The University of Alaska Anchorage’s police department will upgrade its dispatch center equipment and repeater system with a $150,000 grant from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

 The equipment purchased with the funds will put the UPD in direct communication with the Anchorage Police Department, the Anchorage Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management.

The UPD applied to the Division for a $588,000 grant to upgrade its dispatch center and radio equipment and connect it with the Alaska Land Mobile Radio System. The $150,000 figure represents partial funding of that request.

The UPD plans to re-apply next year for the remaining equipment needs. The Alaska Land Mobile Radio System is a communication system that meets the requirements of all participating partners — the federal government, the State of Alaska and the Alaska Municipal League — for two-way radio emergency communications within Alaska.

When implemented, this new integrated wireless network will allow users to interoperate in a secure, cost-effective and technologically sound manner. The system will be jointly managed, maintained and operated among partners.