The SIA, a leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers, is comprised of roughly 500 security and alarm firms representing some 300,000 members. The organization advocates for pro-industry policies and legislation, produces global market research, and provides member education and training.

SIA spokesperson April Dalton-Noblitt of Allegion, a home and business security firm based in Carmel, Ind., presented at the event. Dalton-Noblitt highlighted several new products, but keyed in on mass notification systems, access control and systems integration, as well as a need for potential lockdown solutions in the case of an emergency. The presentation was part of a SIA-sponsored panel discussing new developments in school construction, security and financing that school boards should consider when planning and advocating for infrastructure improvements.

“It was encouraging to see that school board members are engaged on this issue and want to make sure security vulnerabilities are addressed early in the planning stages for school construction and renovation,” Dalton-Noblitt said in a statement. “The integration of modern security technology is an essential part of the solution for ensuring our kids are safe and should not be overlooked.”

The SIA has also worked to reinstate federal assistance to schools systems looking to implement new security technology. SIA partnered with the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) to form Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) in October 2014, which develops assessments and best practices for affordable security solutions drawn from security practitioners, law enforcement officials and school administrators. The PASS alliance is now 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.

“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,” SIA CEO Don Erickson said in a statement. “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.”

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