Utah Considering Hidden Security Measures for Sundance Film Festival

Utah Considering Hidden Security Measures for Sundance Film Festival

A new technology that can covertly detect weapons is being considered by Utah officials to secure large events and public spaces.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 24, 2019

A Utah official has partnered with a security company known for making a covert weapons detection system and is hoping to partner with schools, stadiums and churches to install the product for a layered security approach that is less invasive.

Utah Attourney General Sean Reyes and Georgia-based Liberty Defense Solutions are working together to test and promote the HEXWAVE product, which uses 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to detect concealed weapons on people in public spaces.

HEXWAVE scans for objects like guns, knives and explosives obscured by clothing or bags. The product can hidden in walls or other commonplace structures so that passersby can walk past without realizing they are being scanned.

The technology appears to "strike a balance between privacy interests on one side and security and safety," according to Reyes. 

The agreement between Reyes and Liberty Defense allows for introductions to be made between the company and prospective clients as well as advising interested parties of the potential uses for the solution. Police in Pro City, Utah have spoken with Liberty Defense about the potential uses of HEXWAVE to help secure the Sundance Film Festival because the imaging technology identifies objects rather than the people carrying them, according to an article by The Salt Lake Tribune. 

"If you can imagine an open place like Park City during Sundance to be able to have a little more of an awareness of what — and not who and what their identity is and where they live and what their driver's license is — but what they might have on them and where it is, to make sure everybody is as safe as possible," Reyes said.

The technology could also be used as a way to identify threats in other settings such as sporting and concert arenas, school campuses, churches, government buildings and amusement parks. 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • 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

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.