Recent news
North Dakota Governor appoints Shawn Riley as Chief Information Officer
Important SIRN documents: SIRN 20/20 Feasibility Study, SIRN Governance Program
What is the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN-pronounced siren) 20/20 Study?
SIRN 20/20 is a statewide initiative to study and recommend a consensus solution for delivering, integrating, and supporting mission critical interoperable radios systems, and training for first responders and the public safety community. Based on the results of an initial 2014 study sponsored by first responder associations in the state, the North Dakota Legislature approved funds to determine the best solution. Led by the SIEC and managed by the North Dakota Information Technology Department, the public safety community conducted research to assess, measure, and determine public safety needs across North Dakota. As part of the study, we measured how best to acquire and integrate this new, and vital tool in the public safety community across local, tribal, and state public safety offices.
Why now?
North Dakota first responders have outstandingly continued to provide a safe environment for the State. Unfortunately, both the initial study and the more recent in-depth study indicated that the current approach to how we utilize public safety communications has its limits. In order to continually improve service to the public and effectively work together in delivering fire, rescue, law enforcement and aid across the State, we need to determine when and how to transition to an interoperable solution that ensures responders have the means to assist each other and the people of North Dakota regardless of their state, local, or tribal affiliation. While the recent study shows that transitioning to an industry standard APCO Project 25 (P25) interoperable statewide communications system will greatly benefit public safety, the SIEC must continue to work with state and local leaders to plan the most cost effective and affordable approach to implementation.
What did the study find?
After careful study and discussion with hundreds of public safety officials, communications professionals, and community leaders across the state, the study team found that significant opportunities exist for improvement of interoperability and coverage in urban and rural areas. Moreover, multiple jurisdictions are rapidly approaching a need to transition away from current conventional radio communications systems due to upcoming end of support from equipment manufacturers. Implementation of a comprehensive and collaboratively developed communications network across the state and at all jurisdictional levels can transform public safety operations during day to day, mutual aid, and task force supported events. These changes would directly benefit the public and the public safety officials who serve them. The full report is available at the following link: SIRN 20/20 Feasibility Study
Program Support
After completing the study, the results were then distributed across the state through this website as well as through one on one, small group, and association wide meetings in order to ensure the broadest dissemination and understanding of the study's outcome and recommendations. Through that process, the SIEC has received multiple letters of endorsement, including the North Dakota 911 Association, Sheriffs and Deputies Association, Chiefs of Police Association, Police Officers Association, the Emergency Services Communications Coordinating Committee, Emergency Managers Association, Emergency Medical Services Association, Fire Chiefs Association, and North Dakota County Commissioners Associations. Additionally, Sheriffs departments, Fire departments, 911 centers, Mayors, County Commissions, and Police departments across the state have submitted local letters of endorsement in response to the report recommendations.
What's next?
The SIEC has reviewed and accepted the results of the study with recommendations to stand up a Governing organization. Additionally, an overview of the proposed program was presented to the Legislative IT Committee and the Statewide IT Advisory Committee last fall. ITD is currently slated to present the results to the Legislative Appropriations Committees during North Dakota's 65th Legislative Assembly as required by Century Code from the 64th Assembly.