Modern Policing Meets the Security Industry: Opportunities and Obstacles

Recently a large suburban community in Texas hired a new chief of police. The candidate they selected was a strong advocate for utilizing technology to enhance policing effectiveness. As American City and County Magazine recently reported, “Advancements in police technology have fundamentally changed how departments operate.” That focus, which we see across the country, presents new opportunities for our industry to partner with public safety agencies as well as the potential for new challenges. 

In some communities, police want access to video in real-time from security cameras to enhance the effectiveness of real-time crime centers. SIAC continues to work with communities to provide proven strategies for reducing unnecessary dispatches while at the same time maintaining police response.  

“In most cases, each of the nation’s approximately 18,000 public safety agencies will determine on a local level how this new technology is implemented in their jurisdiction,” notes Steve Keefer, Executive Director of The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC). “For more than 20 years SIAC has worked to develop relationships within local law enforcement agencies at the local and state level to make sure our industry has input as new technology policies are developed and implemented.” 

Local law enforcement also looks to several national and international organizations for guidance on policy issues. SIAC has worked directly with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association most recently helping pass resolutions supporting the AVS-01 standard. 

“In 2002 visionary leaders determined the need for one voice to represent our industry at the state and local level when it comes to false alarm reduction and local regulatory issues,” says Keefer. “At that time computers in squad cars were considered revolutionary. 

“Today, having a seat at the table through SIAC is more important than ever.”