True Crime Summit: Proactive Protection Key

Variety's first True Crime Summit, held at SXSW, focused on proactive protection methods. SimpliSafe's Chief Product Officer, Hooman Shahidi, presented alongside Variety's Publisher, Dea Lawrence, on a panel titled "Stopping the Story Before It Starts." They detailed how proactive security measures can avert emergencies and yield better results.

Shahidi explained that SimpliSafe's security system employs both artificial intelligence and human verification. This technology extends protection to the perimeter, allowing intervention before a crime is committed and enabling swifter police dispatch. He noted that early human involvement significantly expedites the resolution of potential threats.

The summit also delved into the public's fascination with the crime genre in media. Other speakers included director Patricia E. Gillespie and legal commentator Nancy Grace. The overarching message reinforced the necessity of awareness and caution for effective self-protection.