Safety officials cite communications needs
Public safety officials say advanced communications technology is their most critical tool in responding to emergencies, according to a survey released in February by the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and Schaumburg, Mo.-based Motorola. City administrators, fire and police officials also say they are more concerned about their ability to respond to natural disasters than to terrorist attacks or crime, though firefighters and administrators are more concerned about those issues than police are.
The survey also found that the greatest need for improvement in advanced communications technologies is in range, speed and availability, interoperability, and availability of equipment. “Improving communications and providing critical information to emergency responders helps save lives,” said APCO First Vice President Richard Mirgon in a statement. “This survey indicates that better-informed users are more effective in their jobs, and the continuing advancement of technologies gives our first responders the tools necessary to protect themselves and the public.” The entire survey is available at www.feedback.motorola.com.