Office of Emergency Communications Joins IDHS!
The Office of Emergency Communications (formerly the Integrated Public Safety Commission) joins the Indiana Department of Homeland Security as a new office on July 1, 2026.
This change is intended to further integrate emergency communications into the state's broader emergency management framework while maintaining the trusted relationships IPSC has built with agencies across Indiana.
This office will continue to oversee statewide interoperable communications initiatives, including land mobile radio systems, public safety communications infrastructure, First Net and coordination with local, state and federal partners. Public safety agencies should expect no disruption in service, support or operational coordination as the transition occurs.
To ensure continuity and stability during the transition, the current IPSC Executive Director Michael Watkins will continue to lead the organization, serving as director of the newly formed office. The same staff, technical expertise and commitment to statewide interoperability will remain in place.
About the Indiana Office of Emergency Communications
The Office of Emergency Communications facilitates statewide public safety communications, providing interoperable and reliable communication systems to all Hoosier first responders and public safety professionals. These systems are crucial for effective communication during routine operations, emergencies and disaster situations.
SAFE-T
SAFE-T is a statewide, interoperable, wireless public safety communications system for Indiana local, state and federal first responders/public safety officials. SAFE-T, a P25, Motorola 7.16 ASTRO Smartzone 700/800mhz trunked voice and data system, provides mission critical communications with 95% portable on the street and mobile coverage to its users across the state. SAFE-T leverages more than 175 communications sites, connected by T1 and AVPN lines with microwave backhaul. In 2020, the system upgraded to ASTRO release 7.18, taking SAFE - T to the Next Level in communication capabilities and feature expansion.
SAFE-T strengthens community safety and security, minimize costs and barriers to communications and breaks down regionalization of systems to combat crime, natural disaster and terrorism. SAFE-T was designed to include wide voluntary participation of public safety agencies/first responders while respecting local autonomy.