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New radio system connects Hillsborough deputies, Tampa police

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Deputies and police officers in Hillsborough County can now communicate with each other on a common radio system by switching to a certain channel.

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By CHIP OSOWSKI | News Channel 8

Published: July 23, 2009

Updated: 07/23/2009 10:28 am

TAMPA - The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office unveiled a new radio system this morning that allows first responders across the county to communicate with each other.

The system includes the sheriff's office, the Tampa Police Department, the University of South Florida Police Department and the school district's security force. The sheriff's office and Tampa police began using the system Monday.

The system allows emergency responders to directly communicate with each other in the field.

"You know, bad guys don't have jurisdictional boundaries like we do," said Tampa police Maj. Marc Hamlin said. "In the past, if a Tampa police officer was investigating a crime and he found out the bad guy went into the county … he would have to have our dispatcher call their Hillsborough County communications … [and] let them know that we're going to [a] certain address."

Deputy Larry McKinnon says the system will also enhance homeland security, allowing first responders to quickly call on critical resources during a hurricane or other emergency. It also will assist in the management of large events as well as with day-to-day public safety calls.

Tampa Fire Rescue, the Tampa International Airport Police Department, the Temple Terrace Police Department and the Plant City Police Department are not on the system but will be able to monitor the countywide talk group.

8-million dollars in federal funding from the homeland security budget paid for the radio upgrade.

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