Editor's Note

Focus on Protection

Good business is about partnerships. Our cover story in this issue comes from Jeff Huggins who has written about different examples of not only keeping people secure, but also offering protection.

Huggins writes, “We need to engage more creatively with the communities we serve.” One of the more interesting facets of his personal experience is his involvement with the USO for more than 21 years. Any member of the military that has had substantial deployment time understands the helping hand that the USO truly is.

This is a fascinating story, and I’m sure you’ll find it to your liking.

We all know that big cities are rife with crime. It is; however, smaller communities that get the overflow of criminals seeking a safe haven. Milestone’s Courtney Dillon Pedersen writes a case study about the village of Manteno. The city is just south of Chicago where crime is prevalent and perpetrators hit the road after the dastardly deed.

Police in Manteno are notified that there has been a crime and have deployed video surveillance for forensic purposes as a way to monitor cars in the area.

Also in this issue, Greg Hamm of Delta Scientific writes about a way to stop a terrorist from leaving the roadway and crashing into dozens of pedestrians. Cities have used barriers to cordon off sidewalks, popular congregation areas and soft targets. Remember when a lone wolf terrorist used a vehicle along the Hudson River Park’s path in Lower Manhattan? He rammed the vehicle into more than a dozen people; killing eight.

The answer to this situation, and others like it, has been a crash-tested portable bollard system.

Inside this issue, you’ll find countless ideas and tips on how to improve security in the public sector, but also the opportunity to count your partnerships and engage more creatively within the communities that you serve.

This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.