1. NATIONAL REGISTRY FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS (NRECT)
An all inclusive approach by first responders
NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL Committee Meeting June 14 – 15, 2010 Alexandria, VA

2. History SAFECOM recognized an unmet need
Trained personnel outside of dispatch centers to help coordinate communications
Formed working group of SAFECOM ERC members and others
Equal voices from different interest groups
Class has been very successful
Identification of problems beyond scope of original group
Credentialing/certification

3. Current Status COML training has been ongoing for past 24 months
Students are starting to complete task books
Task book uncertainties
Individuals unsure of where to submit completed materials
States exhibiting hesitation to become a certifying entity
Currently, no national COML registry

4. Registry Proposal
Drafted by individuals from original COML working group
Produced ‘starter’ charter/bylaw documents based off of similar entities (including pieces from many of the associations here)
Started promoting to practitioners
Attempt has been to get the discussion started
Currently reaching out to associations for support and feedback

5. Strengths Institutionalization of SAFECOM model/values
Practitioner emphasis, but not limited to practitioners
All-inclusive, like SAFECOM, through governance and involvement
Avoids silos by including diverse group of practitioners
More than half of the governing body must be active practitioners from the emergency response community
Singular focus on certification/credentialing of COML/COMT and associated programs, designed in a way to support the implementation, updating, and sustainability of the COML/COMT initiatives
No internal competition with other projects
No competition with training providers
Intent to remain involved in other aspects of COML effort, but ONLY focused on certification/credentialing
One level of governance
Equal voice: all groups are on equal standing at the governance level
Self supporting
Funded through LSU-SDMI as part of their mission
Third party (academic) approach
Acts as a ‘ground truthing’’ or vetting to the level of training provided by others
Ensures a standard level of proficiency within industry, as recommended by practitioners

6. University Partnership
Organizational oversight by representative Board
Advisory role
Defines policies and principles of organization based on those of similar non-profit agencies
Provides content for credentialing exams
Continuous industry research
Verifies completion of COML task books and any other prerequisite documentation prior to certification
Provides funding
Provides home and operational oversight
Issues credentials and diplomas
Maintains registry database

7. Web site/On-line interaction
Repository of Information
Organization
Industry
Policies
Certification Exams
Certification
Registration
Online-based exams
Account maintenance
Communication Channel with NRECT

8. In Conclusion… Extension of SAFECOM efforts and principles
Focus on the ‘field’ (practitioners)
All are equal voices
All have equal standing
Further enhancement of current COML/COMT and associated programs
Singular focus on implementing, updating, and sustaining the COML/COMT initiatives