SIRS is a low band frequency 39.54 MHz system developed in 1978 that is used statewide by local law enforcement to communicate between localities and the Virginia State Police (VSP). SIRS has four primary goals:

1. Direct, real time car to car radio communications between law enforcement agencies
2. Provide radio communications during prisoner transports
3. Provide interoperability between localities and also with VSP
4. Provide a highly reliable network

SIRS is not to be used for routine radio traffic, since this type of use will flood the system. This system provides the ability for direct interoperability and does not rely upon a dispatch function for those with SIRS equipment.

SIRS is governed by the SIRS Advisory Board, which is appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety. The SIRS Board is responsible for policy formation, eligibility for membership, and research on matters relating to public safety communication problems affecting the Commonwealth's ability to deliver effective law enforcement services.

SIRS is widely used by rural localities to communicate with Virginia State Police (VSP) on a daily basis as many of these localities still operate on low band radio systems. Many localities have migrated to 800 MHz and high band radio systems. These situations require a patch or interconnectivity to continue the use of SIRS. In some cases 800 MHz users have discontinued their use of SIRS due to the costs associated with maintaining two systems.
The 39.54 MHz frequency continued to be used throughout Virginia to link up local law enforcement with Virginia State Police (VSP) providing true interoperability, which increases public safety. While this system is over 30 years old it is still widely used and effective.

If your agency would like to become a user on the SIRS network, please contact Mr. James Thurston of the SIRS BOARD, at the email address below, for an application. Once the application has been received it will be voted on by the Board at the next meeting following the receipt of the application. Please read the SIRS guidelines for more information regarding the usage of SIRS.

 Guidelines of the Statewide Interdepartmental Radio System
 

I. General

A. The frequency of 39.54 mhz is designated as the State-Wide Interdepartmental Radio System frequency for Virginia.

B. This frequency, 39.54 mhz, is designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a “police service frequency”

and is therefore subject to applicable FCC rules and regulations concerning such frequencies.

C. Governmental entities granted a license for this frequency must abide by all restrictions and conditions placed on the license,

and should observe all guidelines contained herein.

D. Misuse of this frequency may result in a recommendation of license revocation to the FCC by the SIRS Advisory Board.

II. Eligibility for Participation

A. To be eligible to participate in SIRS, an agency must be a public law enforcement agency whose primary responsibility is the enforcement

of criminal and motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This includes the Department of State Police; city, county, and town

police departments; sheriffs’ departments; and police departments of public colleges and universities. Each of these eligible agencies shall

make application to the Board for membership in SIRS on forms provided by the Board. Each applicant shall agree to abide by the Board’s

Guidelines.

1. Other special purpose state or federal law enforcement agencies may be eligible for membership in SIRS depending upon

data presented to the Board. Such agencies shall file an application with the Board and, if approved for membership, shall

agree to abide by these Guidelines. Further, if such special law enforcement agencies are granted membership in this System,

their participation shall be limited to emergency situations and/or transmission of information to public law enforcement agencies

involving violations of the criminal laws of Virginia.

2. Any agency or class of agencies not already eligible to participate in SIRS shall become eligible if the Advisory Board

shall so indicate by a two-thirds majority vote. Such voting shall be done at a regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present.

III. Use of SIRS Frequency

A. The SIRS frequency is designed for use as an interdepartmental communications channel.

B. All transmissions on this frequency shall be of a direct law enforcement nature.

C. Member agencies shall restrict utilization of this System to employees of its department unless otherwise authorized by the Board.

Guidelines Revised: July 1983