IMSA is the oldest known association of its kind in the world.  It dates back to October 1896. Membership is comprised of persons employed by governmental organizations (city, county, state, federal, province, etc.) and private corporations who are interested in promoting Public Safety in the most economical manner.  The IMSA objectives are to improve the efficiency, installation, construction, and maintenance of Public Safety equipment and systems by increasing the knowledge of its members on traffic controls, fire alarms, radio communications, roadway lighting, work zone traffic control, emergency medical services and other related systems.

Membership areas are divided into geographic sections covering North America and other group locations.  The Central Section (section 18) is made up of the State of Kansas.