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APCO News

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APCO President to Testify on 700MHz Auction

APCO President Wanda McCarley is expected to testify at the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on the 700 MHz Auction: Public Safety and Competition on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 10:00 AM. This hearing will examine a variety of issues related to the auction of spectrum at the 700 MHz band. http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=1874

National Sheriff's Association (NSA) 2007 Conference

APCO International will be hosting a booth at the National Sheriff's Association (NSA) 2007 Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah June 24-27. Come visit booth 821 to learn more about the services provided by APCO and the rewards of membership. For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.sheriffs.org/conf-annual.shtml. For more information about APCO International, please visit www.apcointl.org  

Brick Order Deadline

Leave your mark at APCO Headquarters with a brick on the Walk of Heroes! Purchase a brick to commemorate a special event, to celebrate a special time or to memorialize a friend or colleague. Deadline to order for summer installation is June 30. Download an order form at http://apcointl.org/membership/documents/BrickOrderForm.pdf or direct any questions to Ann Russo at russoa@apco911.org. 

Chapter Officer Training & Mentoring Course in Baltimore - Seating is Limited!

Don't delay in registering for the Chapter Officer Training & Mentoring Course that will be presented on August 5 in conjunction with the annual conference in Baltimore. Participate in this course from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. free of charge to members. Register at www.apconetforum.org using your email and member number (password) to login and then click on upcoming events. Seating is limited!

Employee Recruitment Brochures

Did you know that APCO offers a customized recruitment brochure to help you recruit the best of the best for your agency? You provide a few details and we do all of the work. We send you a sample of the brochure along with a form that captures information that is unique to your organization. We add your information to create a printer-ready file and voil`, you have a marketing tool that fits your agency to a T. At only $150 for members and $300 for non-members, it's a real steal. And your investment is recovered quickly-you can reprint the brochure as often as you like! To obtain a sample brochure, please contact Ann Russo at russoa@apco911.org.  We'll be delighted to help you build your team.

From Washington

FCC Seeking Comment on Proposed E911 Rules

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on tentative conclusions and issues related to Enhanced 911 (E911) location accuracy and reliability requirements for wireless carriers and providers of interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The NPRM seeks to ensure that E911 service meets the needs of public safety and the American people. The NPRM also takes into consideration the evolution in the use of wireless devices and the further development of location technologies.

The primary objective is to advance policies, rules and initiatives that support the efficient and reliable transmission of meaningful automatic location information for wireless cell phone users and users of interconnected VoIP service to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to better ensure rapid emergency response and save lives.

The Commission tentatively concluded that, as proposed by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. (APCO), wireless carriers would be required to meet Phase II location accuracy and reliability standards under Section 20.18(h) at the service area level of PSAPs. The Commission also seeks comment on whether to defer enforcement of Section 20.18(h) to allow time for wireless carriers to come into compliance with this standard, as well as the other questions regarding enforcing any rule that may be adopted on the geographic area for compliance. http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-108A1.pdf

NTIA Holds Public Meeting About Interoperability Grants

On June 4, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) held a public meeting regarding the Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program, a $1 billion program to provide state, local and federal first responders with funds to improve interoperable communications. The program will assist public safety agencies in the acquisition of, deployment of, or training for the use of interoperable communications systems that can utilize reallocated public safety spectrum in the 700 MHz band for radio communication. For more information about the meeting or to download a webcast of the event please go to http://www.ntia.doc.gov/psic/webcast.html.

FCC Spectrum Summit Online

On June 1, the FCC held a Spectrum Summit: Spectrum Policy and Management: Building Public Safety Communications. The Summit included expert panels composed of representatives from the public safety community, government and the communications industry. The panelists discussed issues related to the creation, implementation and management of public safety spectrum, as well as the benefits of enhancing public/private partnerships to support a nationwide interoperable public safety communications network. To view a webcast of the meeting go to http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/#jun1.

COPS Technology Grants Announced

Approximately $160 million is available in FY 2007 for competitive, discretionary grants under the COPS Technology Program. The program provides funding to local and state law enforcement agencies for the procurement of technology that enhances public safety voice interoperability and the ability to share information with regional, state and federal partners. Funding will focus on projects aimed at facilitating the sharing of information across multiple jurisdictions within a region, with the ultimate objective of increasing public safety. The 2007 COPS Technology Program is a targeted grant program. Invited applicants include all states and U.S. territories, 254 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) that have populations of 150,000 or greater, and an additional 20 selected MSAs with a population of less than 150,000 (to ensure sufficient representation from within each state). http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=240#TECH

Conferences and Meetings

We will all meet in Baltimore in just eight weeks at the world's largest gathering for public safety communications professionals. Your peers on the Host Chapter Conference Committee and the staff at APCO International are working hard to ensure that the topics most important to your day-to-day operations, long-term goals, and individual career development are being presented in thorough, engaging sessions.

In addition to the professional development tracks offered, be sure to take advantage of these valuable resources:

Chapter Office Training & Mentoring Course, Sunday, August 5, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This 3-hour course is free to APCO members. It provides an overview to the association's workings and will tell you everything you've always wanted to know about your association but didn't know who to ask. Pre-register at www.apconetforum.org and select upcoming events.

New Attendee Orientation, Sunday, August 5, 4:00 p.m.

If this is your first annual conference, or your first conference in a long time, be sure to attend this orientation session designed especially for you. Your attendance will also enter you in a drawing to win an APCO Store gift certificate.

