As someone who has dedicated over three decades to protecting public-safety, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role that effective communication plays in keeping our communities safe. Throughout my service with the New York City Police Department, I’ve experienced the power of local decision-making in emergency planning and response. Specifically, the 4.9 GHz spectrum has been a lifeline for public-safety organizations across the country, enabling crucial communication during crises.

The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure (CERCI), which I proudly chair, was formed to ensure that state and local public-safety agencies remain the primary license holders of this spectrum—a resource that should be under the control of those who understand the unique dynamics of their communities and resources.

In the fast-paced world of public-safety, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, maintaining local control of the 4.9 GHz band is paramount. A proposal from the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance pending before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) would upend an existing FCC rule dealing with the 4.9 band. It would clear the band of current local public-safety users and move them to a single AT&T/FirstNet controlled nationwide network. This proposal poses a serious risk to community-oriented emergency response and planning and should be rejected.

During my time overseeing police operations at major events like the United Nations General Assembly and the West Indian Day Carnival, as well as during crises such as Superstorm Sandy, the 4.9 GHz spectrum was essential. It facilitated communication between officers and agencies, ensuring the safety of millions moving in and around our city. It also provided a level of redundancy to our communications ensuring we always had an open line of communication. Losing local control over this spectrum could jeopardize the effectiveness of such large-scale operations.

As Chair of CERCI, I am committed to ensuring that the 4.9 GHz spectrum remains available to local public-safety agencies, allowing them the freedom to make decisions that best serve their communities. The coalition is not just about safeguarding the status quo; it’s about collaborating with the FCC to find innovative solutions that balance spectrum efficiency and non-interfering critical infrastructure uses while preserving the essence of local control.

In the dynamic landscape of public-safety, CERCI is a defender of local public-safety entities, ensuring they have the tools they need to respond effectively to emergencies. The 4.9 GHz spectrum band is a lifeline connecting communities and saving lives. In advocating for local control of the 4.9 GHz band, we stand as a collective force for the safety and well-being of communities across the country.