What do we do?   We provide independent advice and technical assurance on the applicability of:

• electrical/electronic systems
   - radio
   - antenna
   - Electromagnetic(EMC) design and control
   - installation guidance
  and many other requirements placed on systems and vehicles for the emergency services.
• Advise, manage and design effective and practical methodologies to qualify systems and vehicles.
• Provide on-site assessments and investigations for vehicles, systems and equipment.
• Oversee and support testing at customer and commercial EMC facilities.
• Assess and evaluate evidence against our own and national standards, providing certification and recommendations.
• Train, educate and advise stakeholders, clients and procurement authorities.
• Manage, update and provide expert input into police, national committees and standards.
  

What are we intending to achieve?

• Minimise interference in electronic equipment.
• Maximise compatibility in electronic equipment.

We save money and improve safety, while minimising risk.
 
What is interference? Interference is the unwanted and unintentional behaviour of one device, caused by another device. This includes vehicles' and motorcycles' onboard electronic systems. It can be conducted through cabling or radiated through the air, existing between a vehicle and its fitted electronic equipment, or between various suppliers' equipment within the same vehicle or motorcycle. It can even exist between body worn equipment, like a portable video device and a handheld TETRA radio on the same person. In a typical emergency service environment, interference normally causes less conspicuous occurrences. For example, the reduction of radio receiver sensitivity will result in a reduced radio communications range; this could go unnoticed for years and severely impede day-to-day operation and the user's safety.
 
What is compatibility? Compatibility is the fitting of new devices, or replacement of existing devices, without the need for new and expensive interfaces or extensive installation work. Rework this section, far too wordy - just need key points/messages.   How we help you: Suppliers, Manufacturersm Installers and Fleet Managers, AES will:

• Visit you, advising on best installation practices, using the FCS1362 and NAPFM installation guidance.
• Liaise with you on product requirements, using AES Specification 5 for Equipment and Specification 6 for baseline/unmodified vehicles, as well as the new One Box SVA criteria (owned by Home Office CAST).
• Cversee and manage the testing and compliance of any new equipment. We assess the overall installation quality and performance of prototype systems, using AES Specifications 7 to 13 for installed overt and covert installed vehicles.
• Host and share assessment results on POLKA (accessible to most PNN and GSi users, search for "automotive"). We facilitate online discussion to gain feedback on product performance, and share the outcomes.
• Ensure results of assessments are understood and relevant to day-to-day operations. We also offer training where needed.
• Ensure product requirements are built in to procurement contracts.
• Support national projects like One Box SVA, which are likely to become the norm for future policing in the UK and abroad.
• Keep up-to-date with changes to radio and EMC Directives, installation guidelines and any related research.
• Provide you with value for money and minimise any potential reputational, technical and financial risks.