Security Industry Assocaition Hosts Successful School Security Event with New Congressional Caucus
Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 04, 2016 -- The Security Industry Association (SIA) hosted the debut event of the Congressional School Safety Caucus on Capitol Hill Wednesday, bringing together the co-chairs of the caucus with private- and public-sector experts to assess strategy for securing our nation’s schools.
At the event, Reps. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and Susan Brooks, R-Ind., emphasized their support for the School Safety Act (H.R. 2667), which would revive federal assistance to help schools implement security measures, as well as the importance of working together to protect students and teachers.
“Schools must be a place where our students feel safe. The School Safety Caucus is a forum to look at the best ways for schools to approach their safety needs, as well as to push for investments in security and other safety measures,” Rep. Larsen said.
Rep. Brooks added, “We all have to work together to craft solutions that meet the challenges posed by our increasingly digital and mobile world and to protect and ensure the safety of schools so that students and educators alike can focus on learning. I’m looking forward to working with Congressman Larsen to address this important issue.”
SIA also hosted a panel discussion, “Challenges and Opportunities to Protect and Ensure Safety for America's Schools,” in cooperation with the Congressional School Safety Caucus at Wednesday’s event. Tim Eckersley, SIA board director and Allegion senior vice president and president of the Americas, moderated that dialogue, attended by a standing room-only crowd.
“SIA and Allegion are aligned on the fact that we, as security industry leaders, have a moral obligation to provide a safer environment for our students to focus on learning,” Eckersley said. “We’re excited about the conversations around school security today, and we hope to join hands with more of our country’s top influencers and organizations to continue pushing safety improvements forward.”
The discussion panel consisted of school safety and security experts:
- Dr. Erroll G. Southers, University of Southern California;
- Dr. Paula Maurer, Superintendent, Southwestern Consolidated School Corporation, Indiana; and
- Robin Lambert, Rural School and Community Trust.
Among other topics, the panel discussed best practices offered by the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a cooperative effort spearheaded by SIA and the National Systems Contractors Association that has developed steps schools can take to improve security by tiers, depending upon threat levels and resources. (For more information on PASS, visit http://www.passk12.org.)
To get involved in SIA’s school security efforts, please contact Jake Parker, SIA director of government relations, at 301-804-4722 or jparker(at)securityindustry(dot)org.
About the Security Industry Association
The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, with more than 650 innovative member companies representing more than 400,000 security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.
About Allegion™
Allegion is a global pioneer in safety and security, with leading brands like CISA®, Interflex®, LCN®, Schlage® and Von Duprin®. Focusing on security around the door and adjacent areas, Allegion produces a range of solutions for homes, businesses, schools and other institutions. Allegion is a $2 billion company, with products sold in almost 130 countries. For more, visit http://www.allegion.com.
Mickey McCarter, Security Industry Association, http://www.securityindustry.org, +1 (301) 804-4704, [email protected]
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