New Zealand Police has awarded a tender for encrypted digital radio facilities for Police specialist groups to Tait Communications Ltd.
The tender is for the supply and support of APCO P25 digital radio equipment and is worth around $6 million. The new equipment will replace obsolete analogue encrypted fixed network facilities currently used by Police specialist groups such as the Armed Offenders Squad, Special Tactics Group and investigators.
Police ICT manager Rohan Mendis says Tait was chosen as it provided the best technical and support fit with Police and the New Zealand situation.
"This new technology will not only improve the security and reliability of Police communications, but will also give more flexibility for special Police operations."
He said the existing analogue encrypted radio network is around 23 years old and operating well beyond its expected life.
The signing of a supply contract with Tait is subject to a successful proof of concept phase which is expected to be completed by the end of October. This will be followed by a pilot project with Police specialist groups in Wellington, before the equipment is rolled out nationwide to specialist groups in other main centres.
Installation and support of the equipment will be the responsibility of Police.
For more information:
Media Services
NZ Police
Phone 04 474 9442