Harris: Deschutes radio dispatch system now ‘stable’

Central Oregon law enforcement officers soon could start hearing one another like they are supposed to, as the troubled Deschutes County 911 dispatch radio system is improving, officials were told Wednesday.

County commissioners heard from Harris Corp., the radio system vendor, during a work session Wednesday.

Officials with Harris told commissioners and law enforcement officials that they are committed to making sure the new system is working right for everyone.

The Deschutes County 911 Service District uses five tower sites around the county to help communicate with officers.

Most of the radio problems have been centered in the Bend area and involve the Bend Police Department.

Engineers will be putting up a temporary tower site on the west side of Bend, near the Central Oregon Community College campus.

Officials said that will help for the time being, while they construct a new, permanent tower that will improve communications with police.

Bend Police Chief Jim Porter told NewsChannel 21 that everyone has a clear vision of what needs to be done so the radio system can work as it’s supposed to, for everyone.

“One of the greatest concerns is COCC,” Porter said. “They’re a great partner of ours. We want to make sure we’re able to protect them. As it stands now, we have very little coverage up there. By building a site on the west side of Bend, like it was originally engineered, we believe we can bring the coverage and the safety that they need on that side.”

Engineers also will be making sure Motorola radios are working properly with the new system.

Harris will be taking a 30-day period to see how the system is working and what fixes will need to be done.

Engineers plan to install an update Thursday morning and will be monitoring the new radio system.

County commissioners and law enforcement officials will receive another update in 45 days.