Police radio shortage

JACKSON, MS — Two police departments in Hinds County are dealing with a communication problem tonight.  Both have a shortage of police radios, and that’s making officer’s jobs more difficult.

Raymond Police Chief Jason Crotwell tells us he recently ordered seven new EFJohnson radios, which are compatible with the county’s communication system.

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors approved the 19-thousand dollar purchase in August. But, Chief Crotwell says, he found out today his order isn’t going through because the phone distributor, Northstar Wireless, no longer has a dealer license agreement with EFJohnson radios.

The concern for the community is all about safety for residents and officers.

The Raymond Police Department currently has six radios. But, there are 12 officers when fully staffed.

“It’s not usually a big deal until we’re all working at the same time,” comments Chief Crotwell.

He says when they work big events in the city, like a parade or their country fair, his officers have to use their personal cell phones to communicate with each other.

“If one of my officers is in trouble, they don’t have time to pull out a cell phone and dial a number. He needs to be able to key up that radio and get help,” explains Chief Crotwell.

They also need to be able to communicate with the other law enforcement agencies within Hinds County.

“We may have something go on here, like a fleeing suspect is going toward Bolton or Edwards. And, if we get on the radio and notify them to be looking for the vehicle, then that saves a step of having to get on cell phone and call their dispatch,” Chief Crotwell tells News Channel 12.

A representative for EFJohnson told Chief Crotwell that there was another licensed dealer in Canton. But, he doesn’t know if the new supplier would honor the original 19-thousand dollar agreement or if he has to start the bidding process over.

The chief is waiting to hear from supervisors about what to do about getting his radios.

The Utica Police Department is dealing with a similar situation. The police chief is also having trouble getting new police radios ordered and delivered.

The Byram Police Department recently resolved its radio issues. Police Chief Luke Thompson tells us, they tried to use funds from Hinds County’s 911 budget to get on the county’s system. But, they ended up spending 232-thousand dollars from their city budget to purchase 60 radios. Chief Thompson chose the name-brand Motorola instead of EFJohnson.

A spokesperson for EFJohnson sent us a statement saying, they “do not know of these specific pending radio orders for Utica, Raymond or Byram.”

Read the story here.

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