In what decade were the first handheld radios introduced?

The first handheld radios were introduced in the 1960s, marking a significant advancement in communication technology. During this decade, portable radio technology began to evolve from the larger, less convenient models of previous decades. The introduction of transistors enabled radios to become smaller, more efficient, and easier to carry, transforming personal and professional communication. This was a pivotal moment for public safety communications, as it allowed emergency responders and telecommunicators to communicate in real time while on the move, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response efforts. The other decades listed, while important in their own right for radio technology, did not see the advent of handheld radios that would become essential for field communications.