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Association of Public Safety Communications Officials - a community for everyone working in public sa

05/18/2026

🔍 New Must-Read Article: “The Hidden Bias in Artificial Intelligence Used for Public Safety Communications”
As public safety agencies increasingly turn to AI to handle growing demands, one critical question remains: Are we designing systems that truly serve everyone?
In this powerful new article, Eyra Abraham (Lisnen) exposes how AI systems in emergency communications risk excluding the 27% of Canadians living with disabilities. From flawed data gaps and misinterpretation of atypical speech/movements to life-critical delays in crisis response — hidden biases could amplify real-world inequities.
She introduces the HUMAN framework as a practical path toward responsible, inclusive AI design.
Read the full article here:
👉 https://www.openwavelength.ca/index.php/OW/article/view/5/22
This is essential reading for public safety leaders, AI developers, emergency communications professionals, and accessibility advocates.
What are your thoughts on building truly inclusive AI for 911 and public safety systems? 👇
AIFairness OpenWavelength

04/13/2026

This week, April 12–18, we proudly recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week here in Canada!
To every dedicated 9-1-1 call-taker, dispatcher, and public safety communications professional: thank you for being the calm, critical voice behind every emergency. Your expertise, composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment keep our communities safe every single day.
APCO Canada salutes your vital role in Canada’s public safety network. 💙💛💚❤️

03/26/2026

🚨 Standing room only at the most attended session of the BAPCO Annual Event 2026!
The session “Taking the Next Steps to Deliver ESN” drew a packed house as members received the latest project updates on the rollout of the UK’s Emergency Services Network (ESN).
Huge thanks to our expert speakers for sharing critical insights:
• John Black, Programme Director – ESMCP, Home Office
• Faisal Mahomed, Managing Director – ESN, BT/EE (Mobile Services)
• Steve Kelly, ESN Implementation and Integration Leader, IBM (User Services)
Momentum is building toward delivering reliable, mission-critical communications for Britain’s emergency services. Exciting times ahead!

03/25/2026

APCO Canada is proud to be part of this strong international coalition, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our global colleagues in public safety communications.
We’re on the ground in Coventry at the BAPCO Annual Event 2026, connecting, learning, and sharing Canada’s progress on NG911, mental health initiatives, and the future of emergency response.
Excited to collaborate with the UK’s emergency services community and bring home fresh insights to strengthen public safety back home! 🇨🇦🇬🇧
Coventry

02/19/2026

In the latest issue of Open Wavelength, Eyra Abraham, Founder of Lisnen Inc., delivers an important analysis with the article “The Hidden Bias in Artificial Intelligence Used for Public Safety Communications”. As emergency communications centres increasingly turn to AI to manage workload pressures, Eyra points out that these systems unintentionally exclude the 27% of Canadians living with disabilities. From AI-assisted policing tools to NLP driven 911 systems and crisis communications platforms, she demonstrates how data gaps, inaccessible design, and limited disability representation can translate into real-world risk.
This article is not just a critique, but also a roadmap. Drawing on her lived experience and technical expertise, Eyra introduces the HUMAN Framework, offering practical guidance for building inclusive, equitable AI systems in public safety. Her message is clear: innovation without inclusion can deepen inequity. For leaders in public safety communications, policy, and AI development, this article is essential reading, and a call to design systems that truly serve everyone.

01/19/2026

Exciting news for public safety communications pros! Join us at the APCO Canada 2026 Conference & Tradeshow in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, from November 16-19. Dive into cutting-edge sessions, network with industry leaders, and explore the latest tech in emergency communications. 🌟🚨
We’re calling for presentations shortly so be ready to share your expertise and insights! Also, be ready to nominate deserving colleagues for awards to celebrate their outstanding contributions to our industry.
Book early to lock in savings on registration, spots fill up fast!

01/01/2026

As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome 2026, APCO Canada extends our deepest gratitude to all first responders across the country who are on duty tonight.

To our dedicated public safety telecommunicators, dispatchers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and every hero keeping watch while others celebrate: Your unwavering commitment ensures Canadians ring in the new year safely. You are the vital link, the calm voice in the storm, and the protectors of our communities, often unseen but always essential.

Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and strength. Stay safe out there.

Wishing you and your families a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.

Canada 🇨🇦

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