APCO Project RETAINS Next Generation Study
		Dear Judy, In 2004, as part of APCO Project RETAINS (Responsive Efforts To Address Integral Needs in Staffing), APCO International conducted the first nationwide study of staffing and retention in public safety communications centers. The results of this research determined that the national turnover rate for public safety communications personnel was 17%. Today, staffing and retention continue to be issues of concern within the public safety communications industry.  With that in mind, APCO International is proud to announce the Next Generation of APCO Project RETAINS. In the Next Generation study, APCO will be looking at the current state of employee retention nationally and will include the role of radio dispatcher and how to estimate appropriate staffing levels for this position.  Recently, George Mason University's Center for Social Science Research (GMU) was selected to spearhead the research component of the Next Generation of Project RETAINS. Communications centers have been randomly selected nationwide to participate in the initial study.  We kindly ask for your cooperation in sharing the news of the study to communications centers in your area. Please encourage their participation if selected and stress the importance of their input. We appreciate your assistance and dedication to APCO International and the public safety communications industry. Should you have any questions about the APCO Project RETAINS study, please contact Robert Smith, Director, Communications Center & 9-1-1 Services, (386) 322-2500.  Sincerely, Willis Carter President APCO International