Announcements

  • Get Certified as an Agency Instructor at APCO Headquarters

    The APCO Institute is offering a one-week, in-person Agency Instructor course from March 31 to April 4 at APCO Headquarters in Daytona Beach, FL. This course provides agencies with the opportunity to certify their own instructors, allowing them to deliver APCO courses directly to their team. Bringing training in-house can help agencies reduce both new-hire and in-service training costs.

    This course is designed for those looking to become agency instructors in the following disciplines:

    The cost to attend the course is $510 for APCO members and $560 for non-members. The deadline to register is March 17

  • Reminder! Register for AFC In-Person Courses

    APCO, in partnership with IWA Technical Services, Inc., is offering two new courses this spring:

    These certifications will not only validate your skills but also signal to employers your commitment to quality and continuing education in this fast-evolving field.

  • Wellness Summit Early Bird Rate Ends Friday

    If you haven't registered already, the early bird registration rate for the 9-1-1 Wellness Summit ends soon! Register by Friday, January 31 to save $50. Join us for sessions ranging in topic from optimizing sleep, building a peer support team, getting unstuck from trauma while at the console and much more.

  • Nominations Are Open for APCO ECC & Technology Awards

    Nominations are now open for APCO’s Emergency Communications Center Awards and Technology Leadership Awards! APCO presents awards to public safety communications personnel who have demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the line of duty. Nominations are due by April 1.

  • Apply for an APCO Scholarship

    APCO scholarships are now open for applications! Funds can be used for APCO's leadership programs or professional development courses. Submit your applications by the deadlines below:

  • Introducing APCO's Student Recruitment Toolkit

    Over the last several years, APCO has prioritized offering new resources and programs to help emergency communications centers (ECCs) face staffing and retention challenges. Today, we are excited to introduce our new Student Recruitment Toolkit, which will assist you in recruiting directly from local secondary and post-secondary schools!

    The toolkit features a variety of resources for you to access, from case studies of ECCs who have had success with student training and recruitment programs, to resources for reaching out to students, schools and educators, to social media and email copy and graphics for you to utilize.

  • AFC Courses Coming This Spring

    APCO, in partnership with IWA Technical Services, Inc., is offering two new courses this spring: 

    General Communications Technician Level 1 — April 28 - 30, 2025 | 24 CDEs

    Line Antenna Sweep — May 1 - 2, 2025 | 16 CDEs

    Taking GCT-1 and LAS training can be a significant boost for your career in telecommunications, especially in land mobile radio (LMR) and in building communications systems.

  • [New Webinar] Understanding the Impact of Network Outages on 9-1-1

    Thursday, January 16 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Worth 1 CDE |  Free for members; $59 for non-members

    As the severity and frequency of 9-1-1 outages increase, it’s more important than ever for emergency communications centers to receive timely and actionable information about the scope and impact of outages. This webinar will begin with a brief overview of the Federal Communications Commission’s outage notification requirements, followed by a panel discussion from 9-1-1 professionals on the growing impact of outages on 9-1-1 operations and strategies to mitigate their effects.

    Speakers: Alison Venable, Government Relations Counsel, APCO International; Aimee Chase, Metro Administrator, Metro Communications, Sioux Falls; and Anne Camaro, Executive Director, Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District.

  • Get Certified as a Registered Public-Safety Leader

    APCO is accepting applications for the 2025 Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Program. This online professional development program provides emergency communications professionals with essential management skills to advance their careers. Graduates join an esteemed network of RPL alumni. Programs start monthly – the next one begins in January. 

  • APCO and NAUSS Partner to Advance Public Advance Public Safety Communications Globally

    This week, APCO International entered into a landmark partnership with Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) to deliver APCO’s industry-leading training to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership goes beyond a traditional training agreement, representing a comprehensive approach to knowledge transfer, professional development and support of Saudi Arabia’s public safety infrastructure. 

