Technology and collaboration are key for keeping federal buildings safe and secure

As threats to government officials and federal buildings persist, technology has become a critical tool for emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Considering the security breaches that have happened in recent years, federal agencies, in collaboration with state and local partners, are re-evaluating their current technologies and processes, and devising new strategies to ensure that federal properties and their occupants are safe and secure. This same level of scrutiny and strategy should also be applied to organization-centric continuity plans and tailored to the core operations that each agency must continue to execute no matter the form of disaster or disruption. As government leaders look to improve building and life safety, it is critical that they collaborate with solution providers that have been through the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) process.

Technology can make a difference
An effective emergency notification system (ENS) is a vital tool for emergency preparedness and is a great starting point for those charged with spearheading the safety of federal buildings. An ENS should be able to automatically manage user data, send out two-way messages and poll recipients for their status and location. This dynamic information flow allows incident management teams to gain a better understanding of what is happening on the ground and make informed decisions about response and communication updates.

Tactical incident management solutions, or digital task lists, can also be used to easily share key data, ensure protocols are followed and manage evolving tactical situations across any organization or location. This level of collaboration is important for a successful emergency response, and thus the reason why a digital task list is the most effective way to create customized incident workflows, assign responsibilities, track progress, share multimedia files and chat with team members in real-time. Additionally, a task list can integrate with existing systems such as 911, CAD, mass notification, video security and more so that all authorized parties have a unified view of critical information.

In terms of 911 capabilities, new Smart Proximity Alerting technology is now being used to automatically notify local security and communications teams when there are critical incidents in or around their facilities—adverse events that teams may not normally have known about until much later in the emergency timeline. For example, a Smart Proximity Alert could notify federal safety and communications teams when there is a search for an armed suspect within a certain distance of a federal facility. This technology acts as a hyper-local threat intelligence solution that eliminates the need for time-consuming and error-prone human intervention. With Smart Proximity Alerting, local safety and communications teams can be quickly informed about potential threats so that they can respond effectively. At the state level, officials are starting to leverage this early warning technology to address concerns about soft targets and to foster engagement among public safety stakeholders.

While there is no single approach to emergency response or one safety solution that will address every need, government officials are recognizing the effectiveness of individual safety and branded informational apps and integrating these convenient tools into their emergency response protocol. For example, panic button apps are being used statewide to protect capitol buildings, libraries, schools and other state and local facilities in several states, including Oklahoma, Delaware, New Mexico and Louisiana. These apps provide an easy-to-use emergency communications capability for government employees, enabling them to connect with public safety professionals and other key stakeholders during crisis events. Similarly, Florida has implemented a statewide anonymous tip applicationthat allows individuals to report suspicious activity and provide tips discretely from the palm of their hands.

Use trusted solutions, with trusted partners
As stated at the outset, it is crucial that safety and communications systems meet the rigorous standards set by FedRAMP, the government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. It is worth noting, too, that FedRAMP will not apply to all aspects of a safety and communications system. For example, it may not apply to on-premise hardware, safety apps or software components that are not cloud-based. Whenever possible, though, officials should ensure that all new technologies meet the necessary security standards.

And while technology can certainly be a game changer for those overseeing government buildings, collaboration between local law enforcement and public safety officials is essential for keeping people and property safe. Regular planning and drills are necessary so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and can respond swiftly and smartly. By working together, federal agencies and local authorities can create a seamless process for emergency preparedness and response.

Authorities at all levels of government are taking a more comprehensive approach to safety and increasingly embracing integration and innovation, a move that provides peace of mind for those who visit or work in federal facilities.

Todd Miller is a director of SaaS operations and strategic programs at Motorola Solutions. Prior to his current role, Miller oversaw strategic programs and government affairs at Rave Mobile Safety. Earlier in his career, Miller was recognized as a member of Oracle’s top 10 percent in consulting for successfully delivering customized software solutions and supporting millions of users in North America. He also has previous experience leading consulting teams for Sieble and eDOCS in North America, Europe and Australia.