PSC eNews Weekly

Registration for APCO 2024 Is Now Open!

Registration for APCO 2024 is now open! Register before July 8 for the early bird rate. We can't wait to see you August 4-7 in Orlando!

APCO Advocates for Enhanced 6 GHz Interference Reporting Mechanisms to Safeguard Public Safety Communications

On April 4, APCO submitted a detailed letter to the Federal Communications Commission, emphasizing the critical need for a robust and transparent process for resolving harmful interference to 6 GHz public safety operations. The Commission recently approved several automated frequency coordination (AFC) systems to begin operating in the 6 GHz band. AFCs must control certain Wi-Fi-type devices in 6 GHz to prevent interference to incumbents like public safety agencies. APCO's letter outlines concerns and recommendations for ensuring that AFC systems have an efficient mechanism in place to receive reports of interference and quickly eliminate it.

APCO Announces Meghan Architect as Chief of Staff

APCO announced that Meghan Architect, formerly APCO’s chief marketing officer and interim chief of staff, has been selected to officially fill the position of chief of staff. Since joining APCO International in 2012 as the marketing manager, Ms. Architect has steadily risen through the ranks, assuming the role of director of marketing and communications in 2015. By 2019, she had secured her Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) accreditation, followed by her Certified Association Executive (CAE) accreditation in 2021. Her journey culminated in June 2023 when she was appointed chief marketing officer (CMO) and in January 2024 as interim chief of staff.
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CPE Classes 17 and 18 Now Forming

APCO's executive leadership program — the Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program — integrates information and insights from expert leadership professionals and distinguished academic sources, along with intensive self-exploration to help refine executive leadership skills. Described by many as a life-changing experience, CPE helps emergency communications professionals discover and build on their unique leadership characteristics for career advancement. Admission to the program is competitive and limited to one participant per agency for a CPE class. Now accepting applications for Class 17, which begins in July 2024, and for Class 18, which starts in January 2025. Learn more

[Webinar] Improving 9-1-1 Staff Performance & Retention: Why Targeted Quality Assurance is Essential

May 22 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Free for members; $59 for non-members | Worth 1 CDE
Register

Attend this webinar to learn:

Best practices from several accomplished 9-1-1 directors that you can put into practice to close the revolving door.
Tips for automating everyday manual tasks so supervisors can get more time back in their day to mentor, coach and support staff.
Why a consistent, targeted Quality Assurance & Improvement (QA/QI) program is essential to helping telecommunicators succeed and stay on the job.
How to leverage targeted QA reviews, and call handling and dispatch performance metrics to uncover coachable moments, performance issues, training gaps and recognition opportunities, and help telecommunicators before they slide too far down the slippery slope.

Sponsored by NICE

Law Enforcement Communications Training in the APCO Virtual Classroom

APCO’s Law Enforcement Communications, 1st Edition, course focuses on enhancing law enforcement call handling and radio dispatching skills, crucial for caller service and responder safety. Topics covered in the training include law enforcement roles, operations, communication technology, incident management, counterterrorism and more. The course offers engaging materials like manuals with visuals, study guides, role-plays and scenario-based training for effective learning and practical application. Worth 32 CDEs. Register for the April 17 - May 28 online course or in the APCO Virtual Classroom on June 10 - 13.

Additional dates are available. Learn more

APCO Seeks Volunteers for Three Standards Revisions

APCO is looking for subject matter experts to assist with the revision of the following standards:

The deadline to apply is May 5.

Ideas for Celebrating NPSTW

In February, APCO’s Member & Chapter Services Committee (MCSC) surveyed chapters about how they celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. The survey included questions about financing NPSTW, theme days, gifts, public recognition and more. Twenty-nine chapters responded; visit the website to view the results and get some ideas!

Teammates-in-Action: Katie Minor, Karimah Young, Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications

Please join us in congratulating Telecommunicators Katie Minor and Karimah Young for their exceptional performance as we award them the Teammates-in-Action award:

On October 26, 2023, the Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call from a man driving his pregnant wife to the hospital. Telecommunicator Katie Minor provided excellent customer service on this incident. She was calm, compassionate and reassuring with this family during a very hectic situation.
On October 26, 2023, the Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call of an unknown-age male who overdosed and required CPR. Telecommunicator Karimah Young answered the call and provided outstanding customer service reassuring the caller and others in the background that help was on the way. She assisted the callers in continuing CPR until help arrived and took over.