APCO Takes Position on Public-Safety Communications Issues

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International recently released the findings of its inaugural International Summit Meeting.

The APCO International Summit Meeting brought together the leadership from APCO International, the British Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (BAPCO), APCO Canada, and Australia/New Zealand APCO for the purpose of discussing international public-safety communications issues and forming consensus position statements.

The group reached consensus and formed position statements on the following issues:

• International Access to Emergency Services;
• Location-Based Service Providers;
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Use in Accessing Emergency Services;
• Future Radio Systems and Interoperability, and;
• Radio Spectrum.

From APCO Int:

International Access to Emergency Services

Current Status

With the ever increasing mobility of the world population it is important that travelers' access to emergency services in any country is easily achieved. Unfortunately, the access numbers for emergency services differ from country to country and even within countries.

Position

It is the position of APCO International that a visitor to any country should be able to use their known three-digit emergency access number on any telephone system throughout the world, including wireless. This should be enabled by the technology of the network involved.

In addition, APCO International believes there should be accurate location information provided with the call that adheres to a global standard.


Location-Based Service Providers

Current Status

Location-based technologies are now providing automatic information relating to commercial and private vehicle incidents, medical emergencies, and other situations requiring emergency response.

Position

It is the position of APCO International that location-based service providers delivering information to public safety agencies should do so in a timely, accurate, and consistent format. Mutually developed standards are essential and should be accepted by all providers.


Voice over Internet Protocal (VoIP) Use in Accessing Emergency Services

Current Status

The development of voice telephony using internet protocols is providing alternative methods of delivering emergency calls, but because of the technology involved it can cause severe public safety response problems.

Position

It is the position of APCO International that there should be more information available to the public as to the limitations of delivering emergency calls via IP technology. Any systems implemented should provide the same standard of service and location accuracy as obtained from other technologies such as line telephony or wireless telephony. In particular, it is imperative that the call is routed to the appropriate emergency access point.

Furthermore, it is incumbent upon the network providers to ensure the security of the network. In addition, before any IP provider is allowed to provide telephony services they must deliver the level of service indicated above.


Future Radio Systems and Interoperability

Current Status

Wireless technology is developing in many areas such as private mobile radio and public cellular systems which provides public safety agencies with a great degree of choice into the future.

There is a growing requirement for agencies to be able to speak with each other and exchange accurate data.

Position on Future Radio Systems

It is the position of APCO International that any radio systems deployed for public safety purposes must be able to provide the functionality and capacity needed to deliver the users' requirements including instant and priority access, reliability, security, and confidentiality.

Position on Interoperability

It is the position of APCO International that there must be an ability for public safety agencies and personnel to communicate with each other, on demand, in real time and when needed.