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Phase 9

Task: Refine Governance: Complete Roster for the Proposed State Interoperability Executive Committee Modeled After the SAFECOM Federal Governance Model


Whether or not your state has existing governance bodies will depend on how you will proceed in integrating SAFECOM’s principles of governance into your state’s current approach. Supporting implementation of the initiatives in the strategic plan requires a centralized governing body that represents the public safety and first responder communities’ functions and utilizes the statewide network established during Phase V. The relationship and flow of information between SAFECOM and two other governing bodies is depicted in the model below. This graphic appears in Virginia’s strategic plan and mirrors the approach to governance seen at the federal level.

Governance Structure
Figure 9: Governance Structure


Notice the Executive Committee is supported by the Advisory Group. Project Action Teams can be chartered from the Advisory Group to complete short term implementation efforts that are dependent on public safety technical and subject matter expertise. The Advisory Group will probably not be launched until one year after the stand up of the Executive Committee. These two groups partner with the state’s centralized interoperability office to follow through on the initiatives in the strategic plan in a manner that exemplifies ongoing, locally-driven leadership. Consider how to involve the local practitioner in the leadership and decision-making processes carried out by this group. SAFECOM’s locally-driven philosophy drives the planning process and champions the implementation process. It is possible to follow this philosophy using alternative approaches to governance. The one presented in this methodology is fully supported by the SAFECOM program and continues to evolve at the federal level.

Lesson Learned: Virginia’s Executive Committee (EC) structure followed these guiding principles:

  • The majority of the EC’s membership must be from local level (cities and/or counties) public safety organizations.
  • The EC will have an active role in making recommendations to the governor regarding the state’s interoperability direction.
  • The EC should oversee the entire process of the strategic plan’s implementation.

Please see Appendix AF for SAFECOM governance charter, model, and position paper.