The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) is recognizing the Colorado Springs, Colo., Police Department for its open public participation process in the creation of a new alarm ordinance.
The police department was awarded the Directors’ Award of Distinction for involving citizens throughout the community and ensuring a consensus document was delivered to elected officials.
A 9-month process, organized by Chief Richard Myers and Assistant Chief Ron Gibson, allowed the public to comment on issues of concern regarding the new ordinance.
“Over the past five years, many communities across the United States have revised their alarm ordinance. The Colorado Springs Police Department stands out for openly engaging its citizens and setting an example of grassroots Democracy for other communities across the country,” says SIAC Representative Dave Simon.
After an initial meeting with security industry officials, the department met with the city council and established a series of public forums to hear concerns from citizens. Public feedback was then incorporated and reviewed before the ordinance was presented to the council. It was passed into law in September.
