The former creator of Google Maps and former Chief Technology Officer for Facebook is joining Taser International Inc’s board of directors to enhance its expansion into the market of wearable surveillance equipment for law enforcement officers.
According to TechFlash, Bret Taylor who is currently the CEO of Quip, a messaging and document technology company, asserted that he is excited about the opportunity to help advance the technology and be on the frontier of the exciting new industry. He explained that he had always considered Scottsdale based Taser to be a weapons based company, but now recognizes that it will be a leader in protecting individual rights.
According to TechCrunch, the new board member will be helping to move Evidence.com and he is inspired to join the team more on principles than as a straight business decision. “Taser is applying technology to important social issues that I care deeply about.” he explained. “This is an important opportunity to use technology to protect civil liberties.” Taylor added that “enhanced body-worn technology” which includes cameras, sensors and data collection devices will “revolutionize the public space with enhanced transparency.”
“I feel very personally passionate about Taser,” explains Taylor who obtained his undergraduate and his Masters degrees from Stanford University. “There are very few advancements in law enforcement, and Taser wants to apply modern technology to law enforcement, which is really exciting for me. I’m really impressed how forward-leading the team is.”
Taser CEO and Founder Rick Smith said that the San Francisco tech guru will bring “extensive technology experience and thought leadership to the Taser board, which will help us advance our strategy around delivering the best technology solutions for the law enforcement space.”