A public/private communication system is provided which includes a public communication device 100, a private communication device (102) and a radio accessory extension (RAE) 200 coupled therebetween. The RAE (200) of the present invention provides audio and/or display capability which allows the public communication device to operate as a private communication accessory. Methods (300, 400 500) provide for the configuration and prioritization of private and public calls through the three devices to ensure that private calls will take priority and public calls will be received on the public communication device and handled appropriately.