"KMA367"
History of L.A.P.D Communications
1970 - 1980s

Over the following years, of course, much upgrading and modernization did occur. The old paper-tape teletypes were replaced by continuous-feed paper machines, and those in turn were replaced by computer terminals. Rotary-dial phones were replaced by touch-tone and Centrex® switching. The "Gamewell" system - street-corner callboxes connected to manual patch-cord switchboards - was converted into part of the regular city telephone network. More radio channels on more dependable frequencies and equipment were put into service. But the actual dispatching system remained virtually identical to that of the 1930s. 
     

For a detailed description of LAPD's pre-CAD dispatching procedures and forms, please go HERE!


In the late 1960's, under the direction of Chief Tom Reddin, the department embarked on a mission to see if and how "space age" technologies could be put to use in the long-term by LAPD. It had become apparent that the dispatching system was quickly becoming obsolete, and would not be capable of handling expected call volumes in the 1970s and 1980s.

Chief Thomas Reddin

Reddin's staff began working with Hughes Aircraft Company to study the existing communications system's efficiency and effectiveness, and developed a conceptual design for updating it. 
 

In 1972, under Chief Edward Davis, Jet Propulsion Laboratories performed a detailed analysis of those ideas, found them to be practical and technically feasible, and proposed a phased implementation over a number of years.

  Chief Edward M. Davis

His expertise with LAPD had centered on investigation and law, but one of Tom Reddin's last assignments before becoming Chief was the command of Technical Services Bureau, where he gained first-hand knowledge of the capabilities, shortcomings and potential of the department's communications system
  

Although he was almost universally known as "Crazy Ed" by his officers, Davis was one of the most knowledgeable, innovative, and competent leaders the LAPD has ever had. It was during his administration that many of the Communications
modernization plans were finalized.

 


E.C.C.C.S.


The culmination of those far-sighted plans was the "Emergency Command Control Communications System" (ECCCS, pronounced "X"), which consisted of five subsystems:
 

The ECCCS Radio System (in the "UHF-T" band, at 506 & 507 MHz)

Mobile Digital Terminals (MDTs)

Computer-Aided Dispatching (CAD)

Remote Out-of-Vehicle Emergency Radios (ROVERs)
(the venerable "workhorse" Motorola MX350s in the beginning)

Area Command Centers (ACCs) at the 18 local police stations
 

"R.O.V.E.R.s"

The first phase was assignment of new voice radio channels to uniformed divisions, starting with Central Bureau in March, 1981, Valley Bureau in December of that year, and South and West Bureaus followed in July of 1982. First used were the popular "old reliable" Motorola MX-350® handheld radios.

It should be remembered that, until that time, the technology and costs associated with portable or "handheld" radios made their widespread use impractical in a city as large as Los Angeles. 

THESE 8-channel repeatered radios...
Replaced THESE 4-channel "bricks"
(usually called "CC-units" after their transmitter equipment number)

(and now they're quickly being replaced by Astros)
 

Being able to now equip every officer with his own two-way radio was a real milestone for LAPD and officer safety.

MDTs

For digital communication with the Mobile Data Terminals in the police cars, it was decided to use the five former VHF "voice" dispatch frequency pairs, one for each geographic bureau and one for city-wide or back-up use.
  MDTs give officers a second means of communication with the dispatch center and with each other. A significant number of messages do not require voice communications, such as routine status changes and database inquiries. 

The MDTs have typewriter-like keyboards, computer-like monitors, and 16 "status" and other standard message buttons. 

Important MDT capabilities include:
  • The ability to receive calls for service displayed on a screen, thus reducing voice-radio congestion. 
  • Direct access to computerized databases to obtain want/warrant, stolen vehicle, DMV and other information without having to go thru the RadioTelephone Operator. 
  • Digital messaging from car to car, to the station or to Communications Division, and 
  • One-touch "Officer needs Help," officer needs "assistance," and request "back-up" buttons, which signal Communications the unit's identification and last known location.

CDC Opens ... and 9-1-1 arrives

The computer-assisted dispatch system went online in the new "Central Dispatch Center," four stories below City Hall East, at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday April 17, 1983. Dispatching for the five patrol areas of the Valley Bureau was transferred from their former "mike room" in Van Nuys. After a 6-month shake-down period, the three remaining bureaus went online in October. 

Three months later, in January of 1984, the 9-1-1 emergency number became operational throughout the City of Los Angeles. In nine short (but well-planned for) months, LAPD's communications system had undergone a complete make-over.
The CDC was equipped with 62 consoles and terminals, including:
  • 55 CDC Operator consoles: Each CDC Operator had two display screens, a keyboard, a radio-control panel, a headset, a telephone keyset, and an instant-playback recorder. Four of these consoles were also designated as "Alarm Positions" and are equipped with special 60-button keysets connected to alarm lines. 

Operators ("Police Service Representatives") were assigned daily to either a radio-dispatching position, a 9-1-1 phone position or another auxiliary telephone assignment.
  • 4 Bureau Communications Coordinator consoles: The "BCCs" were supervisory operators, who also perform additional duties, such as using extra voice radio frequencies when needed, inputting additional computer commands, and monitoring the telephone system operation.

System Monitor Operator

  • 1 System Monitor Operator Console: This console has hardware ID displays for all ROVER frequencies, and computer status and reconfiguration capabilities. The "SMO" makes sure the whole system keeps running.

  • 1 Data Service Bureau System Operator terminal

  • 1 Communications Division Watch Commander terminal 

Radio Control Panel - Rows of lights at top show the status of radio frequencies Several thousand police officers had to learn how to use the MDT's too. A Police Academy training session.

 

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