Sadly, we live in a world where threats to public welfare are common, expected and often impossible to predict, placing a daily pressure on those tasked to maintain a safe urban environment in which to live. With increases in population, combined with a rise in urbanisation, 3.4 billion people now live in urban environments. City services and infrastructure are becoming stretched to breaking point.
Governments, cities and emergency services are finding themselves in a grim position where they do not have an adequate level of situational awareness to guarantee public safety against threats from urban crime, terrorism and natural disasters.
Both public and private sector stakeholders across the globe have been searching for an opportunity for the international community to gather as one to learn, share and connect on the subject of urban security. Such an opportunity is guaranteed by Safe Cities International, taking place in London between 16-18 September 2014.
In organising Safe Cities International 2014, Defence IQ is providing Ministers, Mayors, Chairs of Public Safety Committees, Blue Light Services and Solution Providers with a unique forum to discuss the challenges and success shaping public safety in the urban environment for now and the future. In doing so, it provides a rare platform to share lessons learned and best practice in current public safety programmes, policy and technology, engaging in international collaboration on a very real level strengthening messages of cooperation with counterparts across the world.
The high level of international engagement and knowledge sharing is of critical importance to two of the event’s keynote speakers. Mr Stephen Greenhalgh, Deputy Mayor, Mayor’s Office For Policing and Crime, Greater London Authority stated:
“Security is the key foundation for economic growth and investment and this conference is an important opportunity to explore how to create cities that are safe places to live, work, visit and study. We are keen to share London’s experience in building a secure, resilient and open metropolis and the role of MOPAC in delivering the Mayor’s mission for London to be the safest global city”.
Assistant Chief Michel Moore, Director, Special Operations, Los Angeles Police Department highlighted:
“Today the safety of our communities depend on having enlightened leaders willing to adopt successful strategies utilized by cities across the globe. I look forward to participating in the Safe Cities International conference to both share our success as a global city while learning more about other opportunities to further improve Los Angeles, the City of Angels.”
The event’s key discussion points will include setting current and future policy to guarantee public security, smart solutions for urban security, intelligent video surveillance and data capture. Additionally, integrated information networks and data dissemination, unified threat assessment/analysis and emergency response coordination will also be covered. In addition, as will providing frontline responders with mission critical and real time information to aid decision making and cyber security for security networks and assets.
Keynote Speakers at the conference has a global representation including:
- Dr. Daniel Gerstein, Under Secretary, Science and Technology, US Department of Homeland Security
- Chief William Blair, Chief of Police, Toronto Police Service
- Mr Stephen Greenhalgh, Deputy Mayor, Mayors Office for Policing and Crime, Greater London Authority
- Chief Dr. Ahmet S Yayla, Chief of Police, City of Sanliurfa, Turkish National Police
- Assistant Chief Michael Moore, Director Special Operations, Los Angeles Police Department
- Mr Jorge Machorro, Former Director of Security, Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transportation
- Mr Sherif Hashem, Advisor, Egyptian Ministry of Communications& Information Technology
Alongside these esteemed speakers, Safe Cities International will also play host to confirmed VIP Delegations from Sierra Leone Police, Singapore Police Force and the Victoria Police.
For more information, to view the agenda and register your place at Safe Cities International, visit the website www.safecitiesinternational.com.
You can also reach the registrations team directly on +44 (0) 207 368 9737 or at [email protected]
