Training and technology for first responders | 11.16.2005 | 05:09:06 | Views: 4223 | ID: November 16 '05: Training is the key word when it comes to homeland security operations and communication according to newly released information concerning state and local grants to governments from the Department of Homeland Security. Government Security News reported this week that according to the Program Manager for the Office of Domestic Preparedness James Turk, training and technology are "key" when it comes to implementing new technology designed to help connect inter-governmental agencies with state, local and private sector organizations and governments. Turk told a conference sponsored by the Industry Advisory Council that because of the learning curve with new technology, "Training is the key. It will be a never-ending requirement." Because many first responders and local law enforcement are being introduced to new technology that might be unfamiliar to them, in emergency cases, those who are not trained with the equipment will use "more familiar channels" Turk said during the conference, GCN reported. And one official in Montgomery County, MD mirrored that sentiment. David Lynn, the director of county's police technology division said even though new technology has increased the time an officer spends on a beat by as much as one-third, "Training has been a huge expense. ... It's expensive and intensive." Lynn said that in order for new technology to be effective, it must require cultural change and technical support, GCN reported.
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