OHP wants new communication system for better safety

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma Highway Patrol wants a new communication system to ensure the safety of troopers.

Kevin Ward is assistant public safety commissioner at the Department of Public Safety. Ward says some of the patrol's communication systems date back to the 1960s.

D-P-S is seeking $50 million to build a statewide 800-megahertz communication system.

Officials say that system would allow troopers to not only communicate with each other but with other law enforcement agencies and emergency officials with compatible systems.

Ward made a presentation to the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety and Transportation today.

State Representative Danny Hilliard, the subcommittee's chairman, says the Legislature is more likely to fund the system over four years.