The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International’s Project 33 Agency Training Program Certification that recognizes public safety communication centers across the nation is available online.
Initial and continuing training for public safety telecommunicators is exceedingly important as they provide essential services to the public in an ever-expanding and rapidly changing public safety environment, and many centers have developed their own training to ensure quality knowledge and service.
The APCO Project 33 Agency Training Program Certification (P33) is a formal mechanism allowing public safety agencies to certify these training programs as meeting APCO American National Standards (ANS).The APCO P33 Training Program Certification — Telecommunicator 2010 requires agencies to meet or exceed the APCO ANS 3.103.1-2010: Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators. The standard specifies the minimum training requirements of call takers and dispatchers of law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services (EMS) assigned to the public safety telecommunicator function.
APCO initiated P33 online application process to better cater to the needs of agencies throughout the U.S.
“Many public safety agencies are not aware that this program is offered online,” said Steve Wisely, APCO’s director of communications center & 9-1-1 services. “Meeting specific criteria and standards allow programs to provide more credence and value.”
P33 allows for customization depending on what services the agency provides and recognizes the need to supplement these basic competencies with agency-specific information and existing equipment-use parameters.
Gregg Riddle, president of APCO International said, “When an agency has certified training, it shows unwavering dedication of up-to-date information and tactics, perseverance in the public safety industry and commitment to strategic emergency service procedures. All agencies should strive to hold their employees to the same level of excellence, and certification does just that.”
Agencies can use the APCO P33 Training Program certification mark on agency training material and Web site while certified and are recognized at APCO International’s Annual Conference. Recertification is required every three years. APCO standards can be downloaded at no charge at http://apcointl.org/911-resources/standards/apco-standards-for-download.html. Agencies not using APCO products can apply. Visit http://apcointl.org/911-resources/apco-project-33-training-program-certification/project-33-certification.html or e-mail p33@apcointl.org for more information.