  • [New Webinar] From Stone Age to Space Age: Redefining ECC Call Logging Using AI

    December 17 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | 1 CDE
    Sponsored by Revcord

    This session will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing public safety answering points (PSAPs) through automation and advanced data management. Learn how AI streamlines call logging tasks such as searching, transcription, redaction, quality assurance (QA), and compliance with standards like APCO, CJIS, PCI, and HIPAA. Discover practical applications and hear testimonials from industry professionals who have experienced the benefits firsthand. By the end of this webinar, attendees will:

    • Understand the challenges of traditional call logging and how AI addresses them.
    • Gain insights into key AI features, including search, transcription, redaction, QA, and reporting.
    • Learn about real-world applications through dealer and ECC manager testimonials.
    • Explore the future of AI in public safety and its impact on ECC operations.
    • Engage with experts in a panel discussion to address practical questions and challenges.
  • Chair the APCO 2026 Host Committee

    We are looking for a Host Committee chairperson for APCO 2026, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, August 2-5, 2026. Criteria include:

    • Nominations must include a letter of interest from the candidate, a letter of support from the candidate’s employer (if the candidate is retired, this item is not required) and letters of recommendation from the candidate’s executive council representative and chapter president. If the candidate is either the executive council representative or president for the chapter, the candidate will then provide a letter of support from the immediate past president of the chapter or a vice president of the chapter.
    • Only APCO members in the “Full Member” category who are in good standing and who represent no commercial interest as defined in the membership policy shall be eligible to serve as the Conference Host Committee chair.

    Please submit your complete nomination to Patricia Giannini Henry at henryp@apcointl.org by December 13.

  • [Upcoming Webinar] Impressive, Innovative, Influential Iowa

    November 12 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for everyone | Worth 1 CDE

    Flooding in Iowa is nothing new. With every storm comes new challenges, especially when it comes to communications. The state of Iowa has continued to upgrade its emergency communication infrastructure by transitioning to a digital framework and leveraging public safety broadband. Join us as we learn how the town of Spencer came up with innovative solutions during a recent flood utilizing deployables to keep their ECC functioning and how their solution is influencing the way FirstNet is being used.

  • Volunteers Needed: Be a Voice for Change in Public Safety Communications

    Join an APCO Standards Working Group and help set the standards to shape the future of public safety communications! Whether you’re a telecommunicator, supervisor, technologist, or corporate industry expert, your expertise can influence the future. We are looking for working group members to help revise the following standards:
     
    • Core Competencies, Operational Factors and Training for Next-Generation Technology in the ECC 
    • Emergency Communications Common Disposition Codes for Data Exchange
    • Minimum Operational Standards for the use of TTY/TDD or Similar Device in the ECC

    The last day to sign up is 12/1.

  • Important Update: CPE Class 18 Application Deadline Extended

    Due to recent weather impacts in the southern region, the deadline to apply for CPE Class 18 has been extended to October 29. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your leadership skills in public safety.  

  • 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit Starts Next Week!

    There's still time to register for the 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit starting Tuesday, October 22. Join us in Fort Worth, Texas, for two and a half days of education and earn up to 16 CEUs.

  • [New Webinar] The Disruptive Power of ASAP Service

    October 31 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | 1 CDE
    Sponsored by Mission Critical Partners

    Every year, as many as 50 million calls generated by commercial and residential alarm systems reach emergency communications centers, which slows emergency response and places tremendous stress on telecommunicators. This is a very big problem for the 9-1-1 community. Fortunately, a highly effective solution already exists for overcoming it — the ASAP Service, which is based on the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol jointly developed by APCO and The Monitoring Association (TMA).

    Attend this webinar to learn how APCO and TMA collaborated to create the ASAP service, how it enables telecommunicators to focus on emergency calls that require their expertise and how the ASAP service might evolve in the future.

  • APCO 2025 Call for Speakers Now Open!

    We are now accepting submissions for innovative, engaging, inspiring and informative individuals to speak at APCO 2025, taking place July 27-30 in Baltimore, Maryland.

    We have three exciting new tracks this year!

    • Training Essentials: These sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive toolkit of training techniques and ideas. 
    • Federal Partners: Hear from important partners from APCO to include FirstNet, the FCC and NTIA as well as APCO’s advocacy team.
    • Mastering Media & Public Engagement: This track focuses on key areas such as social media management, public education, and media communication.

    The deadline to submit is December 11.

  • Support for Hurricane Helene

    Our thoughts are with those impacted by Hurricane Helene. In the wake of the hurricane, many are in urgent need of assistance. If you need support, APCO’s Sunshine Fund distributes critical financial support to members who are experiencing hardships. More information about how to apply for a Sunshine Fund grant can be found on the APCO website: https://www.apcointl.org/membership/donate/.

