Join BRICS

Using the BRICS Radio System

With resolution 09-12-2241 and effective in 2010, the Butler County Board of Commissioners established three categories of users and the access fees for use of the Butler Regional Interoperable Communications System.

As a result, we will be accepting applications from non-public safety agencies and non-governmental organizations interested in joining the system. Examples include public health, public transportation, public works and relief organizations.

We will also be happy to work with public safety agencies from outside Butler County who wish to add our interoperability talkgroups to their radios, on an “emergency use only” basis, for responses in our area.

Types of BRICS Users
Advantages of Joining BRICS
System Access Fee Schedule
How to Join BRICS
Downloads

Types of BRICS Users

There are three types of users on the BRICS 800MHz voice system.

Primary Users
A primary user is provided a full template of talkgroups for their agency. They use BRICS for their normal, day-to-day voice communication. Their local agency talkgroups can use the system’s prioritization features and will have a failsoft channel in the event of a system failure. Their right to use the radio system is based on a Participation Agreement.
Secondary Users
A secondary user is provided a limited number of talkgroups for their agency. They use BRICS on a limited basis, as a backup to their own primary communications system. Their local agency talkgroups do not have a failsoft channel in the event of a system failure. Their right to use the radio system is based on a Participation Agreement.
Emergency Use Only
An emergency user is one who has no talkgroups of their own and can only use the talkgroups available to all system users for interoperability. It is only anticipated that they will use the system in an emergency or for mutual aid, to communicate with primary and secondary users. An example of an Emergency User would be the Public Safety or Non-Public Safety forces of another county entering Butler County to assist in the event of a major emergency. No participation agreement is required; only a request to BRICS staff is needed.

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Advantages of Joining BRICS

What are the advantages of joining BRICS over building a stand-alone system?
If your organization needs a robust system with the ability to talk with others in the region, BRICS may meet your communications needs.

Experience Immediate Benefits
Often, the need for a new communications platform is urgent.  Constructing a new, stand-alone system can take months or years.  Users can be on BRICS in as long as it takes to order radios and train personnel.  The result is a quickly implemented upgrade in communications capabilities, without the hassles of site acquisition, renovation or construction. The result is a quickly implemented upgrade in capability without the hassles of site acquisition, renovation or construction.
Cutting-Edge Technology with Outstanding Coverage
BRICS is a state of the art, digital, trunked radio system built to the APCO Project 25 industry standard.  It was built to provide to provide comprehensive coverage for portable radios in Butler County and some extended areas.  Testing shows portable, in-building coverage at greater than 97%.  Learn more about our coverage.
System Upgrades at No Cost
Constructing and maintaining your own system leaves the local organization responsible for upgrade costs.  BRICS is currently operating at the ASTRO-25 7.7 system platform and will receive regular upgrades at no cost to your organization.
Interoperability
Perhaps the greatest benefit of joining BRICS is the regional interoperability it provides.  If the need arises, your organization will be able to easily communicate with any Butler County public safety agency and all BRICS users at the push of a button.  This has already proven as a life saving, safety-enhancing tool for the citizens and public safety officials of Butler County.  Depending on your role during emergencies, public safety may also greatly benefit from being able to reach you directly.
24 x 7 System Support
BRICS is supported by a capable local staff at the Communications Division of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and is also monitored 24 hours a day by Motorola’s System Support Center.  The SSC receives alarms, remotely corrects problems and works closely with local field technicians to ensure rapid resolution and closure of all network issues.

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System Access Fee Schedule

Butler County’s Board of Commissioners approved a sales tax to fund the $35 million cost of constructing a radio system for public safety communications and providing an initial complement of radios to our public safety. The system has capacity to bring on additional users, and we believe interoperability with these potential users could benefit Butler County. Non-public safety and users from outside Butler County may be subject to a reasonable fee that supports the ongoing operation of the system.

The fee schedule is set by the type of user for public safety and non-public safety agencies. It varies depending on if the agency is based inside or outside Butler County.

Public Safety inside Butler County

Primary Users
$0 per radio, per month

Secondary Users
$0 per radio, per month

Emergency Users
$0 per radio, per month

Public Safety outside Butler County

Primary Users
$10 per radio, per month

Secondary Users
$5 per radio, per month

Emergency Users
$0 per radio, per month

Non-Public Safety inside Butler County

Primary Users
$10 per radio, per month

Secondary Users
$5 per radio, per month

Emergency Users
$0 per radio, per month

Non-Public Safety outside Butler County

Primary Users
$12 per radio, per month

Secondary Users
$6 per radio, per month

Emergency Users
$0 per radio, per month

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How to Join BRICS

Emergency Use Only

For agencies interested in joining BRICS as an “emergency use only” user, there is no system access fee and no participation agreement is required. Visit the welcome guide for interoperability users to learn more and contact us to begin the process.

Primary and Secondary Users

If your agency or organization is interested in joining BRICS as a primary or secondary user, the first step will be to contact BRICS staff. Ultimately, you will enter into a participation agreement with the Butler County Board of Commissioners. Depending on your location and the type of organization, the system access fee schedule will determine your monthly cost. The initial start-up cost, based on programming your radios and the creation of new talkgroups and radio templates, will vary. Contact us for more information.

Factors to Consider in Adding Additional Users

In deciding whether to afford additional Primary or Secondary Users access to the Butler Regional Interoperable Communication System the following factors will be taken into consideration:

(1)  remaining capacity of the system to accommodate additional Primary or Secondary Users;

(2) the anticipated additional demand the User will place on the system’s remaining capacity;

(3) any additional frequencies or equipment which a User will provide the System that will expand its capacity;

(4)  the ability of the System to provide acceptable coverage without additional system investment by Butler County;

(5)  availability of failsoft service for any Primary User without additional system investment by Butler County; and

(6) benefit to one or more existing Butler County Users of adding the proposed new User.

Rules Governing System Use

All Primary, Secondary, and Emergency Users are subject to all rules of operation adopted by the Butler County Sheriff including his “Radio Security Policy” when communicating on the Butler Regional Interoperable Communication System.

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Downloads

The following files will provide more information:

Resolution 09-12-2241 (PDF)
Board of Butler County Commissioners
Establishes that additional users may join the system

Resolution 09-12-2241 Exhibit-A (PDF)
Board of Butler County Commissioners
System Access Fee Schedule

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