As part of what the force described as a "TETRA radio refresh", more than 1,400 new Sepura radios have been deployed across the county.
The transition to the SC21 and SCG22 devices began with a trial undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and saw Sepura use a ‘provisioning service’, meaning the radios were pre-programmed and delivered to force headquarters ready to deploy as part of a “safe and accelerated transition”.
According to the ICT operational change business lead at Cumbria Police, Adrian Johnson, the SC21 radios offered an upgrade on the force’s previous devices due to their “powerful TETRA engine” and ability to maintain Airwave coverage in the county’s vast rural areas. The SCG22 mobile radio was purchased at the same time as it has comprehensive deployment options, including car, van, motorcycle and desk mount options, and shares a common interface to the SC21 acting as “a gateway”.
The radios were also programmed with a bespoke user interface which offered Cumbrian officers “a familiar user experience” to minimise officer training.
Johnson said: “Our officers have been providing policing services to our citizens and visitors to Cumbria throughout the Covid pandemic. The Sepura rollout occurred during this global pandemic, during which the team had to learn new ways of doing things safely.
“It is imperative in a mission critical environment that we have excellent relationships with suppliers and immediate access to subject matter experts when our technicians need help or advice. Sepura’s understanding of Cumbria Police’ requirements and willingness to work together was key to achieving the agreed solution.”
As of latest data counts, Cumbria Police has 1,108 police officers, 535 police staff, 93 police community support officers, and 86 special constables and serves a population of 500,000 across an area of 2,634 square miles.
