Radio/Communications Networking
The Wisconsin State Patrol's Bureau of Network Engineering and Data Infrastructure (BNEDI) employs a diverse team of technicians, an electrical engineer, and other communications professionals to support public safety. Staff within the Bureau's Network and Communications Section help ensure that mission-critical communication services and technologies are available 24/7 to public safety partners across the state.
Engineering Unit
Communication towers play a vital public safety role. An electrical engineer and other technical staff help design, test, implement, operate and maintain tower sites. This work may involve engineering analysis of microwave radio paths, propagation coverage, frequency intermodulation, and structural analyses to determine best practices for communications systems and interoperability.
To ensure the most efficient and cost-effective use of limited radio frequency resources, a frequency coordinator/radio spectrum manager works with intergovernmental entities including the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO).
Positions
Electrical Engineer – Advanced
Frequency Specialist
Office Program Assistant - Advanced - Confidential
Office Program Associate/Tower Site Specialist
Technical Services Units
Field Service Technicians are responsible for several key systems across the state. Technicians operate and maintain:
- The statewide microwave radio network
- Statewide P25 VHF trunked Wisconsin Interoperable System for Communication (WISCOM) two-way radio system and tower sites
- The Opto22 tower infrastructure alarm system
- The Wisconsin State Patrol's (WSP) legacy conventional two-way radio system and Communication Unit dispatch centers
- The mobile WISCOM Site on Wheels (SOW)
- The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conventional and digital two-way radio systems
- WSP's mobile and portable radios and vehicle repeaters
- WSP vehicle sirens, emergency lighting systems, and mobile data computer equipment
- Technicians also repair radio equipment for other state agencies as needed.
The Technical Services area is subdivided into three areas: Northwestern, Northeastern, and Southern.
Positions
Northwest Technical Services Unit
Four technicians and one supervisor are responsible for the Northwest Technical Services area, covering 20 counties: Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Polk, Barron, Rusk, St. Croix, Dunn, Chippewa, Taylor, Pierce, Pepin, Eau Claire, Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Jackson.
Two service shops located in Eau Claire and Spooner are responsible for service at 32 tower sites, two dispatch centers, and three Safety and Weight Enforcement Facilities (SWEFs).
Northeast Technical Services Unit
Eight technicians and one supervisor are responsible for the Northeast Technical Services area, covering 29 counties: Iron, Vilas, Forest, Florence, Price, Oneida, Lincoln, Langlade, Oconto, Marinette, Marathon, Shawano, Menominee, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, Outagamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Adams, Waushara, Marquette, Greek Lake, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan.
Five service shops located in Wausau, Tomahawk, Green Bay, Fond du Lac, and Rubicon are responsible for service at 56 tower sites, one dispatch center, and four Safety and Weight Enforcement Facilities (SWEFs).
Southern Technical Services Unit
Seven technicians and one supervisor are responsible for the Southern Technical Services area, covering 23 counties: La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Dane, Green, Rock, Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha.
Three service shops located in Tomah, DeForest, and Waukesha are responsible for service at 38 tower sites, three dispatch centers, and six Safety and Weight Enforcement Facilities (SWEFs).
Network Support Unit
Statewide law enforcement communication requires effective back-up systems. Network information systems (IS) specialists oversee two (2) complex IP data networks and their corresponding statewide infrastructure. Microwave radio and proprietary fiber optics combine to create a complex IP data mesh network. Both networks provide redundancy and resiliency to the WSPs Voice over IP (VoIP) voice radio network and the WSPs business and partner public safety networks. Some critical services that traverse this complex information network include WISCOM, a statewide private Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone system, and wireless data networking technologies that support the Mobile Architecture for Communications Handling (MACH) system.
Positions
Fleet Installation Center
Behind the WSP's fleet of over 500 patrol vehicles is a team of skilled electronics technicians and communications system analysts. Staff with the Fleet Installation Center (FIC) design, install, test, and maintain computer-controlled emergency lighting, siren, and video systems; and two-way radio equipment.
Positions
Network Communications Supervisor
Electronic Technician - Agency/Advanced
Network Communications System Analyst-Advanced