Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Communications
AI is a hot-button topic in public safety, and APCO is at the forefront of exploring the impact of this new technology on public safety communications. In October, APCO kicked off a three-pronged approach to examining how AI is transforming emergency communications, holding its first AI Summit, announcing a partnership with iCERT to examine AI implementation in public safety, and initiating work on an AI standard for public safety communications.
APCO Forms Working Group to Develop New AI Standard
APCO International recently announced the creation of a new operational standard titled Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence Integration into the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). APCO formed a working group for the standard, which will provide best practices for ECCs to implement artificial intelligence (AI). It will discuss various integrations and outline both operational and training aspects, including considerations for the following topics: alleviating ECC challenges, training, cybersecurity, ethical and legal considerations, mental health support for public safety telecommunicators (PSTs), and implementation considerations.
Note: The AI standard working group has reached capacity.
Recent News About AI in Emergency Response
House Subcommittee Advances Bill to Study Impacts of AI on Security of Telecommunications Networks
On September 1, 2026, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce considered the AI for Secure Networks Act, H.R. 7294.
APCO International and GovWorx Partner to Bring APCO’s Protocols to CommsCoach ASSIST
APCO International has partnered with GovWorx to bring APCO’s recognized communications protocols into GovWorx’s CommsCoach ASSIST. This collaboration will further APCO’s mission to equip emergency communications centers (ECC) with modern, intelligent workflow tools. Together, APCO and GovWorx will streamline ECC operations, improve protocol adherence and expand APCO’s digital influence across the public safety technology landscape.
APCO Hosts First AI Summit
More than 250 attendees gathered in Orlando, Florida, this week at the APCO AI Summit to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming emergency communications.
APCO Seeks Working Group Members to Assist With the Development of New AI Standard
Today at the APCO AI Summit, APCO International announced the creation of a new operational standard titled Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence Integration into the Emergency Communications Center (ECC).
APCO and iCERT Come Together to Promote AI in Emergency Response
On October 7, 2025, at the APCO AI Summit, APCO International announced a new partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) to launch a new program to promote the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency response and public safety communications systems.
