Final evaluation report : Managua police communication projects

Data is derived from an in-country review. After the 1972 Managua earthquake had eliminated what organizational, operational, and equipment capabilities the Managua police had, new radio networks and communication procedures were designed to implement more modern police communication concepts. A communication operations control and dispatch center was formed in the headquarters of the Managua police. The police and their Traffic Division are now assigned independent frequencies to avoid message congestion. Both networks are controlled from a common radio communication room for maximum coordination. A new telephone console with switchgear equipment has also been installed at the headquarters. Within the metropolitan area, a maximum of 17 precinct stations are being equipped with base station radios to permit instant situation reports to and from the communications center. Patrol sedans and jeeps are equipped with mobile radios and are assigned patrol routes throughout Managua. Motorcycle units utilize hand-held portable radios which remain with the officer when away from his motorcycle. An operational plan is in use to coordinate all police radio elements into a smoothly functioning group and to permit the most effective employment of the radio system. Future expansion of police jurisdiction in rural areas should be accompanied by plans to expand radio communication services to assigned police units appart from the National Guard. Installation of an emergency generator plant for the Police Communication Center should proceed quickly. A 3-digit phone number for citizen calls to the police should be pursued with phone authorities and a public information program about it should follow. Procedural techniques should be developed to periodically check the location of patrol and traffic cars by the radio operators. A police candidate should be selected for additional training in the Telecommunication Management Course of the International Police Academy of AID/W.