APCO workshops public safety apps

The US Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) hosted a half-day workshop earlier this week to discuss road mapping interoperability for public safety apps.

Workshop participants included public safety professionals, federal agency experts, app developers, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

The aim was to identify challenges and potential solutions for interoperability.

APCO has previously held two other workshops on public safety apps, which covered security requirements and identifying and categorising data types for mobile applications.

This week’s event saw representatives from APCO, FirstNet, NIST and the Department of Homeland Security focus on issues such as app interoperability, app security, testing, and legal and policy requirements.

“Today we came a step closer to ensuring that public safety users will enjoy the full benefits of interoperability for apps, thanks to the diverse and talented group of individuals who contributed to this important effort,” said APCO President Cheryl J Greathouse.

“I want to thank the app developers, industry experts, public safety practitioners and others who shared their knowledge and experience.

“APCO will continue working with DHS, NIST, FirstNet and other stakeholders to ensure public safety apps are as effective as possible.”

APCO intends to use the ideas generated during the workshop to produce a report that examines obstacles to interoperability, as well as potential solutions.