Kriminalvården (Probation) using the Swedish RAKEL TETRA network are happy with the improved communcations

We have found the needs that we did not previously know that existed "

Kriminalvården (Probation department) is responsible for Sweden's detention centres, prisons and probation, and together with police, prosecutors and courts to reduce crime and increase people's security. So for this department it is important that secure communications is efficient. This is the value add of RAKEL.

Kriminalvården began using Rachel in 2007, starting in Helsingborg and has now a lot of experience using the RAKEL network

Kriminalvården is currently the second largest user of RAKEL after the police and uses the system in a large number of locations throughout the country. Meanwhile, we have learned many lessons and gradually developed our methods to explore the possibilities of the RAKEL network, says Luke Brisman, systems specialist and head of RAKELl group of physical and technical security of the prison system headquarters.

With its 9000 employees and operations in 31 jails, 52 prisons and 34 health care offices it is the country's fourth largest authority. Before RAKEL, Kriminalvården did not use a uniform policy network for communications . They where using(analogue radio, DECT, etc.

- We used to think very locally with our radio systems, each institution had its own system. With RAKEL it becomes much easier to interact and to transfer information between different devices, says Luke Brisman.

- A major advantage is that Rachel helps to create a common 'language'. We will have to adapt our methods to create common systems and a common language. Previously, each agency its own methods and systems. For example, the collaboration meetings held between government agencies and organisations brought us closer together. We have "been forced" to learn more about each other's activities and thus discovered the need that we previously did not know that existed.

- With Rachel, it can be quicker and safer get the right information to the right person. Earlier when we had an analog channel, they could all hear the information. RAKEL helps to make the data on demand to the right person at the right time. In our business it is important to distinguish between the need to know and nice to know, says Luke.

- With regards to the technology, there are many obvious benefits to RAKEL, as it is encrypted in the air interface, nationwide, space for large number of talk groups and so on. But the advantage which I mainly want to highlight is the ability to "semiautomatic interaction" which means that users that are in the middle of a crisis need not do any operations to establish a connection with collaborative partners, the interconnection is carried out by our operators, who are guarding the situation from the surveillance centres.
 
- But some of the network features that were promised from the start has not yet reached the actual service. So, Kriminalvården is now looking forward forward to the further development of the functionality of the RAKEL network, says Luke.

When asked what advice Luke wants to give to other organisations / agencies that want to introduce RAKEL he answers:
- Make a detailed context analysis that includes needs and finances, then ask the help of other agencies and organisations that have adopted the network already. There are an awful lot of experience and lessons learned to benefit from the introduction. And perhaps most importantly of all, do not forget about methodological issues regarding the implementation.


Source: MSB