Chapter Officer's Workshops, Thursday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

This interactive workshop is focused on chapter activities and how the Membership Team at HQ can support the local activities. We're going to have a special session dedicated to Chapter Conference Best Practices. Chapter officers should pre-register at www.apconetforum.org and select upcoming events.

FCC Panel - Wednesday, August 8, 1:15pm - 2:30pm

Moved to a new day and time!
The Regulatory Panel will address major public policy issues of concern to APCO members, such as wireless E911 accuracy rules, 800 MHz rebanding, and recent FCC actions regarding the 700 MHz band, including new rules for public safety broadband services. The panel will include top government policy makers from Washington, and will be moderated by Robert Gurss, APCO's director of legal & government affairs. Bring your policy questions

Resource Row

The "Once Upon a Time. . ." Room is where you'll see APCO history unfold before your eyes. Radio equipment, documents, books, conference pins, publications, coffee mugs, and much more will be on display. The room content changes from year to year. Come see what APCO history is all about.

The Communications Center & 9-1-1 Services Department Resource Room will focus on APCO Project RETAINS, APCO Project 41: LOCATE - VoIP: Emerging Technology Location Delivery Challenges, Standards, Next Generation issues and the department itself. For more information, please contact 911services@apco911.org.

Visit the APCO Institute Resource Room to meet the APCO Institute staff, learn about the training, products and services we have to offer, preview our current course materials, and view live demonstrations of the APCO Multi-Purpose Dispatch Software (MEDS) and the Expectations: Evaluations Software. In addition, APCO Institute will be conducting four pre-conference courses. Please visit our website at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/index.htm for registration & course information.

The exhibit floor is SOLD OUT!

Be sure to check the Web site at www.apco2007.org for a complete list of the products and services you want to see. During your time at the exhibits, please visit our sponsors and thank them for their support.

In addition to the training, networking, and new products be prepared to have some fun! Special events held at Baltimore's renowned Power Plant Live!, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and ESPN Zone, among others, provide ample opportunity to relax and share good times with your colleagues in the public safety communications community.

We look forward to welcoming you to Baltimore. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Department, 888.APCO.9-1-1.

Training and Certification

Fire Season is Here - Institute Training Discounts

The National Fire News has reported that there are 17 large active fires in five states with over 864,000 acres burned to date. The APCO Institute recognizes the need for quality fire communications training and will be offering our Fire Service Communications student manuals for $49 each beginning on June 1 and ending July 31. Tuition will be discounted to $379 for anyone wishing to enroll in the Fire Service Communications Online Instructor course beginning July 18. Visit our website at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/index.htm for registration information and order forms.

Leadership Certificate Program

Earn your professional designation as a Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL.) Registrations are currently being taken for the next class beginning September 26, 2007. Tuition assistance may be available through John D. Lane Scholarships. For additional information please visit our website at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/RPL_program.htm .  Scholarship applications can be obtained at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/forms_information.htm

The Telecommunicator's Role in Homeland Security

An article titled Homeland Security Training for Dispatchers was published in the May issue of 9-1-1 magazine. In it the author Mike Scott mentions the APCO Institute's Telecommunicator's Role in Homeland Security Course and the critical role dispatchers play in recognizing terrorist incidents and how this course will assist the telecommunicator in determining that a possible terrorist event has occurred and the appropriate response. This 8 hour course is available for your agency as co-hosted class or as a contract class. Please contact schatelk@apco911.org for details or visit our website at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/training.htm.  

New Institute Training Schedule

APCO Institute will be introducing a regional training program in the fall of 2007. All of the Institute's certification courses will be offered in select locations throughout the country, thus allowing agencies to plan in advance for their training needs. If your agency would like to participate and has a facility that will accommodate large groups and will be available for a minimum of three weeks, please email schatelk@apco911.org.

Receive High Quality Grant Writing Training at a Discount

Grant Writing USA provides the most highly sought after grants training in America and now, through a partnership with APCO Institute, APCO members can receive a $25 discount upon entering "APCO" when registering for any Grant Writing USA course! For more information on courses in your area, visit www.grantwritingusa.com.

Special Interest Web Seminar - Active Shooter Incidents and the Telecommunicator

APCO will conduct a web seminar titled "Active Shooter Incidents and the Telecommunicator" on July 11 at 2:00p.m.  This session will look at these types of events from the public safety communications point of view including what an active shooter incident is and the specific concerns and issues associated with response to such high-profile fluid situations. Also covered in this session will be specific calltaker and dispatcher actions that agencies can incorporate into their policies and procedures for handling these types of calls.

Web Seminars

Join the APCO Institute each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. for quality training and fun interaction with your peers. Each web seminar is one hour long and qualifies for one continuing dispatch education (CDE) credit. For more information or to register, log onto the APCO Institute website at http://www.apcointl.com/institute/webinars.htm.

Upcoming titles include: Instructor Techniques - June 20

            Share Your Expertise

Thanks to those of you who have already shared your thoughts in the APCO Exchange. You can see answers to previous questions at http://www.apcointl.com/
theexchange/index.cgi?read=5956

This week an APCO Member asks: "On open line calls, maybe we can hear a sound but can't identify it, does anyone send Police, and Fire and EMS? If so how are your procedures written so as to not have a multi-agency response to every hang up or open line call?"

Give your answer in the APCO Exchange at http://www.apcointl.com/
theexchange/index.cgi?read=5981

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Attend one of our co-hosted classes!

Public Safety Telecommunicator 1, 6th Edition Toledo, OH - August 13-17

Communications Training Officer
Las Cruces NM - July 18-20
Port St Lucie, FL - July 23-25