By Steve Keefer, Executive Director, Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC)
Recent advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., including the 2026 Security Hill Day, held on March 5, highlight the strength and unity of the electronic security industry. Events like these, led by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), bring industry leaders together with members of Congress and their staff to address critical national issues.
ESA and SIA continue to do an outstanding job representing our industry and the communities we protect on Capitol Hill. Their work ensures that policymakers understand the vital role our industry plays in public safety and economic security.
The national issues discussed during these visits are both timely and significant. They include the responsible use of artificial intelligence in security technologies, school and campus safety initiatives, workforce development, and the preservation of critical communications spectrum, including the Lower 900 MHz band, all of which are shaping the future of our industry. Federal policies in these areas directly affect how we innovate, operate, and deliver life safety services nationwide.
While this federal advocacy is essential, it represents only part of the broader landscape in which our industry operates.
SIAC’s role is different but equally important.
We represent the security industry and the people it protects at the national level through direct engagement with the public safety community, and at the state and local levels where many of the most impactful decisions are made. Our partnerships with organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) are central to this mission. In addition, we work closely with state alarm management committees and maintain ongoing interaction with thousands of the nation’s approximately 18,000 public safety agencies.
While national legislation sets the framework, local ordinances often determine how our systems function in practice. Policies established by local jurisdictions dictate whether law enforcement agencies respond to alarms, how they respond, what information is required for dispatch, and how they manage locations that generate false alarms. These decisions can vary widely from one community to another, yet they have a direct and immediate impact on our ability to protect lives and property.
This is where SIAC is uniquely positioned. We serve as a bridge between the alarm industry and the public safety community, advocating for model ordinances, best practices, and collaborative solutions that enhance both effectiveness and efficiency. Our goal is to ensure that alarm response policies support law enforcement while maintaining the integrity and value of professionally monitored security systems.
The work being done in Washington by ESA, SIA, and other industry partners is essential. So, too, is the daily work taking place in statehouses, city councils, and police departments across the country. Together, these efforts ensure that the security industry is represented in every legislative and regulatory venue that can impact its mission.
By working collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels, we strengthen our collective voice and, most importantly, our ability to protect the communities we serve.