WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International sent a letter to Congress last week urging them to set first responder communications as a top priority in the remainder of the first session. 

"While we are still gathering specifics, the Katrina disaster demonstrates once again the critical need for robust, interoperable radio communications for public safety personnel," the letter from APCO International President Greg Ballentine said.  "Congress can help by ensuring that public safety agencies have the communications tools they need, including sufficient radio spectrum and the funding to construct and maintain state-of-the-art interoperable communications systems."

Specifically, APCO International asked Congress to establish a hard date for the Digital Television (DTV) transition; increase the amount of interoperability federal grant funding; improve funding allocations for local governments for communications; provide federal grants for agencies to upgrade 9-1-1 systems; and consider future needs for broadband spectrum for public safety. 

Visit http://www.apcointl.org/about/gov/PDF/CongressKatrina090905.pdf to view the letter.

About APCO International

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.  APCO serves the professional needs of its 14,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and
emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.