NCJ Number
206561
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 40,42,44,45
Date Published
July 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes two regional seminars offered by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) on how local public safety agencies can prepare to successfully achieve wireless E-911 communications.
Abstract
Achieving effective interoperability is the biggest issue facing public safety agencies today. Both hardware and training come into play, both of which require resources outside of departmental budgets. The APCO offers day-long seminars so that public safety managers can learn from their peers and design communications plans that fit their unique needs. The first seminar described, the “Homeland Security Symposium: Delivering Services Amidst Disaster,” discusses how public safety communications centers can overcome network vulnerability and maintain functionality during a crisis. Participants examine their own department policies and learn how to write a custom plan for their agencies. Risk management is a main focus, including network vulnerability and physical security at communications centers. Public expectations are explored, as are staff assignments and alternate command sites. During the “Wireless Enhanced-911 Post Deployment Symposium Series” participants learn about technology and operations necessary to successfully deploy FCC Phase II cell phone location technologies in their local communities. Currently, less than 25 percent of public safety agencies report successful wireless E-911 deployment; the latest FCC mandates requires that 95 percent of constituencies must have location devices in their cellular operations by December 2005. APCO’s funding arm has granted over $10 million to public safety agencies; further funding will depend on the outcome of Congressional appropriations from Senate Bill 1250 -- Enhanced 911 Emergency Communications Act of 2003. While interoperability tends to take a back seat to other homeland security issues, interoperability is critically important for the successful deployment of services to the public during times of crises.