End-user Requirements for Multi-Agency Cooperation in Cross-border Operations (MACICO) Project

Abstract

Public safety communications (PSC) comprise the determining factor of the effective intervention of the appropriate first responders (FR). The Multi-Agency Cooperation In Cross-border Operations (MACICO) project develops a concept for interworking for security organisations in their daily activity. Efficient PSC infrastructure and intelligent services over which emergency services sectors can be informed immediately as soon as an incident occurs and over which can be transmitted as much detailed information on the incident as possible, can render the FRs capable of handling effectively a great number of emergency situations. In this context, MACICO addresses interoperability issues not only on major crisis but also in day-to-day work which allows end users to be already familiar with the procedures with no specific training, and prepares a smooth migration to the future broad band networks. The study of the current worldwide situation regarding emergency services, the acquisition of an accurate vision of the needs of the potential end users of the MACICO platform comprise the initial steps towards the design and specification of the MACICO system. This paper comprises a useful reference on the requirements related to interoperability of PSC systems, on the existing technological status and the immediate future activities.