Public safety officials are expressing concern with the inadequate funding level for Next Generation 9-1-1 grants in the Build Back Better Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week and now awaits consideration in the Senate. Representatives of APCO and other groups were interviewed for the article, explaining that the $470M in the current proposal is far short of the estimated $15B needed for modernizing 9-1-1 nationwide. Underfunding NG9-1-1 will leave public safety agencies with non-interoperable solutions and create a nation of haves and have nots. Read more
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Getting involved in the development of APCO American National Standards is an excellent way to contribute your knowledge as well as learn from your peers. We need volunteers who are producers of public safety communications equipment, products, processes, systems and services. You do not need to be an expert or an APCO member to participate; you just need to be willing to contribute your knowledge and skills to accomplish a common goal. The deadline to express interest is December 3.
This course provides training designed specifically for emergency communications center supervisors and those moving into supervisory roles. Communications Center Supervisor, 5th Edition is offered as an online course and in the APCO Virtual Classroom. Click on a date to learn more and to register.
The Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Coalition wrote to Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate advocating a 30-fold increase in the funding level.
Elyce Rivera, a telecommunicator with the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, told a woman about to give birth by the side of the interstate: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here with you.”
About 20 percent of the county’s 9-1-1 calls are transferred to nurses so they can refer callers to urgent care or telehealth, or provide medical consultation.
