Current Issue Highlights

Cover Story - March 2010

Interacting Successfully with the News Media

Ken Haseley

Interacting with the news media, especially in a crisis, can be a challenge. But knowing how reporters work and how to meet their informational needs while protecting your own interests, can make the experience a lot less stressful.

Emergency Communications in the New Decade

In lieu of Emergency Communications Professional Magazine’s name change, our publisher, Gary Orfe sat down with Police Chief Thom Carr, in order to get his take on what emergency communications means and where he thinks the future of public safety is going.

The Haitian Earthquake: The Importance of Response, Recovery and Impact of Crisis Communications

Dr. Christopher M. Reynolds, CEM

It is critical that the United Nations or Office of American States begin taking a proactive approach to provide a strong presence and an equally strong crisis communications plan.

Next Generation 9-1-1: Look before You Leap

Michael Rosen and Rob Clark

The relentless pace of technological innovation in the consumer electronics and communications space will continue to work its way into the public safety consciousness. Until the upgraded infrastructure and unified standards exist, we should expect that the path to NG9-1-1 will continue to be an ongoing journey.

Putting the Mission First and Technology Second

Bruce Claxton

Through a better understanding of the end user, today's designs allow the communications center to become more approachable and easier to use.

Three North Central Florida Counties Provide a Foundation for NG9-1-1

Arthur E. Kraus, Susan Nelson, ENP, CPM, Robert Arnold and Tony Parrott, ENP

The North Florida Routing Network connects 14 counties, using the State of Florida's private network facilities, specialized routers, data sharing techniques and innovative architecture to solve call routing issues, connect carriers directly to the PSAP, and provide needed backup and disaster recovery paths.

Raising the Bar in Training: Adapting to Next-Generation Communications Systems

Kristyn Emenecker

While the physical systems that support public safety communications will change dramatically, the most critical component of any agency involved in emergency response that must be addressed is personnel training and management.