The safety and security of millions of business and pleasure travelers each year is a major concern for the hospitality industry. Terrorists and other more common criminals looking to cause harm to property or guests have increasingly targeted hotels. Recent high-profile attacks in India and Indonesia have highlighted the danger at hotels around the world. We spoke to Ron Ludvigsen, president of CGL Electronic Security, to find out more.
GE Security Inc. recently announced that the Pacific Beacon apartments in San Diego, the first privatized community for enlisted single sailors in the country, is being protected by GE Security’s integrated access control and fire/life safety solutions.
CDW Government Inc. recently released its 2009 Emergency Communications Report: Awareness and Progress Toward the National Emergency Communications Plan. The report benchmarks progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the Department of Homeland Security National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), identifies key challenges and highlights lessons learned.
The city of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has awarded Schneider Electric a $2 million contract for a wireless video surveillance system. Schneider Electric will design, install and maintain a network of more than 200 digital surveillance cameras located throughout the city’s downtown area, commercial areas, school zones, parks and parking garages.
INPUT recently announced the release of its report: Defining the Federal Information Security Mission: 2009-2014 Forecast, which indicates that federal spending is on the rise to counter the growing threat of cyber attacks on federal computer networks and the national infrastructure.
A recent Harris Poll survey indicates that 96 percent of U.S citizens feel the federal government and law enforcement agencies should be able to use video surveillance in an effort to counteract terrorism and help protect U.S. citizens in specific public places.
Axis Communications recently announced it has won the contract to supply network cameras for Sydney’s new Waratah train suburban fleet. The total installation order is estimated at about 7,000 network cameras.
The Department of State is tagging 10,000 mission critical IT assets with passive RFID to save money, increase security and reduce administrative burden.
ICx Technologies Inc.a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced recently that it has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security contract to participate in a FY2010 mass transit security pilot program.
Naval Air Station Fallon has implemented the RAPIDGate Program to increase security and streamline access for the thousands of vendors, suppliers, service providers and contractors who access the installation.
London's city-wide transit surveillance system, the Ring of Steel, includes more than 10,000 cameras. Some 3,000 cameras also have been deployed in Chicago, with 3,000 more soon coming to New York City.
- By Stephen Russell
- Oct 06, 2009
DVTel Inc. recently announced that the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has commissioned its fully-operational central operations center, which with the DVTel unified intelligent Security Operations Center (iSOC) as the command and control software.
The Homeland Security Department does not have an effective strategy or technologies in place to counteract the threat of attacks by terrorists who arrive on small boats, according to a new report.
Since World War II, wireless radio networking has given the government and military a flexible and efficient mobile communications option. Unfortunately, more than half a century later, many of the same wartime technologies are still being used by U.S. public agencies, despite major advances in real-time voice, video and data wireless transfer applications.
- By Terry Schmidt
- Oct 05, 2009
Verint Systems Inc., a provider of analytics software-based solutions for workforce-enterprise optimization and security, recently announced Rio de Janeiro State Prison Administration’s use of the Nextiva IP Video portfolio from Verint Video Intelligence Solutions.
Azalea Networks, a provider of wireless network equipment and technology, and Dotworkz Systems, a provider of crime camera enclosures for public safety systems, recently announced deployment of the first phase of a wireless video surveillance solution for the San Diego Police Department.
In deployments in Phoenix and Miami, Firetide's new MIMO-based (802.11n) mesh is providing economic and performance benefits for city-wide municipal infrastructures.
Some officials working at state and local intelligence fusion centers will have limited access to data on the Defense Department's classified network.
GVI Security Solutions Inc., a provider of video security surveillance solutions featuring the complete Samsung Electronics line of products, announced recently that the company had been selected to provide a Samsung DVR based video surveillance solution for a defense contractor operating multiple manufacturing plants in the United States.
While both public- and private-sector organizations continually grapple with the dual responsibility to bolster information security while using IT to cut costs and improve efficiency, the federal government is leading investment in biometric technologies to further these goals. The private sector is following.
- By Vic Berger
- Sep 14, 2009
Brivo Systems LLC, provider of Web applications for access control and security systems, recently announced that the Raleigh, N.C., Police Department (RPD) has deployed Brivo ACS WebService at its headquarters building and a growing number of police substations and other locations.
The Lockheed Martin-led Next Generation Identification (NGI) team has successfully completed Critical Design Review (CDR) for the system's fingerprint identification capability, clearing the way for further progress on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) new multi-modal, state-of-the-art biometrics system.
Firetide Inc., a provider of wireless infrastructure mesh networks, announced recently that Adesta will include Firetide as part of their solution-based vendor set to address the growing needs of government, transportation and telecommunication service provider customers for reliable, high-performing wireless infrastructure.
The Departments of Homeland Security and State announced recently that senior officials on the United States-Mexico High-Level Consultative Commission on Telecommunications (HLCC) have signed a bilateral telecommunications agreement to support a new cross border communications network for public safety and law enforcement organizations focused on strengthening border security.
Security system integration is a key component for ADT, as the company focuses on expanding more of its services to the public sector. ADT emphasized its growing presence in the public sector during a media summit August 24-26. Additionally, the company showcased technology and emerging trends during a tour of its IP technology lab and demo room, and discussed business goals with a diverse panel of security experts.
