SIAC Takes Action When First Responders Call
Find out how the Security Industry Alarm Coalition’s efforts and impact extends far beyond alarm management.
When commenting on the state of the security alarm industry, we have to acknowledge the dispatch issue and our relationship with law enforcement. We really can’t have that conversation without talking about the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) and its efforts. This is certainly relevant, but how does it impact your company?
At a recent SIAC presentation to about 50 alarm company owners, the question was posed: What is SIAC’s role in the industry? The almost unanimous reply was, “To fight nonresponse.” In truth, only about 5% of SIAC’s budget is spent working on onerous alarm response legislation. While this activity is highly publicized, and while SIAC has done a yeoman’s job in this capacity, the vast majority of the organization’s time is actually spent working cooperatively with law enforcement.
Let’s take a closer look at how SIAC is working for you, the alarm industry, law enforcement and public safety.
Getting Industry & LE on Same Page
In SIAC’s list of employees are the names of retired law enforcement officials who daily work cooperatively with individual law enforcement agencies to promote effective legislation at the level that affects you most directly, your hometown.
SIAC has expanded this role, and in cooperation with its parent associations, the security alarm industry is now relevant with every major law enforcement association in North America. From the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and Major County Sheriffs’ Association to International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Major Cities Chiefs Association, to the Division of States Associations of Chiefs of Police (SACOP) and FBI LEEDA, SIAC is there to represent the industry. Also participating with SIAC and sharing sponsorship costs are the leaders from the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), Security Industry Association (SIA) and Canadian Security Association (CANASA).
For many years the industry at all levels attempted to no avail to invite law enforcement executives (chiefs and sheriffs) to industry-sponsored meetings. They simply didn’t have the time or realize the importance of our message. This, unfortunately, resulted in law enforcement leadership not addressing the dispatch issue until it was faced as a crisis. So they dealt with it swiftly, and there’s nothing faster than simply refusing to respond.
Charlotte Police Department Deputy Chief Glen Mowrey, employed by SIAC, took another tactic and approached SACOP. Every state has a SACOP chapter that represents the IACP at the state level. Mowrey’s approach was to help a state form an alarm commit-tee, typically starting with three chiefs on the committee. Once up and running, the committee then invites three members from the alarm industry to participate. Typically, the first issue this committee addresses is the adoption of a “Model Ordinance” that the SACOP Alarm Committee endorses. This proactive action is now in place in 15 states with more on the way. Just as important as the committee are the relationships that are formed between the industry and law enforcement. Again, the beneficiary is you, the local dealers, as you now have a direct conduit to law enforcement leadership throughout your state.
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