NENA 2015 Early Bird Rates Expire This Friday! Register Now & Save!

Register by Friday to save $100 or more off regular rates! Don't miss your opportunity to get the best value on your conference registration! 

Register online today! A printable/faxable form is also available.

Camp NENA is your summertime destination to earn your merit badges in all things 9-1-1. No matter what your role is in public safety, Camp NENA delivers the education, resources, and contacts you need to fill your daypack and reach the summit of any mountain in front of you.

Featuring inspiring keynote speakers, more than 90 hours of breakout sessions that inform and empower, career-building courses and workshops with real-world applications, nightly networking events that help you make the right connections, and an Expo Hall showcasing cutting-edge products and services, NENA 2015 is the must-attend event of the year. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!

Learn more:

• Breakouts
• Pre-Con Courses
• Workshops
• Networking Events 
• Keynotes 
• Run for 9-1-1 
• Exhibits
• ...and More!

Click here to register and here to make your housing reservations. With many hotels already close to being sold out, be sure to book soon to get the best possible rate at your hotel of choice!

 

Upcoming Webinars

Improving Campus Protection With One-Touch Alerting
Tuesday, May 12 | 1 p.m. Eastern (live) or On-Demand
Sponsored by AT&T & Rave Mobile Safety
Free! Click here to register!
 
Few responses require more coordination than an incident on a school campus. Join AT&T and Rave Mobile Safety for a webinar to learn how an innovative new technology solution can help foster better collaboration among school districts, law enforcement, and 9-1-1. Hear from Lt. Scott Parker, Division Commander of Special Operations, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office on lessons learned from a recent school shooting that highlights the importance of pre-incident collaboration and active information sharing.
 
Dispatchable Location Is the Difference Between Search & Locate
Tuesday, May 19 | 1 p.m. Eastern (live) or On-Demand
Sponsored by Akimeka
Free! Click here to register!
 
In the beginning, 9-1-1 systems were designed to provide a civic address location and did so by leveraging the Postal service’s street mailing addresses. As most 9-1-1 calls today originate from cell phones, a "Dispatchable Location" is needed for public safety response. In this webinar, Tony Ramirez of Akimeka will provide attendees with short self-assessments, a gap analysis process, and best practices for achieving and maintaining 9-1-1 databases for improved accuracy for wireless 9-1-1 calls.
 
Retaining Your PSAP's Best: It's Everyone's Responsibility
Wednesday, May 27 | 3 p.m. Eastern (live) or On-Demand
$50 for NENA Members | $85 for Non-Members | Click here to register!
 
How many employees with three to eight years of experience does your center have? Chances are you have them on either end of the spectrum: newbies or veterans. Attend this webinar to learn how you can turn your newbies into veterans and bridge that gap! You'll hear about strategies for successful employee retention, common reasons why people leave, and what line-level personnel can do to have a positive effect on employee retention

GIS Considerations for Next Generation 9-1-1
Tuesday, June 9 | 3 p.m. Eastern (live) or On-Demand
Sponsored by Intrado
Free! Click here to register!

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) will bring many changes to 9-1-1, and GIS data is fundamental to the successful transition and implementation of these systems. The transition from tabular call routing to geospatial call routing will impact data management processes, considerations and personnel. This webinar will detail the specific GIS functional elements related to NENA i3 including the Spatial Information Function (SIF), Location Validation Function (LVF) and Emergency Call Routing Function (ECRF) and will also focus on GIS data management practices in transition to NG9-1-1. 
 
The Power of Positive Recognition
Wednesday, June 17 | 1 p.m. Eastern (live) or On-Demand
Sponsored by Guardian Tracking
Free! Click here to register!
 
Ironically, a major issue in the field of communications is under-communication. Often, managers spend more time focusing on their low-performing employees and less time recognizing their high-performers. Employee exit interviews reveal that the most common complaint is under-appreciation, which is associated with under-communication. Attend to learn the importance, value, and overall benefits of employee recognition.

 

Congratulations to Our Spring 2015 ENPs!

Congratulations to the 19 9-1-1 professionals who passed the Spring 2015 ENP exam and are now certified Emergency Number Professionals! Well done! For more information on how you too can achieve this prestigious professional designation, visit the ENP webpage.

 

National NG9-1-1 Transition Map Update

The NENA NG9-1-1 project work includes tracking of state and sub-state initiatives to establish and activate Emergency Services IP networks (ESInets) that may support NG9-1-1 functions in the future, or that are actively implementing transitional NG9-1-1 or are aimed at pre-NG9-1-1 actions. This tracking effort is basically for three purposes: providing information to other interested parties who may need contacts that have already had experience, for identifying those areas where NG9-1-1 related trials may be happening or planned, and identifying those areas where transitional NG9-1-1 is being implemented. 

