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A vision for BAPCO
As 2005 draws to a close I have taken some time to reflect on a year that has seen public safety brought sharply into the international news headlines.
The year started in sombre mood with the disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions to the Tsunami hit regions around the Indian Ocean.
Clearly there are many lessons to be taken from the Tsunami, some of them involving the effective use of technology to warn citizens of impending natural and man made disasters.In addition we must not forget the public safety staff from the British Isles who supported relief efforts and staffed the Metropolitan Police Casualty Bureau through such a demanding period.
Unfortunately the Tsunami was not the only natural disaster this year, the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina showed the destructive force of nature and once again we saw public safety staff putting themselves at risk in an attempt to render assistance to those affected.
Closer to home we witnessed the terrorist attacks on London during July.The use of technology such as CCTV and, I’m sure, more covert systems enabled a detailed understanding of these incidents to be built in a short period of time leading to the identification and, in respect of the later incident, the capture of suspects.
But again it was the public safety staff at the various incident scenes,in the Control Centres and Casualty Bureau around the Country who should be singled out.Whilst the technology was critical it did no more than support the staff in providing a remarkable service during difficult times.
It is therefore in keeping with the year that in November we saw the Civil Contingencies Act formally come in to force.Over time I believe this act will be the single most important piece of legislation for the UK Public Safety community.
It is therefore essential that BAPCO reaches out to all those organisations that are listed as Category One and Category Two responders as it is these organisations that will form, develop and manage the public safety environment in future years.
In looking to develop the Association throughout 2005 the Executive Committee has sought to involve members, to find ways of bringing your views,your ideas,and your requirements to the fore.
In April we held the Annual Conference and Exhibition in London, the event was a real success,proving once again to be the conference and exhibition for the public safety sector.
This year has also seen the introduction of national road shows, with the three events attracting over 200 delegates and some 20 exhibiting companies.These events provided an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in technology and how they could be applied to operational situations.But perhaps more importantly they provided a forum for delegates to air their views and quiz the presenters on a wide range of public safety technology related topics.I believe this format of road show will be one we return to in 2006.
We have initiated a project to provide a training and accreditation programme for call taking and dispatch staff and, whilst this is still in development stages,it shows a commitment from BAPCO to the ‘sharp end’of public safety service delivery, a commitment the Executive Committee are keen to enhance.
Throughout 2005 BAPCO has also played a central role in the work of international standards setting.We provide input to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) committee looking at Emergency Communications and also to the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and ETSI Project MESA Committee, a project looking to describe functionality in the area of public safety broadband applications.
Input from BAPCO in areas such as these is vital to the long term development and support of public safety systems and facilities.
There are many more highlights that I could mention if space were available. However I think the point is made; each and every BAPCO member is committed to public safety and I believe the Association has a key role to play in the future of public safety, a future that has to be shaped by your thoughts and views.
2005 has seen BAPCO make real progress in moving forward a number of key issues and initiatives.2006 promises to be a far busier year.
And so finally for 2005 may I take this opportunity on behalf of the Executive Committee to wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and safe New Year.
Andrew Norton
President
