Website for public safety apps

A website dedicated to public safety and emergency response apps for use by the general public, app developers and first responders was launched by APCO International on Wednesday (24 April).The not-for-profit Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, based in the US, created the Applications Community or ‘AppComm’, where visitors can view, search, rate and comment on public safety apps.

Many apps related to public safety are already available and in use by the general public and public safety agencies. Recent initiatives aimed at advancing public safety communications technology are also driving new apps designed to serve a public safety or emergency response purpose.

“APCO members are especially qualified to evaluate existing apps and drive development of new apps that most effectively aid public safety and emergency response,” said APCO President Terry Hall. Hall continued, “APCO is determined to lead the way in fostering the development of appropriate standards and criteria for public safety apps.”

According to APCO Executive Director Derek Poarch, “AppComm was created to provide a single, trusted online forum where public safety professionals, the general public and app developers can rate and comment on apps, submit ideas for new apps to serve unmet public safety needs and suggest additional apps for inclusion on the site.” The site provides links to download the apps from external websites and app stores.

The global context of the AppComm initiative will be discussed by the APCO Global Alliance, which includes representatives from APCO International, APCO Australasia, British APCO and APCO Canada in Manchester at the British APCO 2013 Conference next week.

“We strongly support the AppComm initiative and we are excited about what it will mean for the Australia and New Zealand community and public safety communications and information technology sector,” said Des Bahr, CEO of APCO Australasia. Bahr continued, “AppComm will assist in creating a new wave of app innovation for public safety and emergency response.”

Visit www.appcomm.org to view the site.