submission Checklist
- CA Regional All-Hazards Comms Unit Submission Checklist
- CA Regional All-Hazards Comms Unit Agency Certification
Position Information Sheets
- Communications Unit Leader (COML)
- Communications Technician (COMT)
- Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)
- Incident Tactical Dispatcher (INTD)
- Information Technology Services Unit Leader (ITSL)
- Radio Operator (RADO)
Interoperability Documents
The following documents are State and Federal guidelines for interoperable communications:
- California Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (CalSCIP)
- California Interoperability Field Operations Guide (CalIFOG)
National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG)
National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP)
Interoperability Guidelines, Technical Assistance and Grant Guidance
The following links and documents are useful tools for planning and implementing interoperability communications.
Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance (TA) Program Resources:
CISA Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program (ICTAP) Resources | CISA
US Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Communications:
http://www.dhs.gov/office-emergency-communications
- California On-Scene Emergency Coordination (CalCORD)
- California Emergency Services Radio System (CESRS)
- California Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Radio System (CALAW)
- California Law Enforcement Radio System (CLERS)
- Interop Channel Request
- Operational Area Satellite Information System (OASIS)
- State Communications “High Frequency Single-Sideband” Radio System (STACOM)
- Statewide Gateway SOP
- State Frequency Coordination and Licensing