Voice recorders, radios, PDAs, pagers … the British Association of Public-Safety Communications Officers (BAPCO) is holding its next annual conference, BAPCO 2007, at the Business Design Centre in Islington on April 26 and 27.
According to the association, for 999 and other users of communications technology, the exhibition reflects the thirst for information on technology driven applications to help improve the efficiency of public safety agencies. In a new initiative at the event, BAPCO TV will broadcast at the show. Organisers say that delegate and visitor pre-registration is at record levels for the conference and exhibition.
Conference
Data sharing in the future is the conference title. Patrick Mercer MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Homeland Security is invited to give the opening address. With co-operative initiatives in the field of public safety being increasingly promoted by the Government through the Civil Contingencies Act, there is now a legal duty on all services to follow this route. The conference will explore communications resilience, intercommunication, interoperability and operational continuity. In addition, digital communication systems, data applications, micro-technology and technological advances for the future will be examined. Chief Willis Carter, Director of Emergency Communications at Shereveport Fire Department, Louisiana, will open the session and share a personal insight on the conditions of emergency communications centres and the specific challenges faced by the emergency communications staff during the recovery efforts caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Also planned is a look at 7-7, 2005 in London and the changing role of the Central Casualty Bureau at New Scotland Yard, by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ron McPherson and Chief Supt Stephen McDonald of the Metropolitan Police.
