In continuing to utilize the latest in technology to enhance public safety, the Loveland Police Department’s fleet will be outfitted with new radios in 2024.
Commonly, police agencies and first responders use mobile radios that are designed with frequencies to allow different organizations to communicate during an emergency. This year, LPD will upgrade to the newest in-cruiser model: the Motorola APX 4500 P25 CAP compliant mobile radio.
The new radios will improve agency interoperability, allowing LPD officers to communicate seamlessly with each other, as well as local, county, state, federal and other national channels. This is especially important in Loveland where the city’s jurisdictional boundaries overlap three counties and three neighboring townships, noted Chief Michael Gabrielson.
“We have excellent cooperation and mutual aid agreements with our neighboring agencies, and these radios will enhance our communication further,” Gabrielson explained.
The upgraded radios cost $30k. The city was awarded a $27k grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, bringing the out-of-pocket cost to just $3k.
The radios are the latest addition to LPD’s technology. In 2023, LPD officers were outfitted with portable body cameras, and Flock Safety Automated License Plate Readers were placed throughout the city to help alert officers for cars wanted in connection with crimes, stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and Amber/Silver Alerts for missing persons. In addition, LPD has started to outfit its vehicles with GPS pre-emption, or anticipation, devices. These units allow emergency vehicles to connect with traffic signal control boxes to receive a green light. All 13 of the city’s traffic signals utilize pre-emption.