Public safety startup PursuitAlert appoints new CEO

PursuitAlert, a leading innovator in public safety technology founded by former Pickens County Undersheriff Tim Morgan, announced the appointment of Joe Cameron as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Morgan founded the company to alert citizens of nearby high-speed police pursuits, after having been at the forefront of addressing such challenges as a law enforcement officer until his retirement in 2012. PursuitAlert is part of Upstate Upstarts, a group of technology startups based in Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Seneca, Union, and Cherokee counties.

Under Morgan’s leadership, PursuitAlert has developed innovative solutions to enhance public safety and expanded the service to six states across the nation. The company’s technology provides real-time alerts, similar to Amber Alerts and weather alerts, about nearby emergency vehicle operations, giving users a 30-45 second notice of potential dangers, such as a police chase, approaching emergency vehicle or to “Move Over” when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle. Alerts are also available for reported impaired drivers, active shooters, wrong-way drivers, and more.

Cameron’s appointment comes at a time when high-speed police pursuits continue to rise across the nation, often resulting in tragic consequences, despite jurisdictions’ efforts to restrict them. With more than a decade of experience as a law enforcement officer in El Segundo, CA, as well as 12 years’ experience as a strategist in Washington, DC lobbying on behalf of law enforcement associations, Cameron is poised to bring PursuitAlert into more communities and ultimately save more lives.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Joe into the role of CEO at PursuitAlert,” Morgan said. “He has the background we need to take our company to its next phase of growth and bring safety alerts to more people. We’ve seen too many high-speed police pursuits lead to devastating outcomes for innocent families. This is why we started this company – to make these high-risk events safer for everyone and help build safer communities across the country.”

Morgan’s commitment to public safety was deeply influenced by a late-night pursuit that resulted in the death of an innocent young man. This incident underscored the urgent need for better methods to manage these dangerous events. “Seeing the impact on the victim’s family was the most troubling experience of my career,” Morgan said.

“I’m honored and excited to lead PursuitAlert into its next chapter,” Cameron said. “By raising awareness of our life-saving technology at the local, state, and federal levels, we aim to make police pursuits safer for innocent drivers on the roadways. Through collaboration with nonprofits, police departments and elected officials, we are committed to advancing our digital alerting technology to reduce fatalities during high-speed pursuits across the country.”

PursuitAlert’s technology continues to evolve, with the latest generation eliminating the need for hardware devices. The company has partnered with Trackstar and other major players to integrate its app into vehicles, providing a seamless user experience. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the public and support law enforcement. Additionally, partnerships with auto manufacturers and GPS providers are on the horizon.

About PursuitAlert

PursuitAlert is the new standard in a patent pending state of the art mobile warning system to alert motorists and civilians of an immediate danger, when in close proximity to a Code3 response, an active Police pursuit, or an emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside. “As the pursuit progresses or concludes, PursuitAlert will notify the affected community members that the pursuit is now out of range and to continue with caution.” There is also an option for an “Active Shooter” alert for the public. This smartphone app is free to the public.

It is estimated that there are about 68,000 high-speed police pursuits each year in the United States, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of serious injuries. Financial losses are in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, in death benefits, insurance payouts, attorney fees, disability, etc.

More people are killed each year from high-speed police pursuits than from tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightning COMBINED! There are warning systems in place for each threat, and now, a warning system is available for high-speed police pursuits.

About Upstate Upstarts

The Upstate Upstarts list is collaborative community effort designed to spotlight the tech “Upstarts” in South Carolina’s Upstate region.

The inaugural 2024 list features over 60 startups that exemplify the spirit of an “Upstart” – based in the Upstate’s seven counties, grounded in technology, and showing promising growth potential.

We envision the Upstate Upstarts list as a beacon, attracting talent, capital, and partnerships to these innovative startups. It’s more than a list; it’s a platform for investment opportunities and a nexus for collaboration, supporting the vibrant early-stage companies that call the Upstate their home.