Feb. 9, 2011, Daytona Beach, FL – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International released the Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators, APCO American National Standard (ANS) 3.103.1-2010 after receiving final approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on Feb. 7.

The standard identifies minimum training requirements for public safety calltakers, fire service dispatchers, law enforcement dispatchers, and emergency medical services (EMS) dispatchers. It is one of many public safety communications training standards that have been developed as a result of APCO International’s Project 33 initiated in 1995. This standard is based on research compiled from multiple occupational analysis workshops conducted throughout the nation. Over 100 high-performing telecommunicators contributed to these workshops representing various agencies, including PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points for 9-1-1 calls), consolidated communication centers, sheriff’s, police and fire departments, emergency medical and ambulance services, airport and port authorities, and more.

“The focus of this standard is to provide objectives for minimum training necessary for front-line public safety communications professionals to be competent in the delivery of emergency communications services,” APCO International President Bill Carrow said. “APCO International respects the diverse nature of public safety communications and agency specific needs, but has long recognized the need for some level of standardization to support the professional development of these dedicated and highly skilled individuals.”

The standard can be downloaded for free at www.apcostandards.org. For more information or questions, e-mail [email protected].

About APCO International
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.