V13 Policetech Accelerator Launches Policetech Tested Badge: Tested By Police – For Police™
Cobourg, ON (March 8, 2023) – The V13 Policetech Accelerator, a joint initiative of the Cobourg Police Service and NCFDC, announced the launch of its Policetech TestedTM badge at the Policetech Conference & Expo in Mississauga, Ontario on February 28, 2023. This unique program aligns with the Accelerator’s Pilot Stream activities, where testing and validation of new technologies happens in real-world scenarios.
The Accelerator’s Pilot Stream programming was designed to address a major bottleneck facing the two industries: early-stage companies with innovative technologies unable to break into the policing market, and policing organizations looking to connect with the most up-to-date innovations in the field. This approach allows academia, startups and SMEs to obtain real-world feedback from leading experts in their field, creating focused designs and products refined through end-user collaboration. Entrepreneurs work directly with front-line uniformed and civilian staff to integrate their knowledge and feedback on proposed use cases.
The badge’s theme: Tested By Police – For Police™ highlights the mandate of putting new and innovative technologies and solutions into the hands of police, leveraging a highly controlled and documented process to test and validate early-stage technologies for future applications in policing. The goal is to provide assurance that the products/solutions awarded the Policetech Tested™ badge have achieved a high level of quality, durability, functionality and applicability during testing as part of the Accelerator’s Pilot Stream programming.
“The Policetech TestTM badge is the conceptual outcome of our work with the Cobourg Police Service over the last few years at Venture13, bringing together entrepreneurs and police professionals to inform the product design and development process,” said Wendy Curtis, Executive Director at NCFDC. “With this badge we are now able to formally validate the results of actual field testing with a highly visible and definitive mark, and encourage even more open collaboration and engagement through our policetech accelerator.”
“As policing continues to evolve, it is crucial that police services can access reliable products, technologies, and innovations tested and evaluated against the rigours of day-to-day police operations,” said Chief of Police Paul VandeGraaf. “The Policetech TestedTM badge represents a specific standard met by new technologies based on real-world testing, piloting, or demonstrations. Providing a level of assurance in the technology.”
The Policetech TestedTM badge is a trademark of the Policetech Accelerator. Any use of this trademark without associated licensing is strictly prohibited.
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Media Contacts
Joe Miller, Business Development Officer
NCFDC – V13 Policetech Accelerator Lead
jmiller@ncfdc.ca
About the V13 Policetech Accelerator
The V13 Policetech Accelerator is a joint initiative of the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and NCFDC that is actively developing a pipeline (from idea to implementation) of innovative policing technologies and best practices for community safety in Ontario and around the world. Founded on the existing reputation of the CPS as a leading police service innovator, while creating an ecosystem for startups and a soft landing zone for innovative law enforcement companies into the Northumberland region. The V13 Policetech Accelerator project will encourage innovation along a continuum from ideation to early-stage R&D to validation stage with collaborations and demonstration projects through both start-up and scale-up streams. For more information visit http://www.policetechaccelerator.com/
About NCFDC
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC) supports innovation and entrepreneurship as pathways to future prosperity. Located at Venture13 in Cobourg, Ontario (just over an hour East of Toronto), NCFDC drives investment in technology, talent, sustainable inclusive growth and job creation through various initiatives. NCFDC founded and delivers the StrikeUP Canada annual digital conference event for Women entrepreneurs, DELIA Microloan Fund, and The V13 Policetech Accelerator. Website: ncfdc.ca
About the Cobourg Police Service
The Cobourg Police Service is a trusted community partner committed to quality policing that protects the safety, security and in turn, enhances the quality of life in the Town of Cobourg. The service is directed by Chief Paul VandeGraaf, supported by a robust team of senior administrators, uniformed and civilian members. As its most valuable resource, the Cobourg Police Service takes pride in its members who each day strive to keep our community a safe place to live, work and play. A Police Services Board, made up of five local members, provides civilian governance and policy direction. The Board operates under legislation and directives outlined by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The Board ensures Cobourg Police has met all the Police Adequacy Standards and is a professional and complete police service meeting the needs of the community. For more information, visit cobourgpoliceservice.com and follow us on social media @cobourgpolice.