The NWRC is responsible for the development and maintenance of NW LEARN (the Northwest Washington Law Enforcement Administrative Radio Network) a radio network communication system that serves local law enforcement agencies in Northwest Washington.

The mountainous topography of the region blocks the direct-line surface-to-surface long distance two-way radio communication which is essential for police patrol cars. Elected officials from Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties established NW LEARN in 1971 to put in place a network of radio repeaters on the high ridges and mountain tops of the four counties. There are fifteen NW LEARN repeater sites in the region. Radio signals are relayed, boosted and repeated so that a roving patrol car in one valley can talk directly with 9-1-1 centers, base stations, or with other cars in other valleys or on the islands.

The system is overseen by the NW LEARN Board, composed of the sheriffs from Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties and three representatives of the municipal police chiefs in the four counties. The Board is staffed by the NWRC, which maintains the radio network.

Northwest LEARN Board