ITS in Academics

ITS Community College Workshop #1
September 20-21, 2017 | ITS America Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Day 1 Presentation | September 20, 2017

ITS Community College Workshop

Presenter: Jeff Knight
Presenter’s Org: International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)

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The slides in this presentation include the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) | Your Partner in Public Safety logo.

Slide 1: ITS Community College Workshop

September 20-21, 2017
Jeffrey G. Knight
Education & Certification Manager

Slide 2: History

IMSA is the oldest known association of its kind in the world and dates back to October 1896 when a group of municipal signal men from several east coast cities met in Brooklyn, New York and formed the International Association of Fire and Police Telegraph Superintendents.
The basic purpose of the organization was to keep its members, and others in the profession, up-to-date on proper procedures of construction and maintenance of signal systems and informed on new products and equipment developments.

Slide 3: History

Records show that Thomas A. Edison and the Edison Electric Company were associate members in 1901.
Association members developed standards and specifications for wire, cable, fire alarm boxes, and even the size of manhole covers.
Association members were instrumental in the founding of the Underwriters Laboratory and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Slide 4: Organization

Membership areas are divided into geographic sections covering North America and other locations.
There are twenty two (22) geographical Sections currently operating within IMSA.
There is also a “Sustaining Section” that is comprised of individuals, firms, organizations and corporations with special knowledge, experience or interest in the objectives of the Association.

[This slide contains a map of North America, color-coded to show IMSA areas.]

Slide 5: IMSA Certification Specialties

IMSA has issued over 120,000 certifications.

Fiber Optics
Interior Fire Alarm
Public Reporting Systems
Public Safety Telecommunication
Roadway Lighting
Sign and Pavement Marking
Transportation Center System Specialist
Traffic Signal
Traffic Signal Inspector
Work Zone Temporary Traffic Control

Slide 6: FCC Frequency Coordination

IMSA is Certified by the FCC to provide Frequency Coordination Services.
- Fire Service
- Emergency Medical Services
- Local Government
- 700/800 Systems
- Law Enforcement
- Transportation Agencies

Slide 7: Certification Demographics

The IMSA certification community consist of a wide range of individuals.

Engineers
Electronic Technicians
Electrical Contractors & Electricians
Public Works Employees
Communication Technicians
Public Safety & Emergency Management Personnel

Slide 8: Knowledge - Skills - Abilities (KSAs) Nuts & Bolts

Electrical Theory
National Electrical Code & National Electrical Safety Code
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety In The Workplace
Outside Plant & Premise Installations
Telecommunications
- Network Communication Topology
  - MAN - WAN - LAN
  - Wired - Fiber Optic & Copper
  - Wireless - RF & Visual
Grounding & Bonding
Surge & Lightning Protection

Slide 9: Knowledge - Skills - Abilities (KSAs) Nuts & Bolts

MUTCD
ADA
Traffic Signal Theory & Operation
Vehicle Detection & Preemption
Video - CCTV
Communication - Dispatch Center Technology & Operation
Standby Power Systems
- Generators
- UPS
- Standby Batteries

Slide 10: Knowledge - Skills - Abilities (KSAs) Nuts & Bolts

State & Local Laws - Regulations
- Many States require professional credentials such as licensing
  - Journeyman Electrician
  - Telecommunications Technician
Transportation Systems Terminology
- Acronyms

Slide 11: The ITS Technician - Workforce In The IMSA World

Current Practitioners
- Technical-Vocational Education
- Professional Trade Apprenticeship
- On The Job Training
Public Sector
- Report to a division of a Public Works or Utilities Department
  - Responsibilities can include:
    - Traffic Signals
    - Utility Monitoring
    - Signs & Pavement Markings
Private Sector
- Contractors specialized in specific technologies

Slide 12: The Missing Links Of Skill Sets

Network Topology & Protocols
Communication Technology & Physical Pathways

[This slide contains three images: (1) a simple flow chart showing an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a network router, and unique IP addresses assigned to three different computers; (2) a photo of a large-scale wireless network router on a pole; and (3) a photo of a large cable end that shows that its comprised of hundreds of wires.]

Slide 13: Challenges Current & Future

Majority of the current workforce changes within the next 5 to 10 years
Define the role(s) of the ITS Technician
Workforce Recruitment & Marketing

Slide 14: (No title)

Jeff Knight
Education & Certification Manager
jknight@imsasafety.org
800 723-IMSA (4672)

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