    We are always accepting donations to the Sunshine Fund to aid those impacted by life-altering events and disasters such as this one. Donate now: www.apcointl.org/sunshine

    Check out various discussions here on PSConnect for other ways you can support impacted states.

  • Transform Your Career With CPE: Apply for Class 18 by October 15

    We are accepting applications for APCO’s Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program, Class 18, which starts in January 2025. The CPE Program empowers emergency communications professionals to identify and build on their unique leadership traits for career growth. The deadline to apply is October 15.  

  • Register for 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit - Earn CEUs

    There is still time to register for the 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit to explore ways to improve retention, innovate recruiting, streamline the hiring process, implement creative staffing strategies and build a culture of excellence. Join us October 22-24 to experience sessions such as Innovating Recruiting and Staffing, the 9-1-1 Professional of the Future and more! Earn up to 13 CEUs. 

  • [New Webinar] 9-1-1: Where It’s Headed

    This is a time of incredible change in the public safety community. From staffing shortages to new technology, consolidation and funding, the challenges are many, but so are the opportunities. This is the time to think in new ways about emerging technological capabilities and how we leverage them to create safer communities and more effective organizations with better results.

    Join this webinar to learn how to turn current challenges into future opportunities.

    We’ll discuss:

    • How AI and automated processing of events can help alleviate staffing challenges
    • How new tools and processes like CAD-to-CAD data exchange and alternative response programs can aid resource management
    • How better geographic information from maps and drones can improve incident outcomes
    • How modern CAD and RMS solutions can work with AI, video and collaboration tools to help law enforcement agencies gain information and start solving crimes faster 
    • How the cloud enables agencies to be more resilient and secure during extreme weather, cyber security threats and more

    Sponsored by Hexagon

  • [New Webinar] Part 90 FCC Licensing From A to Z

    Tuesday, September 24 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for all | Worth 1 CDE

    The webinar will cover FCC licensing procedures to include navigating the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS), the form 601 and pertinent Part 90 FCC rules. We will also cover some of the most common obstacles encountered with frequency coordination, such as safe harbor limitations, waiver requests and letters of concurrence.

    Sponsored by Sitesafe

  • Coming to Georgia - NG9-1-1 and Cybersecurity Training for ECCs

    This September, APCO is offering two in-person courses at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia:

    Fundamentals of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) September 10 - 11 | Worth 16 CDEs
    $360 for members; $410 for non-members

    Learn more and register 

    Intermediate Cybersecurity Principles for the ECC
    September 12-13 | Worth 16 CDEs
    $520 for members; $570 for non-members

    Learn more and register  

  • Registration Is Now Open for 9-1-1 Staffing Crisis Summit

    Join us October 22-24 in Fort Worth, Texas, as we continue to help members face the challenges of effective and sustainable staffing within emergency communications centers. 

  • APCO First Vice President Vacancy Announcement

    In light of the tragic news of Mark Spross’s passing, APCO has made some contingencies for the upcoming 2024-25 Executive Committee election. In accordance with Bylaws provision 8.5, APCO is required to conduct an election for the incoming first vice president and second vice president. Regarding the former, the unfortunate and untimely death of Mark means “there are no eligible candidates” for incoming first vice president. Pursuant to Bylaws provision 9.5(b), such a vacancy (after April 1) should be filled at “the next regular election of officers.” On that basis, Policy Manual 6.4, section 7, describes the pathway; “it becomes necessary to accept nominations from the floor at the Annual Conference.” As a result, APCO President Becky Neugent announced in an email on July 26 that APCO will accept candidates for first vice president at the First General Business Session on Sunday, August 4, which is also when such nominees may address the assembly. Voting will occur at the Second General Business Session on Tuesday, August 6. If interested in declaring your candidacy, please visit the APCO First Vice President Voting 2024 webpage for the required forms and additional details.

  • Silent Key: Mark Spross

    APCO is incredibly saddened to report that Mark Spross, RPL, CPE and APCO International’s second vice president, passed away last weekend. Our deepest condolences go out to Mark’s family, friends and fellow team members at METCOM 911.

  • Purchase APCO 2024 Session Recordings Now to Save

    Make the most of your educational experience at APCO 2024 and purchase the session recordings. You'll get access to all 120 professional development sessions plus a select few sessions will be video recorded this year! Purchase before August 2 to save.

