WASHINGTON — The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today released a statement on the “Final Report of the 9/11 Public Discourse Project,” which analyzes the progress of the “9/11 Commission Report.”
The report noted each recommendation and graded it based on progress. The recommendation to provide adequate radio spectrum for first responders received a grade of “F” if the pending budget reconciliation bill, which addresses the return of the analog TV broadcast spectrum in the 700 MHz band to first responders, does not pass and “C” if it does.
“Both the House and Senate bills contain a 2009 handover date - too distant given the urgency of the threat,” the report said. “A 2007 handover date would make the American people safer sooner.”
“APCO International agrees with the 9/11 Public Discourse Project’s analysis,” APCO International President Greg Ballentine said. “APCO International continues to urge Congress to address these issues hindering our emergency response capabilities and putting the public at risk.”
About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.