This study examined the radio communications systems operations in PRO3. This study sought to enhance the efficiency, reliability and security of the radio communications systems operations in PRO3 to support the police operations in terms of radio communications.
Descriptive method of research was employed in this study. A prepared survey questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering the required data. The researcher distributed one hundred eighty (180) survey questionnaires and retrieved one hundred sixty three (163) with a 90.56 retrieval rating. There were a total of one hundred fifty six (156) respondents comprised of thirty (30) personnel from RCE03 and one hundred twenty six (126) personnel from PRO3.
The salient findings of the study from the data gathered in this investigation are as follows:
On the assessment of the effectiveness of the radio communications systems operations in terms of “Signal transmission coverage”, “Signal reception clarity”. “Reliability” and “Security”, the two groups of respondents described the systems operations as “Effective” with an obtained average weighted means of 3.85, 3.79, 3.72 and 3.67 respectively.
As to the problems encountered in the radio communications systems operations in PRO3 on “Signal transmission coverage”, “Signal reception clarity”. “Reliability” and “Security”, the two groups of respondents described the systems operations as “Moderately serious” with a garnered average weighted means of 3.11, 3.06, 3.28 and 3.12 respectively.
For the proposed measures, the two groups of respondents described all the variables as “Recommended” with an obtained average weighted means of 3.13, 4.13, 4.21 and 3.94 respectively, except “Reliability” which was interpreted as “Highly Recommended”.
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
The need for the restoration and improvement of the communications security capability of the radio communications system to ensure that all communications traffic over the radio network is secured so as not to jeopardize the safety of the community and the police personnel in their operations. Likewise, the radio communications system needs to be operational at all times to support the operations and activities of the police units in terms of radio communications. Radio communication is the major communications medium and the fastest means available between and within police offices/units thus, the system need to be up and running 24/7. Also, there is a need for the reactivation of the trunking capability of the system, periodic preventive maintenance and replacement of old battery packs and worn-out antennas to ensure operability and readiness of communication system. Furthermore, the need to develop and enhance the knowledge of radio network users on the proper operation, preventive maintenance, communications security, capability and limitations to prolong the life cycle of the radio equipment and the radio network be utilized with prudence.
In the light of the findings and conclusions, the following are recommended:
The RCEO3 and PRO3 may prioritize the restoration of maintenance terminal, site lens, and the control channel in order that the inhibition/deactivation system capability be functional and the monitoring of the system’s talkgroup/channel activity and the radio equipment be monitored over the network. Security of communications may also be enhanced by utilizing encryption technology. In like manner, the RCEO3 and the PRO3 may recondition the control channel module for the reactivation of the radio communications system trunking operations. This capability enables reliability and efficiency which provides exclusivity of talkgroup/channel utilization and optimal repeater usage. They may also provide exclusivity of talkgroup/channel utilization and optimal repeater usage. They may also provide and maintain spare module to include power supply and power amplifier modules to ensure reliability and efficiency. Likewise, the RCEO3 and PRO3 may facilitate fir the replacement of old battery packs, radio equipment antennas particularly handheld and procurement of additional radios to fill-up the communications requirements particularly mobile radios for patrol vehicle of PRO3. Also, the RCEO3 may conduct periodic preventive maintenance on the system and radio equipment using the network to ensure the operability of the radio communications system operations and the connectivity of the radio equipment utilizing the network. Furthermore, the RCEO3 and PRO3 may establish a conventional repeater in Aurora PPO as this is not covered by the present radio communication system in PRO3 to support the communications requirements of said province in their police operations, Moreover, the RCEO3 may continuously conduct trainings and seminars to all PNP personnel operating radio equipment and using the radio communications system on the proper operations, preventive maintenance, communications security, capability and limitations of the system in order for the personnel to have the essential knowledge of the radio communications system as a whole and RCEO3 may inform all radio network users of the existing status of the radio communications system as to its limitations caused by defective modules in order that network users have a common knowledge and understanding of its limitations. Finally, the NHQ may include in the annual budget the maintenance fund for the radio communications system to sustain its continuous operations and readiness to support the police operations in the field so that in any cases of system failures due to malfunctions and defects, funds will be readily available for the procurement and repair of components/modules for its immediate restoration. The enhancement of the radio communications systems operations in PRO3 toward an interactive communications infrastructure requires the competence of RCEO3, the concern of the radio network users to operate the radio equipment issued to them with care and accountability, and the support of PRO3 and NHQ for the restoration of the radio communication system full functionality as it is their main medium and fastest means of communications in police operations. Further study on other variables must be undertaken to enhance the reliability and validity of the research findings.