Police in Democratic Republic of Congo choose Tait for democratic elections

The first democratic elections since 1970 were held in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) late last year after decades of civil war. The Police Nationale Congolaise (PNC) was charged with the responsibility of maintaining civil order during this time and chose more than 10,000 Tait terminals for their radio communications needs.

In order for the election process and results to be recognized as credible internationally, the PNC had to be trained, and equipped with rugged and reliable radio communications. They required simple, cost-effective yet high-quality communications.

Financed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), a radio communications tender requirement was published and released into the open market. Tait’s authorised dealer Emcom Africa responded to the tender, offering Tait portable and mobile radios.

The PNC were very impressed by the high audio quality and ruggedness of the terminals and sought consultation from the South Africa Police (SAPS). After positive feedback from the SAPS and extensive field trials in the Congo, the PNC chose Tait products to be used on their existing radio network.

In support of the South African governments NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development), the SAPS Radio Technical Division was seconded by the South African Government Foreign Affairs Department to assist in the initial purchase and evaluation of the of the radio equipment. The SAPS technical team was tasked to work with the UNDP and other international aid agencies to train Congolese police officers and establish police radio communications throughout the country in time for the elections.

Although tight timeframes for the rollout of these 10,000 radios proved to be a challenge for both Tait and Emcom, the terminals were manufactured, airlifted across the DRC to remote locations and set-up in time for the election process.

George Spencer from Emcom comments thatduring the pre-election period, there were many attempts at de-stabilizing the election process in often-hazardous conditions. “Emcom operates its own aircraft. On two occasions we were called to urgently fly 1000 Tait portables from Johannesburg to Kinshasa, to equip PNC officers quickly in order to assist the quelling of a riot in Kinshasa”.

He further notes, “After decades of civil war there is no infrastructure to speak of, no spectrum management capability and a dire shortage of skills. One cannot simply deliver tons of radios in the hope that they will be utilised as designed. Emcom are committed to train and support the PNC; we offered a sustainable solution with Tait products”.

The PNC were highly impressed with the performance of the Tait radios throughout the election process. They commented that the terminals allowed for steady and reliable communications at all times.

Emcom is now in negotiation with the PNC to further expand their Tait radio communications system.