SIA, NSCA Unveil Partner Alliance for Safer Schools
Members of the Security Industry Assocation’s PASS program will develop guidelines for the use of electronic security and life safety equipment in schools.
SIA and NSCA partner to promote and develop electronic security and life safety equipment in schools.
The Security Industry Association and National Systems Contractor Association (NSCA) have joined forces to create the SIA Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS). The new consortium is a relaunch and re-branding of the Education Interest Group SIA formed last year.
The new name and focus “recognizes the need for a coordinated approach to protecting students and staff that encompasses a range of stakeholders,” according to a press release announcing the new initiative.
PASS combines the technical knowledge offered by SIA’s Education Interest Group with knowledge from representatives of schools, law enforcement, and trade associations. The effort “will combine the subject matter experts and symposium developed by NSCA and its MNEC partnership to develop a coordinated approach to protecting students, staff and visitors,” according to the announcement.
“I’m excited we are moving forward with the collective vision we all shared with one another earlier this year,” says NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson. “I truly believe, by partnering, we can make a huge difference. This is just the very beginning and we have a lot of work ahead of us, but, with this unified approach, we will all play a part in making America’s schools a safer place.”
PASS alliance members are developing guidelines for the use of electronic security and life safety equipment in schools that will provide tiered recommendations based on the resources available at a given facility.
The PASS objectives, initial document and related educational sessions are scheduled to be released at ISC West April 14-17, 2015, at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“By drawing upon the insights and expertise of security suppliers, security practitioners, school administrators and law enforcement, the SIA PASS recommendations will enable education officials to maximize the effectiveness of their security solutions,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson. “I have been continuously impressed by the passion and experience of our committee members, and I particularly appreciate NSCA’s commitment to this initiative. I am hopeful that additional security practitioner, first-responder, and supplier organizations who share our commitment to preventing senseless crime and violence in our nation’s schools will join the PASS coalition.”
The chairman for the SIA PASS alliance is Brett St. Pierre, director of education solutions at HID Global. Jim Crumbley, president and CEO of Risk Response Team, serves as vice chairman.
Craig MacCormack is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years experience covering local and national news and sports as well as architecture and engineering. He joined Commercial Integrator in January 2011.
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