Public Safety Communication Interoperability Failures: Compromising VIP Protection in Critical Situations

Public Safety Communication Interoperability Failures: Compromising VIP Protection in Critical Situations

This IDC Perspective examines the attempted assassination of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, and exposes serious flaws in public safety communications during critical incidents stemming from overlooked standard operating procedures (SOPs), inadequate technology, and gaps in training. An analysis leveraging the CISA Interoperability Continuum highlights a series of cascading failures. Confusion over the primary communication network pointed to lapses in following established SOPs while the technology in use lacked essential redundancy and backup systems. Inconsistent training among responding agencies further exacerbated these failures. "The Butler, Pennsylvania incident highlights the critical need for policymakers and public safety leaders to understand that public safety communications interoperability is not a one-time investment but an ongoing process demanding continuous attention and resources. Importantly, this incident revealed that both technology and non-technical factors played a role. The CISA Interoperability Continuum, which includes five lanes — governance, SOPs, technology, training/exercises, and usage — shows that technology is just one, relatively small piece of the puzzle. In this case, both cultural and technological challenges were significant contributors," said Alison Brooks, research vice president, Worldwide Public Safety at IDC.