Fulton Co. Needs Police Radio Overhaul

The Fulton County manager said Wednesday that an overhaul of police radios used by Fulton County law enforcement can't wait. Sheriff's deputies at the courthouse are not able to directly communicate with Atlanta police officers in the event of a crisis downtown.

If there is an emergency at the courthouse, Atlanta police are expected to respond to Fulton County officers. Now, the two agencies are utilizing two different police radios and now the county says it will move quickly to close a communications gap.

Police radios are a lifeline for law enforcement, especially in emergency situations.

In follow-up reviews following the shooting rampage at the Fulton County courthouse in downtown Atlanta, the communication between law enforcement agencies was found to be deficient.

Fulton County's new county manager and the new sheriff's administration are now faced with a communications problem that is just as problematic as what existed during the courthouse killings.

Atlanta police recently upgraded its radio system to digital, but Fulton County is still using older technology.

In most cases, the Fulton County officer can't speak directly to an Atlanta officer through the radio.

Jeff Holms, a top assistant to Sheriff Ted Jackson said the situation wasn't ideal.

The county manager said a radio upgrade is a priority and money will not stand in the way of getting it done.

The sheriff assures citizens that what needs to be enhanced is external communications. Baker said inside the courthouse the internal radio communications are working well.