Enhancing Officer Safety and Communications - RFI partners with SA Police on In-Vehicle Repeater Upgrade
Overview
RFI Technology Solutions has partnered with South Australia Police to deliver a significant upgrade to their fleet’s in-vehicle communications capability. Building on a long-standing relationship spanning many years, RFI is supporting the rollout of new Pyramid Guardian In-vehicle repeaters — a critical technology that extends UHF radio coverage for police officers operating across South Australia’s diverse regional environments.
Challenge
SA Police rely on clear, consistent UHF radio communications to ensure officer safety, support rapid response, and maintain public safety. Their existing in-vehicle repeater systems had reached end-of-life, requiring modernisation to maintain performance and reliability. The key challenges included:
- Ensuring a seamless, faultless transition from the older generation repeaters to improved technology.
- Maintaining continuity of communications during installation across a large and diverse vehicle fleet.
- Meeting operational expectations for range, reliability, and coverage, especially because of their use in regional and remote areas.
Solution
RFI supplied the Pyramid Guardian Vehicle repeater system as the technology foundation for the upgrade. This proven, robust in-vehicle solution enhances the range and clarity of UHF communications, delivering a strong platform for operational safety.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the SA Police Radio & Technology Support Unit, who are responsible for fitting the new technology across the fleet. Approximately 10–12 personnel are supporting the rollout.
Implementation
- The batch of upgraded In-Vehicle Repeater (IVR) systems is already being installed in SA Police vehicles.
- The full upgrade program will span approximately two years, ensuring every operational vehicle benefits from the enhanced system.
- RFI is providing ongoing support and partnership throughout the process, ensuring technical continuity and performance assurance.
Impact
The new IVR system introduces meaningful enhancements that strengthen communication reliability across the fleet:
- Improved UHF radio performance across regional and remote areas of South Australia.
- Increased officer safety, with more reliable communications during critical operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency, helping SA Police personnel carry out duties confidently and effectively.
- A stronger, more resilient communications network that benefits both police officers and the broader South Australian community.
According to Simon Roocke, Technical Officer, GRN Radio Systems, South Australia Police, “The Pyramid IVR is an important piece of communication equipment for SAPOL officers in regional areas. The SAGRN has excellent coverage, but there are some regional locations where the vehicle-based mobile radio has coverage, but the portable radio does not. The IVR allows the officer to use the portable radio when outside the vehicle to communicate through the vehicle's mobile radio. Without the IVR in these locations, there would be limited or no communication when outside the vehicle.”
Partnership
RFI has supported the SA Police with RF communications solutions for many years. This upgrade continues to deepen the partnership, reaffirming RFI’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance technologies to Australia’s public safety agencies.
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