What’s up with WhatsApp for emergency communications?

Still, more must be done—and can be done now, without much heavy lifting or cost. Proven, commercially available solutions for communications interoperability are at our disposal. DHS maintains a list of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies (QUATTs) that already have undergone a rigorous review and testing process under the SAFETY Act (Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology).

Furthermore, DHS certifies a list of “Approved Products for Homeland Security,” which are ready to be deployed in defense of our homeland but inexplicably remain underutilized. These technologies enable secure bridging of public-safety-agency communication systems with partners and critical-infrastructure entities, providing instant, on-demand collaboration using existing systems. In fact, these technologies are used extensively in select parts of the country by hundreds of state and local agencies, but still far too few.

Increased deployment of these technologies would result in secure communications among police, fire and EMS, as well as with thousands of local partner agencies that sit on the front line of terror in America –for example, hospitals, transit authorities and utilities.

We would all do well to remind ourselves that our mission is to protect Main Street, U.S.A., with an urgency commensurate with the serious threats confronting our communities and our citizens. There is no greater imperative. It is simply unacceptable for police and other emergency responders to rely on consumer-grade smartphone apps for emergency communications, when life-saving technology advancements are available today.  

Joseph Mazzarella serves as Mutualink’s Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel. Mr. Mazzarella, in addition to being responsible for the management of Mutualink’s legal and governmental affairs, serves in key operations management and business development roles. Mr. Mazzarella has over 20 years of corporate, finance, M&A, licensing and IP law experience. Mr. Mazzarella also has in-depth knowledge and experience in the high tech sector, ranging from consumer and enterprise based software development, advanced wireless network and location technologies, and communications. He also serves as a member of Mutualink’s Board of Directors.