APCO is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 3.103.3-2025 Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators on October 31. The standard outlines core competencies telecommunicators need to effectively manage emergency and non-emergency calls across law enforcement, fire and EMS. It also supports continued professional development beyond initial training and addresses critical workforce challenges.
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[New!] Change Management in the ECC: Guiding Teams Through Technology and AI Adoption
December 2 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
1 CDE | Free for members; $59 for non-members
Sponsored by Aurelian
Register

This session focuses on the human side of innovation. Leaders and frontline staff from ECCs that have successfully implemented AI-powered tools will share what worked and what didn't. Hear perspectives from directors, supervisors and telecommunicators on how change truly lands on the floor. From early communication and pilot testing to setting clear expectations and defining new workflows, attendees will learn step-by-step strategies for managing change without losing momentum or morale.

There’s still time to get involved! APCO is seeking volunteers from all levels of emergency communications to join the standards revision working group for Public Safety Communications Common Status Codes for Data Exchange. This group helps improve interoperability by updating and expanding the terms used to track responder activities across fire, EMS, law enforcement and multi-disciplinary operations. The application deadline is Friday, November 14.
Learn more and apply

We invite you to join APCO 2026 as an exhibitor or sponsor. Your organization will have the opportunity to benefit from high-visibility branding, targeted engagement and networking opportunities that connect you with both large and intimate audiences in public safety communications.

Exhibitors, there’s no better platform than APCO 2026; so beat the rate and save $3 off your booth fee by booking before December 31!

For any questions, please contact Jaya Dillard at dillardj@apcointl.org or (386) 944-2478.

The search for a host committee chairperson continues for APCO 2027! If you are passionate about shaping the future of APCO's Annual Conference & Expo, apply to chair the conference committee for APCO 2027, taking place July 25-28, 2027, in Anaheim, California. Please submit your completed nomination to Patricia Giannini Henry by December 1, 2025.

Beginning December 1, the APCO Illuminations EMD Track will offer the course Common Causes of Industrial Accidents. Discussions will address the causes of accidents and provide EMD instructions for resulting injuries, along with relevant safety information. An annual APCO Illuminations subscription offers access to all 12 courses for $125 for members and $145 for nonmembers, with the opportunity to earn up to 12 CDEs each year.
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APCO IntelliComm is transforming emergency dispatch by giving telecommunicators a flexible, intuitive platform that moves beyond rigid scripts. Its criteria-based approach supports real-time assessment, enabling faster, more tailored responses for each situation. Schedule a brief demo to see how your agency can take advantage of this new technology. Appointments are available in November and December.
Schedule a Demo

The APCO Institute offers several topics and dates for emergency communications training. Most courses are online unless indicated otherwise.

PST, EMD, Law Enforcement and Fire Service  

• Public Safety Telecommunicator 1, 7th Edition (40 CDEs) - 11/19 - 12/16 (Online);  12/1 - 12/5 (Virtual Classroom)
• Emergency Medical Dispatch, 5th Edition, Version 5 (32 CDEs) - 11/19 - 12/30
• Law Enforcement Communications (32 CDEs) - 11/19 - 12/30
• Fire Service Communications, 3rd Edition (32 CDEs) - 12/17 - 2/3

Specialized Training for Telecommunicators

• Active Shooter Incidents for Public Safety Communications, 2nd Edition (8 CDEs) - 12/3 - 1/6
• Communications Training Officer, 6th Edition (24 CDEs) - 12/10 - 1/20
• Crisis Negotiations for Telecommunicators, 2nd Edition (8 CDEs) - 12/11 (Virtual Classroom)

Supervisory/Management

• Emergency Medical Dispatch Manager (8 CDEs) - 12/3 - 12/23
• Communications Center Supervisor, 5th Edition (24 CDEs) - 12/3 - 1/6
• Communications Center Manager, 1st Edition (24 CDEs) - 1/27 - 1/29 (Virtual Classroom)

Communication Center Operations

• Comprehensive Quality (16 CDEs) - 11/26 - 12/16
• Customer Service in Today's Public Safety Communications (8 CDEs) - 12/3 - 12/23 
• Bullying and Negativity in the Communications Center, 2nd Edition (8 CDEs) - 12/19 (Virtual Classroom) 

View the 2025 - 2026 training calendar

T‑Mobile Makes Text to 911 Available Off-Grid to Any Wireless User with a Compatible Smartphone – even Verizon and AT&T Customers