Debunking 5 Myths About Interoperability in Public Safety

Interoperability is important but often misunderstood. If you asked five different public safety professionals what interoperability is, you might get five different answers.

Interoperability is the ability to share mission-critical information in real time between separate public safety agencies, especially during emergencies. It lets you launch a coordinated response across various platforms, partner agencies and community organizations. Interoperability is necessary for effective communication, quick decision-making and improved service delivery during crises.

How do you achieve true interoperability? It requires modern technology, like a CAD-to-CAD solution that allows computer-aided dispatch systems to communicate across various agencies and jurisdictions. But as we’ll see soon, technology isn’t everything.

Many believe that interoperability just means upgrading technology or that it’s too expensive for smaller agencies. These beliefs aren’t entirely true. 

In this article, we’ll debunk five common myths about interoperability so your agency can make decisions based on truth (instead of assumptions) and improve its emergency response.

5 Myths About Interoperability

Myth 1: Interoperability Mainly Involves Upgrading Technology

It’s common to view interoperability as a technical issue, exclusively. After all, without an advanced CAD-to-CAD network integrating with other agency systems, true interoperability is impossible. But even the best tech can’t achieve interoperability if your agency is missing the key factors below.

Interoperability is about more than just technology. Inter-agency factors like trust, communication, collaboration and standardization are equally important. 

Without mutual trust, agencies can’t collaborate or communicate effectively. They will be reluctant to share sensitive information. And without collaboration, interoperability is impossible. 

One way to foster trust is to standardize protocols and training between agencies. This includes consistent policies, procedures, and security measures around sensitive data. If these things are standardized, it will be easier for agencies to trust one another. Then, and only then, can technology do its job.

Myth 2: Legal Barriers Prevent Data Sharing

Many agencies think legal restrictions are the main hurdle to data sharing. This belief often arises from concerns about violating privacy laws or mishandling sensitive information. For example, they mistakenly believe that laws like HIPAA or CJIS forbid sharing information. 

In reality, these laws provide frameworks for how data can be safely and legally shared. So while legal considerations are important, they don’t inherently block data sharing. 

Many laws and regulations, such as those regarding data protection, are designed with provisions that allow for information exchange when it is crucial for public safety. Moreover, agreements and protocols can be established to ensure data is shared responsibly and within legal boundaries.

When public safety agencies understand the regulations and invest in the right processes, legal barriers can be navigated, allowing for the secure exchange of information needed to coordinate a unified emergency response.

Myth 3: All Agencies Are Equally Resistant to Sharing Data

A common myth is that all public safety agencies resist sharing data due to competition or territorial attitudes. This notion may stem from isolated incidents where agencies clashed over jurisdiction or control.

In truth, many agencies are eager to share information and collaborate, understanding that interoperability improves their emergency response. More often than not, it depends on agency leaders, past experiences and the technology available to facilitate secure data exchange.

Progressive agencies use collaborative platforms and inter-agency agreements to break down barriers, proving that data sharing is possible and beneficial with the right tools and attitudes. These efforts show a commitment to community safety over agency pride.

Myth 4: Interoperability Solutions Are Too Expensive for Most Agencies

Most public safety agencies have limited budgets, making this myth one of the most common. But interoperability solutions are not universally expensive. Every system (and price) is different.

There are cost-effective solutions available. And many interoperability improvements can be achieved through policy changes, strategic planning and existing resources. Additionally, grants and federal support can alleviate financial burdens associated with interoperability upgrades.

In reality, the cost of not having interoperable systems – such as duplicated efforts and inefficient responses – can be far greater in the long run.

Myth 5: Larger Agencies Naturally Have Better Interoperability

Some believe that larger public safety agencies have better interoperability, assuming their bigger budgets and resources let them adopt new technology more easily.

However, agency size doesn’t guarantee better interoperability. Large agencies often face complex bureaucracy, outdated systems and siloed departments. These challenges can actually hinder the sharing of information and resources, as well as the approval and implementation of technology solutions. They may have more money in the budget, but they also have more expenses.

Smaller agencies, on the other hand, might adopt more flexible approaches to interoperability due to their need to maximize limited resources and ability to change protocols more quickly.

More than agency size, interoperability relies on strategic planning, commitment to collaboration and effectively leveraging resources. This makes it important for all agencies, regardless of size, to take proactive steps toward improving interoperability.

The Truth Behind Interoperability: Benefits & Realities

Interoperability in public safety is often misunderstood, surrounded by myths that obscure its true benefits – like improved response times. When agencies can share data and resources across jurisdictions, they can send the most appropriate unit to an incident. And thanks to mobile data sharing, that unit will be more prepared upon arrival. In a job when every second matters, faster response times save lives. 

Moreover, interoperability increases citizen and responder safety by providing mission-critical, real-time information that aids in decision-making. It breaks down information silos within and between agencies.

It also ensures that resources are used judiciously, which reduces overall operational costs over time. By avoiding redundant systems and processes, agencies can allocate their budgets more effectively.

The truth is, interoperability is necessary to improve emergency response systems. While technology isn’t the only way to achieve interoperability, it is the fastest and most effective.

With a CAD-to-CAD system like CentralSquare Unify, dispatch centers can communicate with a bi-directional data-sharing network to send the most appropriate unit to any call, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

Schedule a discovery call today to learn how our advanced emergency response systems can help your agency maximize its current resources and improve response times.