Private Security Firm Denied Access to Use of Public Safety Channels in Iowa

The FCC Public Safety Bureau rejected a petition for reconsideration by Conley Group, which earlier asked to license the five VHF interoperability channels in Iowa for public safety communications was denied. Conley, which said it provides “emergency rescue services,” argued “it is necessary to use these channels on a statewide basis so that it can establish communication with all affected law enforcement agencies during times of imminent threat to safety-of-life or property in connection with mutual activities,” the bureau said. It would set a bad precedent to approve the application, said the bureau. “If we license private security and property management firms on the interoperability channels based on a claim of providing ‘emergency rescue’ services, then the interoperability channels could become overrun with multiple private security and property management companies also claiming to be ‘rescue squads.’”