Portapique investigation: radio usage errors disrupt communications

The panel discussion on the digital radio system in Nova Scotia used by police and other first responders examined the technical aspects of the system and what happened on April 18-19, 2020 when a gunman killed 22 people.

” After the incident, it became apparent that some of the radio’s functions were not well understood. “

Christian Gallant explained that his role was to oversee the radio program and training for RCMP.

Several officers testified they had problems trying to communicate on their radios to share important updates or get directions during the shooting.

For example, during the incident at the fire station inOnslowtwo officers of RCMP mistakenly fired at a civilian they believed had been shot.

The investigation revealed that there were eight unsuccessful attempts to contact the commanders using the radio system.

An incident report released in March 2021 by the Nova Scotia Police Oversight Agency clarified the RCMP and blamed jammed radio communications on the incident.

But Bell Mobility’s director of engineering and public safety radio operations, Trevor MacLeodtold the Commission that the radio system was working as it should.

According to the expert, the system was never beyond its capacity during the tragedy.

When radio users receive a busy signal when they want to speak, Trevor MacLeod explained that their call was placed in a queue.

Agents must use the emergency request button to speak when the line is busy and it is not clear if they did so in April 2020.

Roundtable members explained that when the bright orange button is pressed, the radio user can talk immediately, even if they receive the signal that the line is busy.

He can speak for 20 seconds without delay, and the operational communication center knows this message.

Lacking in knowledge

Glen ByrneThe communications center commander told investigators he heard what his staff said Many times that some members of RCMP don’t know how to use their radios.

” Insanely, radio can save a member’s life before their gun! “

He said operational communications center staff often tell agents how to switch between channels and get to the right chat group.

In his opinion, this is a problem.

Roundtable participants also discussed the importance of the RTT button, which indicates to dispatchers at the operational communication center that a member of RCMP there is a message for them.

It is not clear whether agents with important information used this button.

Glen Byrne It is proposed that a full radio training course be given to RCMP members each year. Currently the course takes place every 4 years.

Christian Gallant also said that the RCMP there is now a weekly quiz with members so they know how it feels to use the emergency call button.

Muscle memory will develop

Regular physical training in the use of the radio and training in audible alerts and its features are essential so that the police do not waste time during a crisis, he recalled. Matthew Boyledirector of public safety and communications for the province.

There are other things going on around them, there is activity, noise, distractions, so here muscle memory becomes really important.he said.

The inquest also found on Thursday that a radio in the vehicle’s replica RCMP of the shooter is an older model that will not have the ability to listen to the digital radio network used by the RCMP during shooting.

Question of the commissioner Leanne Fitchhe added that it is possible to monitor older analog radios used by organizations such as firefighters. “It’s technically possible,” Boyle said.

The inquest will continue on Monday in Dartmouth. Small group discussions will take place with others involved in responding to this hunt.

With information from haley ryan ng CBC