A method to operate a controller for exchanging information corresponding to a public safety incident is provided. In operation, the controller transmits a request to communication networks to send location information for portable communication devices operating in a region of interest. The controller, based on the location information received from the communication networks for the portable communication devices, selects a subset of portable communication devices. The controller assigns each device in the subset to a trusted group of devices or a non-trusted group of devices based on the respective subscriber profile and operating characteristics of the portable communication devices. The controller then establishes a connection with high priority portable communication devices in the trusted group via a public safety communication network to exchange information corresponding to the incident.