Department radio equipment consists of several basic types:
- Remote site radio equipment - transmitters and receivers located at remote radio sites throughout the County to overcome terrain problems. The main control point is the Sheriff's Communications Center (SCC). It serves as a relay center between the various Units of the Department;
- Microwave equipment - links remote transmitter and receiver sites to SCC for control purposes; also replaces certain telephone line functions for point-to-point communications;
- Mobile equipment - includes all transmitters/receivers installed in cars, buses, aircraft, motorcycles and boats;
- Portable radio equipment - includes portable radios, surveillance equipment and other radios which can be moved and operated or set up by non-technical personnel; and
- Fixed site radio equipment - other base Station and computer aided dispatch equipment installed at Sheriff's Stations, custody, court services, STARS Center and other County facilities.
In addition to the above basic equipment, the following are available for emergency use:
- Mobile command posts - are equipped with mobile radio equipment on Sheriff and public safety frequencies and computer aided dispatch; and
- Station emergency radio transmitters - located at each Station dispatch area.
Radio monitors are located at each Station for the monitoring of radio traffic on various frequencies.