Building bridges

The Homeland Security Department has created the Office of Interoperability and Compatibility within the Science and Technology Directorate.

Among the responsibilities of that new office:

Coordinate compatibility of communications, equipment and training among federal, state and local governments, and expand the focus on interoperability into critical infrastructure protection and emergency response and recovery.

Reduce unnecessary duplication of programs and spending.

Oversee DHS' longer-term efforts to create an integrated system of regional communications that lets public safety personnel communicate.

Research and test existing and emerging technologies.

Source: Homeland Security Department