The Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board was established in the Department of Information Technology by the Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article §1-501-1-503. The Board serves as the governance body that coordinates the operation and maintenance of the Statewide Public Safety Interoperability Radio System, also known as Maryland FIRST. The Board conducts open meetings quarterly and has the following responsibilities;
Radio Control Board
- Establishes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality of Service Standards, and maintenance guidelines for the System.
- Establishes Working Groups of the System's users.
- Approves the addition of new system users and the removal of existing users.
- Coordinates participatory, collaborative, or reciprocal relationships with local governments.
- Resolves any conflicts among system users relating to the operations, maintenance, or improvement of the System that cannot be resolved under the SOPs.
- Reviews the annual cost estimation provided by the Director of the Board.
- Recommends to the Governor and the General Assembly funding and resource levels for the System O & M.
- Advises the Governor and the General Assembly on resources needed for the appropriate operation and expansion to meet service needs for public safety communications statewide.
- Negotiate agreements with Federal agencies, surrounding states, or DC for the use of the System.
The Board consists of 11 members. Five members represent local government entities that are either users of or contributors to the System and are appointed by the Governor. The remaining 6 members are the Secretaries of Information Technology, State Police and Transportation (or their designee), the Directors of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (or their designee), and the State Interoperability Director.
The Radio Control Board has two working groups that meet regularly; System Managers Committee, and System Users Committee.
Radio Control Board Meeting
The Board shall coordinate the operation and maintenance of the Statewide Public Safety Interoperability Radio System, known as Maryland FiRST.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 2103
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
View Radio Control Board Meeting Minutes and Agendas
RBC System Managers Committee Meeting
The System Managers Committee advises on technical system issues such as upgrade, security and enhancements. It also reviews and advises on new proposals, standards, and new Users.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Thursday, September 4, 2025
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
View RBC System Managers Committee Minutes and Agendas
System Users Committee Meeting
The System Users Committee advises the Board on operational issues, such as standard operating procedures, performance and use of resources. Recommend best practices based on Users’ lessons learned. They also review and develop proposed recommendations for current and future system user requirements.
Thursday, June 5, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
Thursday, September 4, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
1st Floor Conference Room, Side B
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
View System Users Committee Minutes and Agendas
Statewide Interoperable Public Safety Radio System (MD FiRST)
To learn more about MD FiRST click on link Public Safety Radio System (Maryland FiRST)