The BAPCO Annual Event unites the UK's public safety community – where emergency services experts, technology innovators, and decision-makers connect to shape the future of emergency response.

We are British APCO, a charity-status association founded and governed by serving emergency services professionals since 1993. We exist to improve emergency services communications and technology for everybody's benefit. As a registered charity, we're independent and user-led, with a community built on real operational experience and shared expertise.

For 2026, we've established a new Advisory Board of emergency services professionals to shape every aspect of the event. From purpose-built zones and enhanced learning opportunities to new networking initiatives and CPD-accredited sessions, BAPCO 2026 represents the evolution of your community's event – built by emergency services, for emergency services.

Thank you for taking a moment to learn who we are and what we do. You can find more information below.

Chris Lucas
Chair, British APCO

Who We Are and What We Do:

Who We Are

British APCO is the UK’s trusted hub for public safety communications, uniting policing, fire, ambulance, academia and industry since 1993. We exist to create safer communities through:

  • Our Mission: Educate, advocate and innovate to improve public safety.

  • Our Vision: A world-leading, connected emergency response powered by technology.

  • Our Values: Innovation, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and trust.

  • Our Partnerships: Working with UK and global organisations—including the CC:IPS coalition—to strengthen emergency communications for nearly one billion people.

  • Our Charity Partner: Proudly supporting Three Nines Children’s Charity.

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What We Do:

British APCO brings together real-world experience and independent, user-led insight to help emergency services and first responders work more efficiently and effectively through better technology and communication.

Our key activity areas include:

  • Events: The BAPCO Annual event, The Control Room Awards, The British APCO Exchange

  • Bursaries & Awards: Celebrating achievement and supporting innovation across public safety.

  • 999 Initiatives: Apps, the 999 Liaison Committee, and insights from the NG999 Round Table.

  • MAIT: Managing and supporting the Multi-Agency Incident Transfer schema across the UK.

  • eCall: Advancing in-vehicle emergency alert technology across the UK and Europe.

  • ECHO: Supporting digital call-handling services for UK Police Forces.

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The following video from March 2025 provides a taster as to Who We Are and What We Do - and importantly the difference we are making across Public Safety.