2003 Adopted Resolutions
71st Annual Meeting
Denver

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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS

WHEREAS, the role of wired and wireless communications in times of emergencies, either man-made or natural, has taken on vital importance; and

WHEREAS, the availability of such services and their regulation are, for the most part, conducted at the federal and state levels of government; but

WHEREAS, the resolution of these various issues has a significant impact on local governments and their ability to protect and serve their constituents; and

WHEREAS, among the public safety communications issues being discussed at the federal and state levels are:

  • Interoperability of communications, between and among federal, state and local government first responders;
  • Availability of spectrum, free of interference, for local government use in providing enhanced public safety communications including data and video wireless transmissions;
  • Funding for the acquisition of, and training on, interoperable networks and equipment;
  • Prioritization for repair and reconnection of public safety communications networks;
  • Dedication of user fees for the deployment of enhanced wireless 911 services such that first responders can locate a wireless 911 caller; and
  • Viability and operation of emergency notification services such as those called "reverse 911" services, which permit a local government to broadcast a notice to citizens via their telephone, achievable only if local governments have access to 911 databases; and

WHEREAS, the Mayors of America's cities assembled here in Denver for the 71st Annual Conference are concerned that such issues are being discussed without the full participation of local government,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors calls upon federal and state legislators and regulators, as well as our industry partners, to respect the voice of local government in these debates and to ensure that first responders' needs are promoted and preserved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is directed to provide a report on these issues at the 2004 Winter Business meetings to both the Transportation and Communications and the Criminal and Social Justice Committees.