Colorado Springs Police Department Recognized
For Open Public Participation Process
FRISCO, Texas (December 9, 2008) – The City of Colorado Springs Police Department was presented the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) Directors' Award of Distinction at today’s City Council meeting. The city council recently approved a new alarm ordinance, and the Police Department was instrumental in involving interested citizens throughout the community, to ensure a consensus document was delivered to elected officials.
The SIAC award recognizes the Police Department’s foresight under Chief Richard Myers in establishing an open public meeting process to ensure all parties with an interest in the alarm ordinance had an ability to comment on issues of concern. Assistant Chief Ron Gibson and other members of the Police Department worked closely with citizens during the 9-month process in responding to feedback. The SIAC award also emphasizes the “public-private partnership” of the Department’s efforts – law enforcement coming together with citizens and the security industry to improve alarm management practices and community protection.
“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. By involving all interested parties, the Department should be saluted for its leadership in developing a consensus alarm ordinance document that can be emulated in other cities,” said SIAC Representative Dave Simon.
“It was clear from the start of this effort that the Colorado Springs Police Department was committed to a cooperative approach to problem solving. The alarm industry appreciates the approach taken, and the willingness to listen to new ideas to improve alarm management practices,” said Jordan Jackson, President of the Colorado Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (CBFAA).
After an initial meeting with security industry officials, the Police Department met with the city council and established a series of public forums to hear concerns from citizens. Over a period of several months, public feedback was incorporated and reviewed before the ordinance was aired before the City Council, and ultimately passed into law in September.
“Good public policy is a direct result of hard questioning that has our community’s best interests at heart. The open public discussions of the ordinance hosted by the police department and Council's public hearings have resulted in an ordinance that is fair to the alarm users, alarm industry and our Colorado Springs taxpayers," said Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera.
ABOUT SIAC
SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations--Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)--representing one voice for the alarm industry on alarm management issues. SIAC’s primary charter is to significantly reduce calls for service while strengthening the lines of communication with law enforcement professionals and end users. For more information, contact www.SIACinc.org.
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