WEST VIRGINIA (October 14, 2008) — The Clarksburg Technology and Operations
Unit (CTOU) is providing Mobile Command Centers (MCC) with direct access
to FBI secure network systems and databases, no matter where they are called
to action.
These Satellite Operations Fly-away Terminals (SOFT) are currently supporting
three field offices, with 10 additional systems planned for future delivery.
“Every secure satellite communication platform provides the offices
with truly mobile communications to support major cases and access to tools
they need to support the war on terrorism,” said CTOU Unit Chief Shawn
E. Gray.
“Each system comes equipped with three telephones, one fax port, Internet
access, access to secure FBI networks and e-mail, and secure video teleconferencing.
In the future, it will have access to the secure telephone network,” he
said.
The Los Angeles Division received its SOFT system in early 2006 and has
deployed the satellite system seven times in conjunction with its mobile
command center to support planned special events, including the Rose Bowl
Parade and Game and the Golden Globe, Grammy, Emmy, and Academy award shows.
The terminals supported operations in Bakersfield, California. Agents in
the field used the SOFT’s capabilities to gain access to FBI secure
networks and to establish an online virtual command post to track and coordinate
operations. In July 2007, the Los Angeles Division supported the San Francisco
Division by deploying the MCC to the All-Star Game in San Francisco.
“The mobile command center’s full potential was not realized
until we had secure communications, including secure video teleconferencing
and access to our own databases through the use of the Satellite Diversity
Network and the equipment provided by the Information Technology Operations
Division CTOU,” said Supervisory Special Agent Diane Upchurch of the
Los Angeles Crisis Management Program.
The success and efficiency noted in the development of these platforms allows
for critical and mission-sensitive information to be passed when and where
there is no existing infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve and
develop, so has the FBI’s ability to parallel this evolution.
“This platform is just another ground-breaking service that CTOU has
provided to the Los Angeles Division,” said Los Angeles Telecommunications
Manager Richard Swanson.
“We want to make sure we use all of the capabilities of the Satellite
Diversity Network and leverage those capabilities to support our main users,
the FBI field offices. With additional funding, we plan to provide these
important capabilities to all FBI field offices and work with each of them
to customize their SOFT system to best fit the office requirements,” said
Diana L. Silvey, Satellite Diversity Program Manager.
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