Click here to see the new NG9-1-1 state activity map, updated as of May 1, 2015. 

 

Register Now for the 2nd Annual Run for 9-1-1!

On the morning of Sunday, June 28, lace up your running or walking shoes in support of 9-1-1 training and wellness programs and participate in the Friends of 9-1-1 second-annual "Run for 9-1-1" charity 5K in Denver, Colo.!

The run/walk promotes healthy living among 9-1-1 professionals, gives the Denver community and supporters from around the country a chance to say "thank you" to 9-1-1, and generates funds for scholarships and 9-1-1 training opportunities.

Click here to see pictures from last year's inaugural 5K in Nashville, Tenn.!

Interested runners (and walkers) should visit the Friends of 9-1-1 website for more information. The registration fee is currently $30 and will increase to $35 on May 16 and then to $40 on Race Day (June 28). Teams of five runners can register for $100.  

There are a limited number of corporate sponsorship opportunities for the Run for 9-1-1 charity event. The deadline for sponsorship commitments is June 15. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Sean Sullivan of Team Lightbulb.  

Those who cannot attend the run/walk in person are encouraged to show support by becoming a Friends of 9-1-1 Fundraiser, with options available for individuals or groups to raise funds for scholarships and other initiatives benefiting 9-1-1 professionals.

 

New NENA NG9-1-1 Working Group Being Formed

The Monitoring and Managing NG9-1-1 Working Group is tasked with creating a NENA document that addresses specific operational topics and makes general recommendations on operational procedures associated with the transition to monitoring and managing NG9-1-1 software functions and  infrastructure. The output is targeted to those personnel who develop and manage PSAP processes and procedures, and to those responsible for ESInet, NG9-1-1 Core Services, and PSAP infrastructure. The effort will identify and describe what needs to be monitored and how that is different than current practices within E9-1-1, including the acquisition and provisioning of the capacity involved. The level of detail will be sufficient to identify areas that should be considered in RFPs and Service Level Agreements.

Expertise Needed: Subject Matter Experts who have been involved in monitoring and managing large, complex systems and networks, or who have been involved in writing and negotiating SLAs for them are invited to join the working group in this important effort.   

To join this work group please complete the Volunteer Form. The group meets on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Eastern time.

 

You Shop & Amazon Gives with AmazonSmile!

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support NENA every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to NENA.

To shop at AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com from the Web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to search for and select "National Emergency Number Association" to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation.

Click here to learn more and here to start shopping now!

 

Not Receiving NENA Mail?

Make sure the addresses (email and postal) that we have on file for you are current! Please log in to your online member account to verify or update your information, or send an email to Bri Robinson.

 

NENA Memorial Remembrances Due May 15

The NENA Membership Committee is in the process of putting together a memorial for NENA Members who have passed away over the past year. The remembrance will be part of NENA 2015. Please send a picture and bio information to Linda Draughn-Woloski. 

 

NENA Releases New Text-to-9-1-1 Public Education Planning Document

The NENA NG9-1-1 Education and Training working group has release a new Text-to-9-1-1 Public Education plan. The plan contains information to assist 9-1-1 authorities in creating an educational plan, implementing the plan, and sample materials that can be utilized locally.

This and other text-to-9-1-1 resources are available here.

 

NENA Seeks Volunteers to Revise PSAP Service Criteria Rating Scale Standard

This standard assists PSAP managers and their governing authorities to identify their current level of service capability. An assessment tool is provided to objectively assess capabilities of the PSAP against models representing the best level of preparedness, survivability, and sustainability amidst a wide range of natural and man-made events. 

NENA is now seeking volunteers to become members of this joint NENA/APCO Working Group that will review and revise this standard. NENA is seeking diverse participants with backgrounds in PSAP operations and management, technologists, and general interest participants, such as government agencies and entities.

Click here to apply to join the working group.

 

NENA Announces New QA/QI Standard

The new ANSI-approved Standard for the Establishment of a Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Program for Public Safety Answering Points (APCO/NENA ANS 1.107.1-?-2015) defines the recommended minimum components and best practices of a Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) program within a public safety communications center. Recommended minimum requirements for the evaluation and QA of call processing are intended to ensure a consistent, effective, and efficient level of service.

This standard is an attempt to establish a long overdue quality assurance and improvement process to all of America’s 9-1-1 telecommunicators to ensure call taking and radio dispatch actions are delivered at the highest possible standard.

Click here to read more and download the standard.

 

NENA i3 Architecture Standard Available for Public Review and Comment

This NG9-1-1 Core Services specification builds upon prior NENA publications including i3 requirements and architecture documents. The i3 solution supports end-to-end IP connectivity; gateways are used to accommodate legacy wireline and wireless origination networks that are non-IP as well as legacy Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that interconnect to the i3 solution architecture, as described below. NENA i3 utilizes the concept of an Emergency Services IP network (ESInet), which is designed as an IP-based inter-network (network of networks) that can be shared by all public safety agencies that may be involved in any emergency and a set of core services that process 9-1-1 calls on that network (NGCS – NG9-1-1 Core Services). The i3 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is capable of receiving IP-based signaling and media for delivery of emergency calls conformant to the i3 architecture standard.

