20+ Years On: Isle of Man Police’s Early Partnership Approach Helped Shape Joined Up Emergency Communications

Zetron, a global leader in integrated mission critical solutions, marked the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Man’s groundbreaking emergency services control room programme.

In 2001, the Isle of Man became home to what was then the world’s first TETRA-integrated, multi-discipline emergency services control room. The initiative brought police, fire, ambulance and other government agencies together on a single communications platform, enabling a level of interoperability that was rare at the time.

Rather than simply co-locating services, the Isle of Man focused on creating a genuinely joined up operational model. Control room staff were able to share voice, data and situational awareness across agencies, supporting faster coordination and more informed decision making during incidents.

Reflecting on the milestone ,Mark Newey, Head of Communications, Department of Home Affairs, said, “When we look back at the decisions taken more than 20 years ago, what stands out is that this was never just about technology. It was about partnership and creating a better way for emergency services to work together. Those early choices around interoperability and joint working have stood the test of time and continue to influence how effective control rooms operate today.”

The new control room was tested almost immediately during the TT races, one of the most demanding policing environments in the British Isles. Within weeks of going live, the system successfully handled unprecedented levels of radio traffic and emergency calls, reinforcing the value of a shared, resilient communications approach.

Over the following years, the partnership between the Isle of Man and Zetron continued to evolve, ensuring the control room could adapt alongside changing operational requirements and emerging technologies. While the tools and platforms have developed, the underlying principles established in 2001 remain central to effective mission critical communications.

Terry Miller, General Manager and VP of EMEA at Zetron, said, “The Isle of Man project was significant not just because it was a world first, but because it demonstrated what can be achieved when technology is built around strong partnerships and clear operational goals. More than two decades on, it’s clear that the collaborative approach taken in 2001 laid foundations that are still highly relevant to emergency services today.”

As UK policing continues to focus on interoperability, resilience and collaboration across agencies, the Isle of Man experience offers a rare opportunity to reflect on how long-term thinking and trusted partnerships can deliver lasting operational value.