Advent of AI in Public Safety

Tina Rodgers, Director Safety and Loss, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Tina Rodgers is a seasoned Risk management associate who brings a wealth of expertise to ensure organizational well-being. Through her strategic focus on risk mitigation, compliance, and safety culture, she developed and implemented robust safety protocols, enhancing operational resilience, and minimizing losses. Rodgers's extensive experience in the industry has helped her to set a benchmark in the space. Currently, she works as the director of safety and loss at the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Can you share some of the challenges you notice in the marketplace?

I feel incredibly fortunate to work for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, where the right to self-governance of the tribe is a cornerstone. A lot of myths revolve around tribes and each tribe is distinct in terms of its culture and other aspects. Folks not of Indian origin especially those who are unaware of India find the tribe confusing and surprising. The tribe, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has been around since time immemorial. As a result of its rich history, the word ‘YAWA', meaning acting on one's belief concept can be seen embodied throughout them. The tribe passionately safeguards the land and its people as a result of which working for the tribe feels easier and more aligned with values than in a Fortune 500 company. They prioritize not only their interests but also the well-being of employees, guests, neighbors, and the broader community.

What are some of the strategies or initiatives you have recently adopted in the organization?

In terms of recent and ongoing projects, our focus has been on enhancing safety programs and we have implemented these safety programs over a year. We successfully consolidated four systems into one comprehensive risk management and safety system, streamlining communication between HR and safety. This has made information access seamless, especially our insurance tracking and safety data sheet. The implementation of iPads, offering unrestricted access to safety data sheets, has been a significant achievement, simplifying information retrieval and ensuring compliance. This initiative, deployed across key areas, has notably reduced paperwork and eased employee access, aligning with our commitment to safety and regulatory standards.

“Despite being perceived as a cost, the consequences of not prioritizing safety can be severe. Beyond mitigating risks, a safe environment enhances employee happiness, productivity, and retention.”

What are some of the changes you noticed in the past 24- 36 months?

Constantly evolving technologies, like exoskeletons in construction, offer promising advancements. At the tribe, we strive to be at the forefront of tech adoption, balancing innovation with cybersecurity, especially in our casino business. The amount of personal information that flows in casinos is huge. As a result, it is necessary to assess risk appetite when technology leaps ahead, often outpacing cybersecurity measures. In the safety domain, the advent of AI applications has enhanced surveillance, ensuring compliance. Navigating through this rapidly changing landscape requires a knowledgeable and skilled team dedicated to making informed decisions aligned with our business needs.

What is your piece of advice to your fellow peers?

Recognizing safety as a competitive advantage is paramount. The word safety can mean occupational, public, and data safety. Despite being perceived as a cost, the consequences of not prioritizing safety can be severe. Beyond mitigating risks, a safe environment enhances employee happiness, productivity, and retention. Emphasizing safety during recruitment sets us apart, showcasing our commitment to a secure workplace, especially during challenging times like COVID-19. It's more than perks; it's about ensuring genuine safety in our space.