Many in the public have been asking about encryption and what this means.
While this doesn’t only include fire departments, this also includes many other agencies, who rely heavily on TMR for their communication.
TMR stands for trunked mobile radio, which is used for communications for many agencies during their day-to-day operations.
Encrypted TMR radios are currently used by RCMP, EHS, Municipal police and other agencies. TMR radios have major benefits, which allow for multi-agencies to communicate with each other along with daily routine communications.
Previously, TMR radios for Ground Search and Rescue, Fire Departments, Department of Natural Resources and other agencies, including multi-agency channels, were non-encrypted.
Going forward, the province of Nova Scotia has provided agencies with encrypted capable radios. This will allow for sensitive and critical information to be shared quicker and more efficiently.
In many cases, dispatch centres along with boots on the ground have been forced or hesitant from sharing extremely important information over radios. This results in first responders on the ground having to receive information by phone, due to communications being on non-encrypted channels.
With these new radios being implemented, information will be transmitted quicker and secured, allowing for the safety of the public and those who respond in a time of need.
Kudos to the staff from PSFC (Public Safety Field Communications) who have been working diligently over the last few months to ensure a smooth changeover.
Adrian J.
