Interoperability for Emergency Responders

Immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, an aroused nation began to respond in new ways to the threats of worldwide terrorism.  Among the most promising of these response initiatives was the application of advanced technologies capable of increasing the effectiveness of those charged with defending the homeland.  Working with San Diego's Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS), CSA proposed the use of space-related technologies to enhance operations.  A project was designed to demonstrate the benefits of satellite-based interoperability communications.

• Recommendation:
  Support Assembly Bill 1559 (Gordon)
  This measure would enact the Homeland Security Communications Interoperability Bond Act of 2005, thereby authorizing the issuance of bonds for the purposes of financing the acquisition of equipment for, and implementing,  a statewide communication interoperability system.

Real-Time Monitoring of Water Quality

No current early warning system can meet all the recognized concerns associated with accidental or intentional contamination of the state's drinking water supplies.  In association with CSA, Scitor Corporation and Frontier Technology Inc, a continuously operating, autonomous water monitoring system, with satellite-based support, is being developed.  The demonstration will deploy an array of Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) approved monitors capable of reliably detecting certain chemical, biological and radiological agents in various water districts throughout the state.

• Recommendation:
  Support CSA's efforts to deploy and demonstrate this project. 
  Identify state support to broaden the program, which is currently federally funded.

Public Safety Enhancement

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed to meet the military needs of the Department of Defense, but new ways to use its capabilities are continually being applied.  Utilizing satellite-based technology can exponentially force-multiply the existing law enforcement community by freeing up needed man-power without jeopardizing public safety.

• Recommendation:
  Support Assembly Bill 1152 (La Suer)
  Support Senate Bill 619 (Speier)
  Support Senate Bill 963 (Ashburn)
  Support Senate Bill 1074 (Hollingsworth)
  These bills authorize the use of GPS technology as an electronic monitoring device and otherwise would allow for GPS technology in monitoring probationers and parolees of various types

Back to Space Day 2005 Sacramento

Back to the top