The Public Safety System Modernization project will include replacement of the current CAD/RMS system, replacement of public safety mobile and portable radios, upgrade of non-public safety mobile and portable radios, and replacement of core voice radio communications infrastructure. The previously approved Fire Station Alerting System Upgrades project (CIP #451000) was transferred to this project in order to coordinate the upgrades with the new CAD system. The alerting system upgrades will modernize the fire station alerting systems at 43 existing work sites, maintaining the ability to notify fire and rescue stations of emergencies. The alerting system, including audible and data signals, is essential for the notification of an emergency and the dispatch of appropriate response units from the County. As voice, data, and video are beginning to converge to a single platform, this project will provide a pathway to a modern public safety support infrastructure that will enable the County to leverage technology advances and provide efficient and reliable systems for first responders. This project will follow the methodologies and strategies presented in the Public Safety Systems Modernization (PSSM) plan completed in July 2009.

The infrastructure update for the Public Safety Radio System was completed in March 2021. The installation of the desktop radio consoles for the Alternate Emergency Communications Center and CAD A3 integration was completed in FY24.

The County's public safety infrastructure-including the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, voice radio communications, and fire station alerting systems-requires urgent modernization to meet current operational demands, ensure reliable emergency response, and maintain interoperability with regional partners. Legacy systems have reached end-of-life, lack vendor support, and pose risks to public safety operations. The legacy CAD system was no longer capable of supporting the County's emergency response needs, resulting in delays in dispatching first responders to 9-1-1 calls. The voice radio system is no longer covered under manufacturer support as of December 31, 2009, jeopardizing system reliability and access to replacement parts and technical expertise. Fire station alerting systems were found to have inadequate maintenance support and spare parts, threatening the continuity of fire/rescue operations. The CAD Roadmap Study (2009) recommended system replacement to support Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities. The modernization aligns with the MCFRS Master Plan (2005) and the Station Alerting and Public Address System Rev 1 (2006). Supports County goals for regional interoperability, resilience, and public safety excellence. Continued reliance on unsupported systems increases the risk of system failure, communication breakdowns, and delayed emergency response. Improved dispatch and communications infrastructure enhance response times, situational awareness, and coordination across agencies. Modernization ensures compliance with FCC 800 MHz rebanding mandates, reducing legal and operational risks. Modernizing the County's public safety systems is a critical investment in the safety and well-being of residents and first responders. The project addresses aging infrastructure, aligns with strategic plans, mitigates operational risks, and positions the County for future technological advancements in emergency communications.

Prior to FY25, this project was located in the County Offices Sub-Category.

In FY09, funding included Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds totaling $2.055 million and the Fire Act grant funds totaling $988,000. FY18 supplemental in Contributions for the amount of $32,000 for additional equipment required for Local Fire Rescue Departments (LFRDs). FY18 funding switch of $283,000 from is due to a transfer of Current Revenue General for $283,000 from Technology Modernization (MCG) project offset by an equal reduction in Short-term Financing. In FY22, a $2.0 million transfer to a Dickerson Radio Tower project (342302). FY22 funding switch reduced Short-term Financing and increased Recordation Tax by $293,000. FY23 funding switch reduced Short-Term Financing and increased Current Revenue by $2.366 million because software as a service is not financeable. In FY27, funding will be shifted to the Police Enterprise RMS (472703) project and $454,000 in GO Bonds will be transferred to the Roof Replacement Project (508331).

Executive Steering Committee will be formed with Executive Program Directors, Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), Department of Police, Sheriff's Office, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Gaithersburg Police, Rockville Police, States Attorney Office, Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Park Police, Takoma Park, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority(WMATA).