The Security Industry Association (SIA), a trade group representing thousands of security industry leaders and companies, recently established a new Public Safety Working Group, which aims to develop plans and recommendations to improve the overall safety, security and sustainability of cities using technology.
The group will be chaired by Axis Communications’ Industry Liaison Steve Surfaro.
SIA said the industry group was developed to focus on emerging technologies like autonomous systems and unmanned vehicles, issues related to city surveillance and prevention/response capabilities to address terrorist tactics, effective uses of body cameras for public safety officers, and advocacy policies in support of the SIA Public Safety Working Group mission.
“As new and developing technologies undergo trial and testing or enter the field in use by public safety agencies, it is critical that the security industry maintain its voice in the appropriate adoption and deployment of these technologies,” SIA CEO Don Erickson said. “SIA members are uniquely qualified to provide council alongside active practitioners in police, fire, emergency medical services and other disciplines to maintain the safety and security of our cities and communities.”
Erickson added that Surfaro would serve as an excellent inaugural chairperson for the group and that his connections throughout the security industry were exemplified by his achievements, citing Surfaro’s time as chair of the Security Applied Sciences Council for ASIS International.