Area police agencies were using systems that were more than 25 years old prior to the installation of the shared communications system. These systems often could not provide the coverage users needed or accommodate new features being developed. They usually could not communicate with each other in emergencies, because their individual systems were incompatible. One of the most challenging obstacles to overcome in establishing the new system was a tremendous amount of intergovernmental and interagency distrust due to previous failures in resource sharing. Strategic planning meetings began in 1994; the agreement was established among 50 local, county, and State government agencies in 1995. The new system became fully operational in 1998. The county now has more than 9,000 mobile and portable radios and can support some 13,000 units. The emergency Communications Center can operate through a 7.0 earthquake. Personnel form every participating agency can communicate with each other. Field units now have greater assurance that they can reach their dispatchers and other field units. The county has solved a crucial communications issue by bringing government agencies together as partners in a new solution. Photographs