In case you missed the recent webinar explaining the many exciting APCO committees and the process for application, here is a rundown of how you can become more involved with APCO and enhance your personal and professional growth and development inside public safety communications.

Whether you are brand new to the industry or have been around the comm center for a while, your opinion and contributions are valuable and have a place inside APCO committees. This is where the work gets done in our association; where you can see what’s coming in 9-1-1 communications and shape our process on how we will approach the future. The following APCO standing committees are currently accepting member applications:

The Communications Center Standards Committee offers recommended core competencies, minimum training standards, training program certification and effective practices for various public safety communications positions developed through the use of an occupational or process analysis.

The Professional Development Events Committee assists the Conference Department in selecting high-quality program topics, speakers and program content that are timely, pertinent to the industry and contribute to the enlightenment, education and betterment of APCO members and public safety.

The CALEA Committee strives to promote the partnership between APCO and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). It also honors the communications agencies receiving accreditation awards and provides subject matter experts for standards review and creation. A selective requirement of the committee is that its members must be engaged in the CALEA accreditation process as either an accreditation manager or assessor.

The Awards Committee reviews and scores annual nominations and recommends recipients to the Executive Committee to receive recognition at the annual international conference for outstanding work in their specific category. If selected, you will be placed on a sub-committee to review one category of nominations which include director, trainer, supervisor, telecommunicator, radio frequency, information technology, team and technology leadership (formerly the Horizon Award). This committee requires most of your commitment during the months of January through April. This is a fun and rewarding experience and reviewing the nominations is a great reminder of all of the wonderful work being done in 9-1-1 every day. If you are interested in getting involved with an APCO committee, this is a great way to participate.

The Historical Committee works to preserve APCO history by supporting the APCO Library at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., supporting the online museum, displaying documents and artifacts at the APCO Annual Conference & Exposition, assisting chapters in preserving their own history, and raising funds in support of these efforts.

The Pro-CHRT Committee (Professional Communications Human Resources Taskforce) is responsible to champion the professionalism of the public safety communicator in all disciplines (Law Enforcement, Fire-Rescue and Emergency Medical Service) to local government officials, legislators, allied associations, and the general public. Working individually and in subcommittees, assistance is provided in establishing chapter Pro-CHRT committees, collecting information on state requirements for training certification, retirement eligibility, and legislative initiatives, all of which reinforce the need where minimum standards are lacking. The collated data is disseminated online in a “toolbox” for use by members and non-members alike. Committee members also collaborate with various researchers dealing with issues critical to the public safety call taker and radio dispatcher.

The Bylaws Committee maintains the Association Bylaws and Policy Manual to assure those documents are up to date and properly reflect the actions of the Annual Quorum, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Council to include review for inconsistencies, typographical and grammatical errors. It assists any chapter with development or review of their chapter governance documents to conform to post SGI changes. Assist any chapter, committee, or group with drafting new resolutions or proposals to amend the Association Bylaws or Policy Manual.

The Editorial Advisory Committee solicits articles from public safety communications subject-matter experts for our monthly magazine, reviews our website to maintain a consistent message and style, expands our publications library and develops new and innovative ways to communicate with membership.

The Member and Chapter Services Committee supports the membership at the chapter level by building relationships with chapter officers to keep them informed of membership issues and association programs. Support is provided at the chapter level by maintaining contacts with chapter officers, submitting articles to Public Safety Communications magazine, participating on monthly conference calls and distributing a monthly MCSC e-newsletter.

The 9-1-1 Emerging Technology Committee provides subject-matter experts to the International Committee related to US 9-1-1 issues; establishes at least two strategic alliances related to the mission of APCO; provides leadership opportunities for committee members by establishing work groups within the 9-1-1 Committee and establishes a 9-1-1 public policy work group to identify key areas of public policy that APCO should influence or advocate for related 9-1-1 operations and effectiveness.

The Spectrum Management Committee keeps abreast of technical, operational and regulatory policy proposals and changes pertaining to public safety telecommunications.

APCO committees are a dynamic way to interact with your fellow members. Not only does committee membership contribute to Senior and Life Member designations, but it is a chance to exercise your leadership skills, engage in professional networking, and stay up to date with emerging technologies and news in public safety communications.

To learn more about becoming a part of an APCO Committee, visit the Committees page on the APCO site, and don’t hesitate to contact the committee Chairs with any questions you may have. You can also contact the webinar hosts, Margie Moulin (Margie.Moulin@ecso911.com), Jason Kern (jkern@citypil.com) or Ann Russo (russoa@apcointl.org).