VIPER

The Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER) is North Carolina’s statewide public safety communications network, providing reliable, secure, and interoperable digital voice communications to first responders and partner agencies across the state.

VIPER supports the operational needs of numerous local, county, state, and federal public safety agencies, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, North Carolina Emergency Management, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services agencies in an increasing number of counties throughout the state.

With more than 212,000+ end users, VIPER is the largest trunked public safety radio system in the world based on user population. Every day, first responders rely on the network to coordinate traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, emergency medical response, disaster recovery operations, and homeland security activities. During critical incidents — from severe weather events to large-scale public safety operations — VIPER ensures seamless communication across jurisdictions and disciplines.

The mission of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is to ensure safe, efficient transportation on our streets and highways; reduce crime; protect against terrorism; and respond to natural and manmade disasters. This mission is accomplished, in partnership with all levels of government and the citizens of North Carolina, through quality law enforcement services based upon high ethical, professional, and legal standards. VIPER serves as a foundational component of that mission by enabling clear, dependable communication whenever and wherever it is needed.

The VIPER Unit of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is responsible for the management, operation, and continued development of the State’s Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders (VIPER). The system provides digital voice communications for a broad range of local, state, and federal public safety agencies, ensuring interoperability, operational readiness, and a unified response to incidents across North Carolina.