SIA New Member Profile: Shot Alert

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Shot Alert specializes in fully automated gunshot detection and active shooter response.

The company is headquartered in Billings, Montana, and is developing a nationwide network of dealers and integrators to service and support its systems anywhere in the United States.

SIA spoke with Neil Clark, CEO of Shot Alert, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Neil Clark: Shot Alert was founded by four fathers (myself and my three co-founders, pictured below) who wanted to better protect their own and the country’s children from the threat of active shooter incidents now occurring with alarming frequency at schools, businesses and places of worship. Facility managers want to know they have done everything possible to protect every life to which they’ve been entrusted, and we believe no one should have to remain vulnerable. Enter the world’s most effective active shooter response system. Our patented system enables law enforcement to be summoned immediately and with complete and accurate location information. In situations where mere seconds matter, Shot Alert is able to save up to five minutes of response time, ensuring the most effective response upon arrival.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

NC: At the heart of our active shooter response system are patented sensors that accurately and automatically identify gunshots and explosions through the correlation of sound and pressure waves. This combination proves far superior and does not rely on line-of-sight to the source of the gunshot or explosion, nor does it require a human to assess the results.

Law enforcement may be summoned immediately with real-time location intelligence, access controls may be implemented to sequester the threat and potential victims may be directed away from the threat and toward safety. The system’s open architecture is connectable to existing alarm systems for maximum compatibility.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

NC: Our innovative and accurate system was awarded U.S. Patent 10,054,576 B2 in August 2018.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

NC: No one should have to remain vulnerable! Shot Alert enables building owners everywhere to protect lives by leveraging technology. It is our sincere hope that once every building in our nation is protected by a Shot Alert system, building owners can sleep well knowing people in their facilities are protected. The bad guys will find out it’s a losing proposition to cause harm to others when the response is so swift and effective.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

NC: We can work better together. We are excited about partnering with other companies who are creating related components, systems and services that support active shooter response.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

NC: Without a doubt, our people make this the most fun place to work. We have fun together! Our team is 100% focused on making this world a safer place to live and work.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

NC: As new members of SIA, we’re most excited about meeting other members committed to protecting lives.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.