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Poor radio reception an obstacle during SPU shooting investigation

The SPU shooting became even more challenging for police because of radio communication
Seattle Pacific University Otto Miller Hall

SEATTLE - Reports of a gunman at Seattle Pacific University brought police officers and paramedics to the campus on June 5th.

Captain Dick Reed is in charge of Seattle's 911 Communication Center, and he recalls the scene being very chaotic in the first few minutes.

"There was a lot of information that had to be shared quickly between multiple responding units," said Reed. "The officers and dispatchers did the best job they could to do that."

The complicated case became even more challenging because of radio communication.

In a 319-page police report, officers stated radio reception was an issue. In one follow up report, an officer writes that over the radio he heard there were possibly two shooting suspects, but the officer found there was just one true suspect and that person was in custody.

"I tried to broadcast this information over radio, but could not get out. I then called 911 via a landline," wrote the officer.

"For those officers that were there, it was a big problem for them and I think we need to take their experience to heart," said Reed.

According to Reed, a portion of SPU's campus is one of the pocket areas within the city where radio reception is bad.

"It can have a lot to do with the terrain. Seattle is a hilly place," said Reed.

The location of the radio site can be a factor, and concrete buildings can also cause interference.

On the day of the shooting at SPU, police and dispatchers worked together to get around radio issues.

Reed said despite the challenges, communication between first responders and the 911 Center went "remarkably well."

Reed added that the regional radio system Seattle is apart of has been in place for 15 years, and it is time to plan as a region to replace it. Discussions have already begun, according to Reed.

One student was killed and two others were hurt on June 5th. The shooting suspect was arrested and is awaiting trial.

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