Harris Corp. and its sales and service partner, Communications International Inc. (CII) have been selected by the Florida Department of Corrections to upgrade its existing radio system to a Harris 800 MHz P25IP (Project 25 to the power of Internet Protocol) communications network system. The new system will provide increased coverage and improved communications to 20 state correctional facilities throughout Florida and will include more than 2,200 Harris portable radios. 

The Harris P25IP technology not only delivers better coverage, but provides corrections officers with new safety features such as caller ID and an emergency alert function that assigns communication priority in a crisis. The system also is interoperable with the Florida SLERS (Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System) network for better coordination in day-to-day operations or emergencies.

"Harris and CII worked closely with the Department of Corrections to identify the communications needs of its officers," said Craig Moore, vice president of North America sales for Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications. "We're confident that we are providing the solution needed for the officers to communicate securely and efficiently. While each facility's system will operate independent of the others, they also are interoperable with surrounding agency systems for the coordination of large-scale efforts."

The P25IP network uses the Harris IP-based VIDA (Voice, Interoperability, Data, Access) network platform, which is a powerful wireless technology that addresses the voice and data communications needs of transportation, utility, and public safety radio users. VIDA networks provide a full IP management platform, including interoperability without intervention of console operators; IP consoles; networking technology for both the P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 technology standards; and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.

The Harris portable radios provide digital voice and IP data to meet a wide range of customer application requirements. They use a high-speed, digital signal processor and can support multiple applications, such as Project 25 Digital Conventional, P25 Trunking, ProVoice Digital Trunking, Enhanced Digital Access Communications Systems (EDACS) Trunking, and complete Analog Conventional features.