Mattapoisett first responders to see communication system upgrades

Oct 11, 2023

MATTAPOISETT – The Mattapoisett Police Department will see improvements to its communication systems after the Mattapoisett Select Board approved the allocation of $145,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding for the project.

The Select Board unanimously approved the proposed funding at its Tuesday, Oct. 10 meeting.

According to Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, $45,000 will be used to replace the station’s domain controller server, while $100,000 will go towards dispatch radio system upgrades.

“The town got $1.8 million [in American Rescue Plan Act funding],” said Lorenco. ”After these two expenses there will be $728,000 remaining.”

Lorenco said the town must allocate all American Rescue Plan Act funds by December 2024.

“As police and the fire department have been upgrading certain things they have realized that some [systems] are no longer being supported,” said Lorenco.

Lorenco said the town police and fire departments have made the switch from analog to digital radios.

“This helps for all of the departments to be able to talk with each other,” said Mattapoisett Select Board Chair Jodi Bauer.

Lorenco said the town’s current dispatch systems are about 15 years old.

“Also we have live 911 now too, we are one of the few towns in the state,” said Lorenco.“The cruisers hear calls as they come in, adding those items has shown some of the compatibility issues with the system.”