The Chatham-Kent police service is embarking on a journey to replace all of their mobile radios over the next few years at an estimated cost of over $1.4 million.
Inspector Jason Chickowski said the cruiser radios and repeaters are more than 25 years old and eventually all must be replaced because used parts are no longer available for repairs and maintenance. He said police have been using parts from the last few spare systems in stock to piece together systems for the patrol vehicles.
Police will begin by replacing three radios over the next two to three months at an estimated price of $100,000, including installation.
"In recent years, the systems we have in our cruisers have begun to show their age with many of the vehicular repeaters failing or having continual maintenance to keep operational," said Chicowski.
He noted the suggested lifecycle for the police radios and repeaters is only 10-15 years, according to the manufacturer.
Chickowski said not buying the new radio systems could leave cruisers parked or without sufficient radio communications, jeopardizing both public and officer safety.
He added the used systems will then be used to keep the rest of the aging systems working, if they need parts for repairs.
The money to buy the radios and repeaters will come from police reserves.
Chickowski pointed out the fire department is in a similar predicament with their radios and repeaters.
