Massachusetts Emergency Communications Enhancement Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Converging Industries Research Foundation (CIRF) will continue to support the Massachusetts Initiative for Real-Time Wireless Emergency Communications project. The Massachusetts Initiative for Real-Time Wireless Emergency Communications provides real-time alerts to the entire population, lets ordinary citizens communicate with one another when networks become overloaded and calls can't get through, and provides first responders with appropriate handsets. CIRF will provide a commercial service that can be used on a daily basis in addition to use in large-scale emergency events, and the goal is to speed the process of deploying these services without government mandates.

NCA/NCF