Jake Parker, director of government relations at the Security Industry Association (SIA), testified before the Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, chaired by Rep. Dan Donovan, R-N.Y., on November 7 of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications held the hearing, titled “How Effective Is the Science and Technology Directorate: Stakeholder Perspectives,” to hear the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s stakeholders from academia, industry, and the first responder community about their perspectives on the benefits and challenges of working with the directorate at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“The Security Industry Association maintains a memorandum of understanding with the Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to foster collaboration and information-sharing between the private sector and public sector researchers,” Parker said. “SIA has been pleased with the relationship, which enables industry stakeholders to keep DHS S&T updated on the latest innovations in the security industry. We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with Congress about the future of that relationship and how both sides can get more out of it.”

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with nearly 800 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry.