Multi-Agency Cooperation in Cross-border Operations in the Field of Public Protection and Disaster Relief

Abstract

The technological aspects of TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) ISI (inter-system interface) have been possible for more than a decade. ISI and interoperability between different organizations in different countries were already tested in 2003 in the Three Country Pilot, regarded as phase 0, and again in 2009 in the Rakel-Bosnet pilot project (phase 1). The basis of interoperability comes from EU Commission Council Recommendation on improving radio communication between operational units in cross-border areas (Doc. 10141/09 ENFOPOL 143 TELECOM 116 COMIX 421) of the 4-5 June 2009. This article introduces the Multi-Agency Cooperation In Cross-border Operations (MACICO) project. The initial purpose of the MACICO project is to point out the need for an ISI or similar interfaces between different public safety networks.