A cradle is provided for a handheld communications device (106). The cradle is comprised of a rigid structure (160), a latch actuator (302), a latch (300), an engagement face (514), and a resilient member (304, 304-1, 304-2). The rigid structure defines a compartment (202) for receiving the device. The compartment is comprised of an aperture and a sidewall structure (314). The latch actuator is comprised of a first end portion (716) and a second end portion (720). The latch actuator is movable in a sliding motion aligned with the sidewall between a first position and a second position. The latch is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the latch actuator. The resilient member resiliently biases the latch actuator in a first position. The latch actuator is engaged when the device is inserted into the compartment and pushed down such that a force is applied to the latch actuator causing the latch to be moved to a second position where it engages the device.