SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::
The Griffin Police Department’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license has been renewed and the agency is once again able to use speed detection devices.
The GPD’s previous FCC license expired March 26.
Chief Mike Yates learned on March 28 that the license had expired. Officers were instructed to cease using the devices until the issue was resolved.
Yates previously explained the process for FCC license renewal.
“The license expires every 10 years so it is a pretty rare event. Generally, a renewal notice is sent 90 days or so before the expiration and the renewal request is submitted to the FCC. In this case no person at the police department knowingly received the notice,” he said. “I checked the FCC website and found that they advised they sent a letter on January 3, 2022 that was addressed to ATTN: Police Dept Griffin, City of Box T Griffin, Ga 30224 with no individual specified as the person to receive the correspondence.”
The current FCC license was formally signed April 5, 2022, and the next renewal will be March 26, 2032.
A GPD press release explained that the necessity of the license.
“The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including state, county, and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite, and other services. In licensing the spectrum, the Commission promotes efficient and reliable access to the spectrum for a variety of innovative uses as well as promotes public safety and emergency response,” the press release said.
The FCC license held by the Griffin Police Department allows for the use of speed detection devices by trained officers.
Yates said all speeding citations issued during the licensing lapse would be dismissed.
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