What responders really think about communications tech

What responders really think about communications tech

Thanks to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research program, responder organizations and device developers can now see how users really feel about communications technology.

With PSCR’s Survey Results and Survey Analyzer tools, public safety officials can sift through the results of a large-scale survey of 7,000 first responders who shared their views on existing and emerging public safety communications technology – from radios and smartphones to bodycams, virtual reality and fingerprint scanners…

Upgrades are planned for Gates County 911 Dispatch (NC)

Upgrades are planned for Gates County 911 Dispatch (NC)

GATESVILLE – A plan is in place to make upgrades to the Gates County 911 Communications Center in an effort to return that service to the county.

Citing staff shortages and equipment malfunction, Gates County officials were forced to hastily transfer 911 services to neighboring Perquimans County on Dec. 17. That service remains there at the present time while Gates County officials work to address the issues they have with staff and outdated equipment.

Jason Sample, Gates County Emergency Management Director, and Heather Ceney, 911 Interim Supervisor, were on hand at last week’s regularly scheduled meeting of the county commissioners to give an update of the issues with the 911 system…

County EMA considers solutions for crisis (PA)

CLARION – There may be short-term and long-term solutions available for the emergency medical crisis in Clarion County.

Lue Wilson, the assistant secretary of the Clarion County Township Association, said Monday at a meeting of the county Emergency Management Committee that the previous limits placed on the use of the American Rescue Plan money have been eased.

Wilson said the new rules go into effect in April…

APCO Announces Final Approval of Two American National Standards

Alexandria, VA – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International received final approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on January 18, 2022, for revisions of two American National Standards (ANS).

The revision of these standards includes updates providing both positions with the guidance needed to enhance their skills and grow within today’s ever changing environment.

“Identifying core competencies and minimum training requirements for positions in our emergency communications centers are key to a successful center.” said Jason Kern, APCO International President…

Santa Barbara Police Department Mourns Loss of Officer and Dispatch Supervisor Gina Battaglia (CA)

Santa Barbara Police Department Mourns Loss of Officer and Dispatch Supervisor Gina Battaglia (CA)

Officer Gina Battaglia

Officer Gina Battaglia

It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of one of Santa Barbara Police’s finest, Police Officer and Dispatch Supervisor Gina Battaglia, who passed away suddenly from a work-related illness in August 2021.

Gina joined the Santa Barbara Police Department in September 2007 as a police officer working patrol, and later was promoted to Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officer in October 2015. One of her greatest CSI skills was finding and collecting fingerprints. If a burglar had known it was Gina investigating the crime, they would have given the crime a second thought.

In July 2018, Gina transferred to the Santa Barbara Police Combined Communications Center as a dispatcher, and later was promoted to dispatch supervisor…