PSC eNews Weekly

Cybersecurity Training Is the First Step to Protecting Your Center

Scores of public safety agencies across the country have been severely impacted by cyber threats and have quickly become part of an FBI-documented, multi-billion-dollar cost. Ransomware attacks have increased by 250% this year alone. As a preventative measure against these growing threats, the FBI recommends cyber awareness training for all employees. Register now for these upcoming cybersecurity training opportunities designed specifically for the emergency communications industry.

Cybersecurity Hygiene Training (Early registration ends today)
January 11, 2018 | Daytona Beach, FL
The one-day, in-person course touches on all aspects of cybersecurity with specific steps you can take to enhance the security of your emergency communications center. This training is worth eight CEUs. Learn more
Sponsored and presented by SecuLore

Envision: The Future of Emergency Communications
January 16, 2018 | Austin, TX - Sponsored by SecuLore
February 15, 2018 | Nashville, TN
Using a variety of simulations, scenarios and exercises, presenters will help attendees of this intensive training event translate learning topics into practice. This training is worth seven CEUs. Learn more

APCO International Announces New Chief Technology Officer

Jay English returns to APCO to lead technical efforts
Jay English, Director of APCO’s Communications Center and 9-1-1 Services Department from 2012 through 2016, will be returning to APCO in the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Mr. English rejoins APCO after serving as Public Safety Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the National Protection and Programs Directorate in the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications. Continue

APCO: PSAPs Need Enhanced 9-1-1 for Office, Hotel and Campus Telephone Systems

APCO recently filed comments in response to a Notice of Inquiry issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that sought comment on the Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) capabilities of Enterprise Communications Systems (ECS), which serve environments such as office buildings, campuses and hotels (some of which constitute legacy "multiline telephone systems" or "MLTS"). Many ECS still lack a number of critical 9-1-1 features, including "direct dial" (meaning the ability to call 9-1-1 without first dialing a digit such as "9"), immediate routing to the correct PSAP, and actionable location and number information. APCO urged the FCC to update its rules to fix these shortcomings, drawing particular attention to the importance of providing a "dispatchable location."

Upcoming Webinar

Understanding Crisis Text Line and Protocols for PSAP Referrals
November 28, 2017 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 support for people in crisis via text. This webinar will provide an overview of this quickly growing service, including how PSAPs are collaborating to save lives and support suicidal individuals.

Cost: Free for APCO members; $59 for non-members Register now

Interested in more webinars? See all upcoming webinars.

APCO Staff Spotlight

Francesca Orozco, Customer Service Coordinator

Francesca joined the APCO Institute staff in 2014 and works as a customer service coordinator. In this capacity, she ensures that all APCO-certified students and instructors receive guidelines to help them remain current in their field.

Francesca processes recertifications, as well as APCO instructor applications and upgrades. She takes great pride in providing excellent customer service. Since joining APCO, Francesca feels very fortunate to have played a big role in the release of APCO’s new online recertification process, during which she was able to put her all into making things more efficient for customers.