The IJIS Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mission-critical information sharing for justice, public safety, and homeland security, announces the release of the Guide to Information Sharing and Data Interoperability for Local Communication Centers and the Priority Data Exchanges for Local Communication Centers. Both documents are now available at http://www.ijis.org/_programs/public_safety.html.

The Guide to Information Sharing and Data Interoperability for Local Communication Centers provides managers of public safety communications centers, including Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) or any agencies that answer emergency calls, with an overview of the issues and opportunities surrounding data interoperability. It provides practical insights and action©\oriented advice for managers looking to enhance data interoperability in their facilities.

The aim of the Priority Data Exchanges for Local Communication Centers document is to provide an overview of high-value information exchanges that are relevant to these centers. Communications center directors and other planners may use this document to assess the current strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential of their facilities. In addition, this document provides a window into the future of data exchange in the communications center. Many of the exchanges described in this document are not yet in wide use, if at all. Directors and planners can use this information to understand emerging trends in data interoperability and to plan for future growth.

Both documents were produced by the Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APCO) International and IJIS Institute www.usdoj.gov U.S. Department of Justice www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/Bureau of Justice Assistance, is focused on advancing open, standards-based information sharing to support the emergency communications domains, including law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services (EMS), and related homeland security domains. The results of this project will set the foundation for future projects to create high-value, first responder www.niem.gov National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) exchanges.

Paul Wormeli, executive director of the IJIS Institute, noted, ¡°These two documents will serve as valuable tools to help public safety communications centers fully realize the advantages and benefits of information sharing, which will ultimately result in incredible time and cost savings in public safety systems throughout the nation.¡±

Richard Mirgon, president of APCO International, said, ¡°The goal of this initial project is to improve real-time information sharing capabilities in the emergency response environment. The program aims to define a strategy for the adoption and use of NIEM as the standard for sharing critical information between emergency communications centers and public safety agencies, within and across jurisdictions, and with other relevant emergency management and intelligence domains of the federal government.¡±

To download the documents, and for information on the PSDI Project, visit http://www.ijis.org/_programs/public_safety.html.

About the IJIS Institute¡ªThe IJIS Institute serves as the voice of industry by uniting the private and public sectors to improve mission critical information sharing for those who protect and serve our communities. The IJIS Institute provides training, technical assistance, national scope issue management and program management services to help government fully realize the power of information sharing. Founded in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with national headquarters on the George Washington University Virginia Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, the IJIS Institute has grown to more than 250 member and affiliate companies across the United States. For more information visit www.IJIS.org.

About APCO International ¨C 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.