The profile template listed below is a tool for gathering a variety of information, including: public safety demographics, topography, geography (regional organization of first responder communities), metropolitan areas, counties, state and local government breakdown, communication technology systems (statewide and regional), current and past interoperability efforts, and the leaders involved in those efforts. While more categories for information may be added to the template offered, the categories suggested directly relate to the information gathered throughout Virginia’s planning process.
State Profile Template
Answer the following questions to create a state profile, which will help establish many specifics known to the state.
City/Town
- What are the top 5-8 urban areas in the state? (Rank by population density.)
Topography
- What are some of the state’s topographic characteristics (i.e. mountainous on the east, coastal on the west)?
- How accessible are various urban areas to state highway systems?
Geography/Regional Structure
- What geographic breakdown do each of the first responder organizations rely on?
- What are the similarities across such agencies?
- How could the state be broken down to reflect both the rural and urban perspectives?
- How is the state broken down by county/township etc.?
Current and Past Interoperability Efforts
- Who is/was involved in interoperability efforts?
- Where in the state do/did these efforts occur?
- Where does/did the funding for the effort come from?
- Who is/was the point of contact?
Communications Technology Systems
- What technology systems are currently available in the state?
- What vendors have been used?
- How are mutual aid channels and shared frequencies used? By whom and under what conditions?
Governmental Considerations
- What legislation exists at the state/local levels that support interoperability efforts?
- Which elected officials have prioritized increasing interoperable communications for first responders?
- Are there any aspects of the state government that are assigned funds to address the public safety and first responder communities?