Posted: 7/1/2002 3:01:34 PM EDT
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A little back ground first, I am an amatuer radio operator, volunteer firefighter, and on a friendly basis with most of the LEO's in the county from both work and the fire department. The county is using VHF (150mhz range) radios for dispatching all the LEO agencies in the county. The Highway patrol uses radios in the VHF low (40mhz range) range. For many years the highway patrol would buy ham radio gear and modify it for transmitting in the 150mhz range for communications with the local agencies. While illegal, it was not considered a big deal. Now the state provides the higway patrol with radios, so they now are using these radios for private communcations. While still illegal, it wasn't a big deal. Then it started expanding to many more LEO's in the area. Here is where my problem starts. They are now buying ham equipment, not modifying it, and using it on the 2m ham band. Hams and the FCC take encroachment on the amateur spectrum very seriously, after an initial warning the first fine is uaually $7500 for violators. My problem is, how dio I approach them..or do I? These gusy ahve spent a lot of money on this gear and are gonna be pissed when they can't use it, and I don't want them pissed at me. On the other hand, if I go directly to the FCC they may get in big trouble at work..... so whats the best way to go about fixing this?? These guys are breaking the law, and they are fully aware they are. |
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Hi Garand_Shooter-- I'm not a LEO, but I am a ham operator and I shoot Garands, so maybe I can shed some light. I don't think you will resolve this one without someone getting hurt. I make this statement based on the fact that since LEOs are putting lots of money into their bootlegged rigs, they have accepted this as the norm, probably not realizing how defensive hams are about keeping what little space they have left. You might try contacting your local ham club and make it a group action. Have the chapter ham club officers set up an appointment with the CLEO and explain to him how important it is to maintain your airspace and mention the consequences if it is reported to the FCC. They don't have to threaten him with this, but explain how upset some of the local hams have become and see what the CLEO can do for them. You might be able to work this in a way that you don't have to become the bad guy, since the action is coming from the entire ham group. Well, hope this helps. Play it by ear and make sure the members keep their cool. |
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Garand shooter,,,,,Hello.... I'm a LEO for past 11 years and my department out here in souther CA sent me to a ham radio school so I could get my "tech" license, in order to operate with the departments "DCS" (disaster communications service) HAM program. So, being both a LEO and a HAM, i would be outraged! I agree with Prebandana...get some local clubs involved immediately. Write letters to the chief, first, then the mayor and city council if it doesn't work with the chief. I personally wouldn't be afraid to contact them and give them my name. It's a free country aint it. We don't live in Nazi Germany. Just cause we're cops, don't mean we can break the law for our own use/pleasure. UPS already "bought" up what was it, 440mhz or some 220mhz freq's as I recall. We keep loosing more and more frequencies. If the chief doesn't correct the problem, then yes, go to the FCC. Follow through with it too. That's Bull sh*t! If they wanna talk on 2 meters, they can go get a license. 2 meters has become more and more like CB out here in CA. It's terrible. I wouldn't tolerate that. Stand up for your rights and do something about that. whatever way you do it, do something. If the cops start "jammin" you, you can complain. I really doubt they are going to do something to you personally. Seriously, as a cop from a big department, take my advice and at least start a letter campaign showing the FCC law and pointing out the unauthorized users must stop. |
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I may go the route with the club, I think my first route will be sending letters to the chiefs of each involved department ( I have heard six so far, including some at the state level) with copies of the law and a link to the FCC emforcment actions on the web. I may also start recording some and send that evidence along. Barring those working, the recordings, logs and names/numbers go to the FCC. I don't want to make to many waves since I get along well with many of the guys, plus my fiance just started her probationary peiod as a dispatcher for one of the agencies and I don't want any retribution aimed at her. I doubt they will start jamming, they just wanna chat off department frequencies. PS guys be real carefull on what you think are private or secure radio freq's...there is no such thing. I do know much more than they would ever want me to now[:)] |
| I think that you should consider moving if you get these guys in trouble. If you get those guys in hot water your screwed. Is that right, NO. But it is fact. And your wife will be working with them after the fact, she will not enjoy her job for very long, as she will be outcasted immediately as her husband is now know as a rat. LEO's are usually tight knit and if you screw with them they will all be on your ass. Just because the CLEO is told about it is not going to help you. I would say leave it alone if you unless you want to be the center of attention for all cops in your community. Not trying to discourage your efforts just telling you how it is. Good luck |