KOCHI:The Kerala Police on Thursday launched the trial run of its latest Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) system at Thrissur. The department aims to implement the new communication system for its personnel in the state in phases.
Besides ensuring a foolproof communication system among cops, the DMR will help police control rooms to track the exact location of policemen and police vehicles which are carrying the hand-held device using the Geographic Information System (GIS).
IT Cell SP J Jayanath said the trial run was being conducted in Thrissur city with policemen provided with the new hand-held devices and the control room integrated with the required equipment and software.
“The advantage of DMR is that the communication network is foolproof as no one will be able to hack into the system to listen to the conversation. DMR has better voice quality and the messages are encrypted, allowing only designated receivers to hear the messages,” Jayanath said. “Another major advantage of the system is its facility to extend the range with the help of mobile repeater,” he said.
The project, its cost pegged at `80-`90 crore, will be implemented jointly by the Centre and the state. “DMR Tire-III will redefine the communication network of the police in the state. The existing analogue system being used by the police has a lot of pitfalls. Though we will continue to use the analogue system along with the DMR, the former will be phased out in the next three years,” Jayanath said.Apart from sending and receiving SMS, DMRs will also have the facility to conduct conference calls and limit the calls to a select group, as per the requirement.