Since launching AppComm (APCO’s public safety app website) in April, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International has attracted significant attention both inside and outside of the U.S.

With 142 apps and over 127,000 visits, the site’s progress and the rapid growth in app development has prompted APCO to identify key attributes of effective apps for public safety and emergency response to better guide the selection of apps for inclusion on AppComm.

From the start, APCO was clear that it would not endorse the apps listed on AppComm and that the comments submitted to the site are reviewed by APCO for relevance and appropriateness only. The release of the “Key Attributes” provides public safety professionals, app developers and the general public with an outline of important attributes for the apps that appear on AppComm.

With its expertise in public safety communications, APCO is focusing on those attributes most pertinent to apps that can impact 9-1-1 and public safety communications centers to ensure such apps do not negatively impact these operations or lead to consumer confusion. One of AppComm’s greatest strengths is that it enables visitors, and especially APCO professionals and first responders, to contribute comments, ratings, and new ideas for apps, allowing AppComm to effectively “crowdsource” expert feedback on the myriad of apps that are already in use.

Other key attributes, such as security, privacy, and operability necessitate consideration by a variety of stakeholders to ensure public safety professionals and the general public are provided with reliable tools. In this regard, APCO seeks partnerships with industry leaders and government officials to assist in testing apps to ensure maximum effectiveness and reliability.

For more information about AppComm, visit www.appcomm.org. For general questions, email appcomm@apcointl.org.

About APCO International™ (www.apcointl.org)

APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.