To become a member of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, a person needs to submit an application and pay a membership fee (“Public safety practitioner membership,” n.d.). Several options allow multi-chapter participation, limited online or offline presence, and cover leaders’ and followers’ positions to ensure access to all necessary information required for specific tasks.
Although there are no student membership options, there are different levels of public safety practitioner memberships that have flexible plans suitable for students. I believe that the scholarship programs provided by APCO can serve as a significant boost to my current training.
Being the first responders to many critical situations, 9-1-1 dispatchers are highly sought after in this area of expertise. The membership application separates them from other professions involved in public safety communications, signifying their vital role in critical situations. APCO has a unique set of resources and standards for training new 9-1-1 dispatchers to improve the quality of the services they provide (“Next generation 9-1-1,” n.d.). These courses focus on future technologies that will be used globally yet require additional training.
With priority given to 9-1-1 situations, the organization provides many opportunities for involved individuals to gain new knowledge. There are public safety communications training professionals whose services can be accessed by the members of APCO at a discount (“Public safety practitioner membership,” n.d.). Judging by the requirements for their positions, it is possible to assume that their mentoring can cover even the most specific questions related to the topic.
There are chapters open across the United States and even in other countries, allowing the organization’s members to participate in activities outside of online spaces.
APCO International is focused on promoting public safety communications globally. I believe that the company’s horizontally aligned structure complements its mission to provide assistance and train professionals in public safety (“About APCO,” n.d.). In addition to that expectation, its sheer size offers many perspectives that complement the idea of strengthening communities of professionals. I believe that the purpose of APCO International can be fully realized via sharing knowledge on public safety communications through easily accessible channels. The current selection of membership options fulfills this criterion, giving this organization the ability to connect people from various professions that promote public safety. Such initiatives as the APCO Institute signify that there is a solid framework for supporting beginners and linking them to all necessary resources for their professional growth.
Depending on one’s membership level, there are many online and offline ways to get involved in APCO’s activities. First of all, the organization provides courses via APCO Institute intending to increase professional qualification and overall knowledge of public safety communications among its members.
As a member of APCO, I will gain access to numerous journals with high-quality articles on public safety and receive discounts on visiting various conferences on the topic. Moreover, there are several educational opportunities, including online and offline courses, webinars, and even scholarships at the APCO Institute (“Public safety practitioner membership,” n.d.). I can also expect to get assistance for my future professional choices and job positions via the company’s career center.
9-1-1 dispatchers often find themselves at the front of major issues that require the involvement of multiple services. Public safety communications play a critical role in creating a link between healthcare, police, and other public services, as many threats require an immediate response from various services aside from immediate assistance sent to a location. Moreover, increased awareness among the community is a vital part of preventing local catastrophes from turning lethal for those yet to be affected. Therefore, other involved parties and I need to learn how to deliver my message through different levels of noise. By sharing the common understanding of this notion that APCO provides to various public safety professionals, organizations can ensure that they operate at the highest efficiency.
To qualify for this travel grant, I will consult with APCO chapter members on the most qualified leadership trainers within the organization whose support can be beneficial. In addition to seeking their advice, I will enlist in the Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) program provided by APCO Institute. This course teaches leadership skills and styles, such as change management and talent retention, with a focus on the public safety communications industry (“Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) program,” n.d.). With a duration of 6 to 10 weeks and clear proof of managerial qualification, this approach can significantly boost my chances of earning this travel grant. However, I understand that theoretical knowledge cannot replace practical skills, and will seek opportunities to test my knowledge in real life. As a 9-1-1 dispatcher, I must learn how to deal with people under extreme duress, making being able to keep their attention focused on the task of communicating with me paramount. Throughout this period, I will ask to be appointed for activities that can improve my negotiation skill.
References
About APCO. (n.d.). APCO International. Web.
Next generation 9-1-1. (n.d.). APCO International. Web.
Public safety practitioner membership. (n.d.). APCO International. Web.
Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) program. (n.d.). APCO International. Web.