Founded in 1935, APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals.

APCO’s 40,000+ membership includes those who manage, operate, build and support public safety communications systems for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and other public safety agencies. The association supports its members – and the general public – by providing industry expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.

The association is based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with executive offices in Alexandria, VA.

Mission

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) is an international leader committed to providing complete public safety communications expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach to benefit our members and the public.

 

Vision

APCO International commits to strengthen our communities by empowering and educating public safety communications professionals.

Leadership

The Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Executive Council, along with the CEO & Executive Director manage the business of APCO International.

The Executive Committee includes a President, First  and Second Vice Presidents, and the Immediate Past President. The First Vice President becomes the President when membership elects the Second Vice President at APCO’s Annual Convention & Expo. The Board of Directors consists of the Executive Committee, two members selected by region and one member of the Commercial Advisory Council. The Executive Director serves as a non-voting member on both. The Executive Council is made up of one non-commercial, voting-eligible member selected by each of the chapters.

Learn more about leadership requirements and responsibilities in the APCO Bylaws and Policy Manual.

President

Director
Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications
Nashville, TN

First Vice President

911 Director
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Communications Division
Livingston, LA

Second Vice President

Executive Director
Western Will County Communications Center
Plainfield, IL

Immediate Past President

911 Director
Autauga 911
Prattville, AL

Ex-Officio

Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
APCO International
Daytona Beach, FL

Regional and CAC Representatives

Reg Rep East

Shelby, NC

Reg Rep East

Chief Dispatcher
Southampton Village Police Dept
Southampton, NY

Reg Rep Gulf

Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications
Nashville, TN

Reg Rep Gulf

Communications Manager
Nassau County Sheriff Office
Yulee, FL

Reg Rep North Cen

Emergency Communications Director
Lincoln Emergency Communications Center
Lincoln, NE

Reg Rep North Cen

Director
Delaware County Emergency Communications Center
Muncie, IN

Reg Rep West

Director
Idaho State Police
Coeur D Alene, ID

Reg Rep West

Deputy Director
Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority
Las Cruces, NM

CAC Rep

Director of Operations
Tyler Technologies*
Troy, MI

Executive Council

Members of the Executive Council represent APCO International chapters and facilitate the exchange of information between the chapters and their Regional Representatives.

2024 Annual Report

As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to report significant growth and accomplishments at APCO International. Our association has experienced substantial progress both in our physical infrastructure and financial health, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to supporting public safety communications.

Our History

What began as a simple letter calling for a meeting of those involved in police communications now stands as the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals.

Twenty-five police communication officers and several others, including representatives from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and U.S. Dept of Justice Bureau of Investigations, met in St. Louis, MO in January 1935 to form APCO. Within days, they had formed an organization that looks similar to today’s APCO including an association name, a constitution including more than one type of membership, publications for the membership, association insignia, standing committees, and elected officers.

APCO Projects

APCO’s Project Series aims to solve the unique problems telecommunications professionals encounter. The most recent, Project 43: Broadband Implications for the PSAP, resulted in a report intended to help the public safety community take advantage of and prepare for broadband communications technologies.

Donate

APCO supports our members and the industry through the CAC and Silent Key Scholarship Programs and the Sunshine Fund.which provides assistance to public safety communications professionals who experience a life-altering event. Additionally, the Public Safety Foundation of America (PSFA), a  501(c)3 subsidiary of APCO International, makes grants to support public and nonprofit public safety communications efforts.

Media Kit

Reach members of the world’s oldest and largest public safety communications association. 

Our bi-monthly magazine is the authoritative source of information on public safety communications worldwide; showcase your brand to a print and online distribution of more than 40,000 readers. Advertising on our websites is another great way to reach member and non-member visitors and reinforce your marketing message. APCO also offers advertising in a variety of eNewsletters targeted to specific audiences, ensuring your advertising dollars are maximized.