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Branson Police & Fire Departments Sound Alarm On Weak Radio Signals, Ask For New Receivers

Board of Aldermen will consider plan to install four receivers around the Branson-Hollister areas

July 12, 2011|by Jonah Kaplan, KSPR News | jkaplan@kspr.com

BRANSON, Mo — The last time Branson upgraded its radio system was in 1993 - 18 years ago.

The city was only nine square miles, so police and fire installed two radio towers, one on the east and west side of town.

Branson has since more than doubled in size, and officers and firefighters are complaining that they can't reach each other via radio in some spots.

Officers we spoke to say when they're out on assignment or 9-1-1 calls, they can to hear from central command at Branson's police station, but central command could not understand the response from the field.

And in some emergency situations, a break down of communication can mean dangerous consequences.

"We've had instances where officers have been in foot pursuits or in a fight with suspects and trying to call on radio," explained Captain Steve Lisby with Branson Police. "They're in a difficult area and not able to communicate and so maybe an officer might hear it or might not."

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The bill on the Aldermen's docket tonight calls for the installation of four new radio receivers, inculding ones on watertowers in hollister and Branson.

The cost of the installation would be about $103,000.

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