About the SWIC

Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities

Coordinating Statewide Emergency Communications

Based on recommendations from the public safety community, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), included an objective in the National Emergency Communication Plan (NECP) requesting each state and territory to identify a central coordination point for interoperable emergency communications efforts. With full-time resources dedicated to coordinating statewide emergency communications, most States have chosen a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC) to fill this role.

Interoperability is the ability for emergency responders to communicate among jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government, using a variety ofdifferent menas of communication. Emergency responders often find it difficult to communicate within their own agencies, let alone with agencies in neighboring states, counties, or cities. Thus, the SWIC is essential in promoting and advancing interoperability statewide.

The Various Roles of the SWIC

SWICs assist with the implementation of the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) and Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans (SCIPs).

SWICs also assist with establishing a Statewide Interoperability Governing Body (SIGB), or other formalized, statewide governance systems. In Oregon, this is the State Interoperability Exeutive Council (SIEC)

SWICs serve as members of the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), a national governance body established to assist state and territory interoperability coordinators with promoting the critical importance of interoperable communications and best practices within their states and nationally.

SWIC contributes to the development of standard operating procedures; voice and data technologies; training, exercises, and outreach and education materials; and federal emergency communications policies, plans, and services. This coordinated effort greatly enhances response capabilities by developing collaborative interoperable communications strategies at all levels of government.

**Click here for additional details regarding the role and responsibilities of the SWIC.

Contact the Oregon SWIC:

William Chapman, ENP

william.chapman@das.oregon.gov

971-283-4607

About Oregon's SWIC

William comes to Oregon from the University of Arizona where he most recently served as a Communications Supervisor with The University of Arizona Police Department. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from The University of Arizona’s School of Government and Public Policy, a certificate in Advanced Leadership from the Eller College of Executive Education, and obtained certification as an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). He was an active member of Arizona's Association of Public Communications Officials (APCO) chapter and also chaired Arizona's Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) Committee. He previously served with the Ash Fork Fire District, AMR Ambulance, Sierra Vista Fire and Medical, Drexel Heights Fire District, the University of Arizona Emergency Medical Services, Pima County Emergency Management Communications, and the Arizona Rangers. He resides in Salem with his wife, Kathryn, a school teacher.