This document describes how NG9-1-1 works after transition from E9-1-1, including ongoing interworking requirements for IP-based and TDM-based PSAPs and origination networks. See the full document and its Executive Summary for further detail.

All comments shall be submitted by June 19 at 5 p.m. Eastern by going here and then selecting "add a comment" just above the title "Document Details." Please complete all requested data and "Save" OR if submitting multiple comments, select "Save and Add Another".

Contact the NENA Committee Resource Manager with any questions or issues.

 

NENA/APCO PSAP Requirements Document Available for 2nd Public Review and Comment

NENA/APCO NG9-1-1 PSAP Requirements, NENA/ APCO-REQ-001.1 (DRAFT), introduces requirements for a NG9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that is capable of receiving IP-based signaling and media for delivery of emergency calls conformant to the latest version of the NENA i3 Architecture document. 

This document is issued as NENA/APCO recommended requirements for functions and interfaces between an i3 PSAP and NG9-1-1 Core Services, and among Functional Elements associated with the i3 PSAP. This document is primarily intended to drive the development of one or more standards that meet the technical requirements specified herein. 

This is a second review due to substantive changes being made and comments will only be accepted on the highlighted text. All comments shall be submitted by May 29 at 5 p.m. Eastern by going here and then selecting "add a comment" just above the title "Document Details." Please complete all requested data and "Save" OR if submitting multiple comments, select "Save and Add Another".

Contact the NENA Committee Resource Manager with any questions or issues.

 

FCC Releases Notice of Propose Rulemaking & Seeks Comment on Non-Service-Initialized Phones & 9-1-1

The FCC has released the comment cycle dates for a new proceeding that will, at long last, bring an end to 9-1-1 calls from Non-Service-Initialized (NSI) wireless phones. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted in April seeks comment on:

• Eliminating the requirement that wireless carriers forward to 9-1-1 centers calls from handsets that are not subscribed to wireless service.
• Setting a date-certain for the phase-out of the rule at 6 months after the adoption of an order.
• Protecting access to 9-1-1 from devices roaming on networks other than the one to which they are subscribed.
• Ensuring a smooth transition through understanding of the technical and operational challenges that network operators and 9-1-1 centers will face.
• Alternative approaches that could reduce the problems associated with fraudulent NSI 9-1-1 calls.

Interested parties may file comments with the Commission by visiting www.fcc.gov/ecfs and using Docket Number 08-51. Comments are due June 5, 2015, and Reply Comments are due July 6, 2015. For more information on the NSI proceeding, please contact Trey Forgety, NENA Director of Government Affairs, at tforgety@nena.org.

 

Get the Emergency Communications News That Really Matters with Public Safety SmartBrief

NENA recently launched a FREE email news service called Public Safety SmartBrief. It provides a weekly summary of news, trends, and updates on public safety issues -- not just 9-1-1, but police, fire and EMS. Knowledgeable editors handpick key articles from hundreds of publications, summarize them and provide direct links to the original sources.

 

Enhanced Career Center Now Available

 

Save the Dates...

June 27-July 2 | NENA 2015 Conference & Expo | Denver, Colo.

October 4-7 | NENA Development Conference | Austin, Texas

 

5.12.15 - FREE Sponsored Webinar: Improving Campus Protection With One-Touch Alerting - Register here!

5.16.15 - 9-1-1 Center Consolidation - Charleston, S.C. - Register here!  

5.17.15 - Customer Service in 9-1-1: Takes Seconds, Saves Minutes - Lansing, Mich. - Register here!

5.19.15 - FREE Sponsored Webinar: Dispatchable Location Is the Difference Between Search & Locate - Register here!

5.27.15 - Webinar Wednesday - Retaining Your PSAP's Best: It's Everyone's Responsibility - Register here!

6.4.15 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management - Eagleville, Penn. - Register here!

6.5.15 - Caught in the Middle: A Guide to Middle Management  - Eagleville, Penn. - Register here!

6.9.15 - FREE Sponsored Webinar: GIS Considerations for Next Generation 9-1-1 - Register here!

6.17.15 - FREE Sponsored Webinar: The Power of Positive Recognition - Register here!

06.24-28.15 - NENA 2015 CMCP & Pre-Conference Courses - Denver, Colo. - Register here!

Questions? Want to bring a course directly to you?
Visit our Host a Course page to find out how you can bring it directly to you. You can also contact NENA's Education & Operational Issues Director Ty Wooten for additional information.