  • Register for a Pre-Conference Course at APCO 2024

    The APCO Institute is offering two pre-conference courses this year at APCO 2024. Choose from Cybersecurity Fundamentals for the ECC or Bullying and Negativity in the Communications Center, 2nd Edition. Both courses will take place on Saturday, August 3, in Orlando, Florida, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are worth 8 CDEs each.  

  • Introducing the APCO Career Instructor Program

    We are excited to introduce the APCO Career Instructor Program (CIP). This program will establish a structured training pathway for state or locally certified educators to attend APCO’s core course, APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) 1, 7th Edition, at no cost. Educators are then qualified to teach the PST 1 course to secondary or post-secondary students. The goal of CIP is to ensure that educators across the nation are well-equipped to deliver industry-standard training to the next generation of public safety telecommunicators, providing a solution to the critical staffing needs of ECCs across the country.

  • [New Webinar] Reclassification Update: OMB Requests Input for SOC Revision

    July 17 | 2 p.m. ET
    Free for all | 1 CDE

    On June 12 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the beginning of a multi-year process to revise the Standard Occupational Classification. Through this process, OMB will consider whether to change the classification of public safety telecommunicators from the administrative/clerical category to the category for Protective Service Occupations. APCO will hold a webinar July 17 to explain APCO’s strategy for providing input to OMB, how this effort relates to the 9-1-1 SAVES Act and what you can do to help ensure that OMB finally corrects this outdated classification.

  • [New Webinar] Swatting Identification and Mitigation Tips for ECCs

    July 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | Worth 1 CDE

    This webinar will focus on swatting hoaxes and how they impact emergency communications center (ECC) operations. Discussion topics will include how public safety telecommunicators can identify swatting calls and how departmental policies can help ECCs deal with suspected swatting incidents. Webinar participants will be from the FBI, the ECC community and APCO International.

    Presenters: Brian Leblanc, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Heather McGaffin, DC Office of Unified Communications; Crystal Lawrence, APCO, Director CC9S

  • New Institute Training Pricing Goes Into Effect July 1

    The APCO Institute has announced pricing changes for its courses, programs and services effective July 1.

  • [New Webinar] Next-Gen Dispatch: Envisioning the Future of CAD Systems

    June 25 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | 1 CDE
    Sponsored by Mark43

    The demands on dispatchers today have changed significantly from a decade ago. We can safely bet the same will be true in five years as shifting community needs, new generations of dispatchers, and increasing cybersecurity threats all help rewrite the job description. Dispatch software needs to evolve to meet those challenges.

    Join us as we bring together a panel of former dispatchers turned CAD software experts who have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of dispatch operations. Drawing from their experience, they’ll discuss the future of CAD systems and how to find an evergreen vendor that’s built for the future.

  • Last Chance to Register for Nexus and Leaders Dinner

    There is just one week left to register for Nexus! Join us May 29-30 for an interactive walk-through of scenarios from real events and experience the future of emergency communications with NG9-1-1 technologies.

    Also taking place on May 29 is the APCO Leadership in Policy Awards dinner. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a former APCO award recipient, will provide welcome remarks to kick off the evening’s program.

  • [Webinar] Implementation of Link Layer Authentication Within P25

    May 30 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | 1CDE

    P25 Link Layer Authentication (LLA) is being heard more and more frequently within the public safety communications community, but there is confusion around what it is, what it does and how it can be implemented in land mobile radio (LMR) systems. Join this session to learn what P25 LLA is – and is not – and how it can limit access to P25 trunked radio systems and provide an extra layer of system security and protection for critical communications networks. 

  • Nexus 2024 Two Weeks Away

    There are just two weeks left to register for Nexus 2024! This unique event explores how public safety professionals responded to real-world incidents AND the art of the possible when NG9‑1‑1 technology is fully deployed. Scenario discussions will include the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD, and the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, TN, among others.

    Join us May 29-30 in National Harbor, MD. 

