The manual is designed for use in conjunction with existing departmental training manuals, the Lifeline program of the Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers (APCO), APCO communications leadership skills, and a standard procedures and performance manual. The manual includes the telecommunicator's code of ethics, the basic qualifications of a telecommunicator, and basic information about the Federal Communications Commission. Additional sections cover the administration, organization, and planning of telecommunications; radio techniques, telephone techniques, and other elements of communications operations; and telephone, radio, and computer communications systems. A description of APCO, a glossary, 27 references, 3 additional resources, and a list of questions to ask about 11 specific types of emergencies.