Smith County Prepares to Add Dispatch Channels

TYLER — Smith County is improving its county-to-county communication when it comes to law enforcement. KETK reports the new changes are for better dispatch communication. Smith County is adding three new radio channels that allow dispatchers from other counties to directly contact Smith County. The county’s assistant fire marshal, Oren Hale, says they used to have these channels in place, but when they relocated five years ago, they lost the capability. Now, after waiting for a grant and approval, they hope to have the new channels within the next 3 months. Hale says this is especially useful for high-speed chases, when authorities are forced to drive through multiple counties.