  • New CAC Webinar: Commercial Perspective of NG9-1-1

    Jun 20, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
    Do you hear terms related to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), but don’t fully understand what it all means? Join members of the Commercial Advisory Council (CAC) as they break down some NG9-1-1 terms and acronyms, give a high level technical overview and talk about the operational impacts of NG9-1-1 capabilities. Every commercial member supporting a PSAP/ECC is working within a quickly transitioning NG9-1-1 environment in some way. In this session, we will share anticipated impacts of NG9-1-1 from various commercial perspectives.
  • Working Group Members Needed to Revise Standards

    The deadline to participate is May 19.
  • APCO 2024 T-shirt Contest

    There are just a couple of weeks left to submit your design for the APCO 2024 T-shirt contest! Send us something that represents Florida, Orlando and public safety. Designs will be voted on and the winner’s artwork will be printed on the back of the next APCO conference shirt in Orlando.

  • Happy NPSTW!

    It's National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week! We look forward to honoring our PSTs all week and seeing how you all celebrate! It's not too late to enter our contest for the chance to win breakfast or lunch for your ECC.

  • Flash Day Is Today

    Register for APCO 2024 today and save $100 on your full conference registration. We can't wait to see you in Orlando! 

  • APCO 2024 T-shirt Contest Now Open

    Calling all designers and artists! We want you to create our next conference shirt. Produce an original design that incorporates the host city Orlando and/or the state of Florida, and the spirit of APCO International and emergency communications. Designs will be voted on and the winner’s artwork will be printed on the back of the next APCO conference shirt in Orlando. The deadline to submit is May 6.

  • 2025 Conference Chair Nominations

    APCO is seeking a host committee chairperson for APCO 2025 taking place in Baltimore, MD on July 27-July 30, 2025. We are currently accepting nominations with the following requirements:

    • Nominations must include a letter of interest from the candidate, a letter of support from the candidate’s employer (if the candidate is retired, this item is not required) and letters of recommendation from the candidate’s executive council representative and chapter president. If the candidate is either the executive council representative or president for the Chapter, the candidate will then provide a letter of support from the immediate past president of the chapter or a vice president of the chapter.
    • Only APCO members in the “Full Member” category, who are in good standing, and who represent no commercial interest as defined in the membership policy, shall be eligible to serve as the conference host committee chair.

    Please submit your complete nomination to Patricia Giannini Henry at henryp@apcointl.org. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2024.  

  • [New Webinar] Improving 9-1-1 Staff Performance & Retention

    Improving 9-1-1 Staff Performance & Retention: Why Targeted Quality Assurance is Essential
    May 22 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
    Free for members; $59 for non-members | 1 CDE
    Sponsored by NICE

    Attend this webinar to learn:

    • Best practices from several accomplished 9-1-1 directors that you can put into practice to close the revolving door
    • Tips for automating everyday manual tasks so supervisors can get more time back in their day to mentor, coach and support staff
    • Why a consistent, targeted Quality Assurance & Improvement (QA/QI) program is essential to helping telecommunicators succeed, and stay on the job
    • How to leverage targeted QA reviews, and call handling and dispatch performance metrics to uncover coachable moments, performance issues, training gaps and recognition opportunities, and help telecommunicators before they slide too far down the slippery slope
  • NPSTW Contest Reminder

    If you haven't already, take some time to enter our NPSTW contest to win $100 for your ECC! Tell us about the movie that represents your center.

    Check out the entries we have received so far and vote on your favorites.

  • Join an APCO Standards Working Group

    APCO is seeking participants to create a Minimum Technical Requirements for Remote Support to Emergency Communications Center Operations standard. This ANS will define the minimum requirements used in an emergency evacuation situation or a stay-at-home order where separated operation and administrative staff are required. The deadline to sign up is April 1.

  • APCO Seeks Volunteers for Standards Revisions

    APCO seeks volunteers for the revision of the following two standards:

    • Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Instructor. The revision seeks to identify the fundamental skills and minimum training prerequisites for those tasked with instructing personnel in the emergency communications center (ECC). Learn more
    • Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Quality Assurance Evaluators. This revision seeks to identify the fundamental skills and minimum training prerequisites for those tasked with evaluating the quality of work performed by an ECC. Learn more

    The deadline to participate for both standards is March 24.

  • NPSTW 2024 Contest

    The contest for NPSTW 2024 (April 14-20) is now open! For this year’s contest, we’re asking you to name the movie for your comm center and give us a plot summary, then let us know why you chose it. In place of trailers, send us a picture of your team. The deadline to submit is April 22.