The SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum

Hundreds of after-action reports and best practices have concluded that technology alone will not solve most challenges. This is why we advise organizations to use the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum to understand how to complement technology with governance, standard operating procedures, training and exercise, and frequent validation of in-place technology to ensure it works when needed.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Interoperability Continuum was created to provide a strategic framework for public safety agencies to improve interoperable communications, especially during emergencies. It was developed by the SAFECOM Program, a DHS initiative, in response to lessons learned from major incidents like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, where failures in communication across agencies severely hindered response efforts. Chris, Eddie, and John, along with others, were the original founding fathers of the Continuum and believe in it very much. These are its benefits.

Guide Progress. SAFECOM helps agencies assess and guide their progress in achieving optimal levels of interoperability.
Promote a Holistic Approach. The Continuum emphasizes that interoperability is not just about technology—it also requires coordination in governance, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training/exercises, and usage.
Encourage Collaboration. SAFECOM supports cross-jurisdictional and multi-agency collaboration by offering a shared language and common goals.
Benchmarking Tool. Agencies can use the Continuum to benchmark their current capabilities and develop improvement plans. It is a KPI tool for measuring emergency communications and interoperability readiness.
Support Grant Funding Alignment. It helps justify and align federal funding requests, ensuring resources are directed toward meaningful interoperability improvements.

The Interoperability Continuum was created to help public safety agencies achieve reliable and seamless communications, which is critical for saving lives, protecting property, and coordinating responses during crises.