SAPOL engages RFI for in-vehicle repeater upgrade

South Australia Police rely on clear, consistent UHF radio communications to ensure officer safety, support rapid response, and maintain public safety. Their existing in-vehicle repeater systems had reached end-of-life, requiring modernisation to maintain performance and reliability, and so an upgrade was required.

In-vehicle repeaters are a critical technology that extends UHF radio coverage for police officers operating across South Australia’s diverse regional environments.

The upgrade presented a few challenges, not least of which was ensuring a seamless, faultless transition from the older generation repeaters to improved technology, and maintaining continuity of communications during installation across a large and diverse vehicle fleet.

The new technology also needed to meet operational expectations for range, reliability, and coverage, especially because of their use in regional and remote areas.

Building on a long-standing relationship spanning many years, RFI was chosen to support the rollout of new in-vehicle repeaters.

RFI supplied the Pyramid Guardian Vehicle repeater system as the technology foundation for the upgrade. The robust in-vehicle solution is designed to enhance the range and clarity of UHF communications, delivering a stronger platform for operational safety.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the SA Police Radio & Technology Support Unit, who are responsible for fitting the new technology across the fleet. Approximately 10–12 personnel are supporting the rollout.

The first batch of upgraded in-vehicle repeater (IVR) systems is already being installed in SA Police vehicles, although the full upgrade program will span approximately two years, so that eventually every operational vehicle will benefit from the enhanced system.

RFI is providing ongoing support and partnership throughout the process, ensuring technical continuity and performance assurance.

The new IVR system introduces meaningful enhancements that strengthen communication reliability across the fleet.

Improved UHF radio performance across regional and remote areas of South Australia means increased officer safety, with more reliable communications during critical operations.

It will also mean enhanced operational efficiency, helping SA Police personnel carry out duties confidently and effectively, and will provide a stronger, more resilient communications network that benefits both police officers and the broader South Australian community.

“The Pyramid IVR is an important piece of communication equipment for SAPOL officers in regional areas,” said Simon Roocke, Technical Officer, GRN Radio Systems, South Australia Police. “The SAGRN has excellent coverage, but there are some regional locations where the vehicle-based mobile radio has coverage, but the portable radio does not.

“The IVR allows the officer to use the portable radio when outside the vehicle to communicate through the vehicle's mobile radio. Without the IVR in these locations, there would be limited or no communication when outside the vehicle.”

RFI has supported the SA Police with RF communications solutions for many years. This upgrade continues to deepen the partnership, reaffirming RFI’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance technologies to Australia’s public safety agencies.