- By Laura Swift
- Sep 03, 2009
When the Middlesex County Superior Court in Massachusetts wanted to improve security, county officials went all out by installing state-of-the-art equipment in the new facility. The solution keeps everyone in mind when monitoring numerous locations, including jury members, people in holding cells, victims, witnesses and bar advocates. Judges and court staff also benefit from the long reach of security.
- By Greg Sparrow
- Aug 26, 2009
Universal Safety Response (USR), a Smith and Wesson Company, and a provider of perimeter security systems, recently that it has commenced Phase II security upgrades for the Florida State Capitol Complex in Tallahassee. USR provided original Phase I upgrades to the facility in late 2007.
Milestone Systems recently announced the police of Osweicim, the Polish town that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, has chosen its IP video management software
In just over three years, operating on a limited budget, and managing the project on a very part-time basis, Dame and his team have successfully caught and prosecuted 34 illegal dumpers, resulting in many tens of thousands of dollars in fines and a substantial deterrent effect.
During the second quarter of 2009, there were 1,304 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statue, a decrease from the 1,444 reported violations in the same quarter of 2008. According to statistics released today by the FBI, there were 1,278 robberies of financial institutions, 19 burglaries, and seven larcenies reported between April 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009. No extortions were reported during the quarter.
Vicon Industries Inc., a designer and producer of integrated IP video surveillance and access control systems, has been awarded the contract to provide the Tennessee Department of Corrections with additions and upgrades to the surveillance and security systems installed throughout its state-run correctional facilities.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to write a new standard for airport security. Called Digital Communication in Security (DICOS), the standard will enable the prevention, detection, and response to explosive attacks by standardizing the screening of checked bags and other threat risk detection attributes at airports and other security areas.
IQinVision recently announced that Waterford Township, Mich. is using IQeye megapixel cameras as part of a comprehensive IP video solution to better protect its valuable water resources.
Military operations threatened by persistent cyber attacks will benefit from mission assurance and resilience through cyber security solutions being developed by Lockheed Martin.
LaserCard Corp., a provider of secure ID solutions, recently announced receipt of a purchase order of approximately $3.1 million for the supply of additional U.S. Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards).
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Huntsville, Ala., has selected TAC by Schneider Electric, the building management and energy services business of Schneider Electric, as an approved vendor.
The eastern Texas town of Bryan has joined a growing list of U.S. cities installing public safety cameras in downtown public areas to increase security and help protect citizens. Working with ADT Security Services, a preferred security provider for the state of Texas, the city has completed installation of the first phase of a multi-phase camera system to cover its recently revitalized downtown.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States are increasingly installing video surveillance equipment in police cars. Despite cuts in federal and state funding over 2009 and 2010, the market for mobile video surveillance equipment in police cars is forecast to grow at an average of 6.5 percent a year to 2013, according to a new report from IMS Research.
The city of Mission, Texas is now live with a state-of-the-art wireless mesh video security network providing this border town’s police department with extra “eyes in the sky” to help keep the community safe.
BridgeWave Communications, a supplier of gigabit wireless solutions, today announced that its FE60U gigabit upgradeable wireless products power the backbone of the wireless video surveillance network for the City of Highland Village in Texas.
The entire team at Future Fibre Technologies Inc (FFT), composed of developers, manufacturers and installers of fiber-optic intrusion detection systems, has completed the US Department of Homeland Security's Counter-Terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) Certification process.
GVI Security Solutions Inc. recently announced the company has been selected to provide a Samsung Electronics comprehensive video surveillance solution to the police and fire departments of a large New Jersey city.
AtHoc Inc., provider of network-centric emergency notification systems, recently announced a deal with the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Kan. to expand its use of AtHoc IWSAlerts enterprise wide.
Modern-day pirates have laid down their swords in exchange for GPS systems, assault rifles, rocket launchers and semiautomatic pistols. Their objective has changed from plundering to demanding ransoms in excess of $1 million in exchange for the safe release of hostages.
- By Sherleen Mahoney
- Jul 01, 2009
The Security Industry Association has endorsed a new bill that would improve security at wastewater treatment plants. The “Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2009” (H.R. 2883), introduced by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, on June 16, would authorize $200 million in annual Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants through 2014 for certain security enhancements and would require security assessments of wastewater treatment plants that include a site security plan.
From nearly the beginning of his term as governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford has tried to ditch is his security detail, and even talked about cutting them completely out of the state budget.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jun 29, 2009
Honeywell recently announced that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has selected the company to provide a perimeter intrusion detection system for 18 of the major venues that will be used during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Raytheon Co. recently received an order for its Mobile Nuclear Radiation Detection System from Florida's Department of Transportation. The system detects and identifies nuclear radiation in mobile and stationary operations, using advanced spectroscopic technology.
The city of Burbank, Ill., which neighbors Chicago and has a population of more than 28,000, has installed a new video surveillance system using 22 Sony SNC-RX Series IP network security cameras to aid the police department in preventing and solving crimes.
BIO-key International Inc. recently announced that Minnesota counties are deploying BIO-key's WEB-key biometric identification software as part of a new paperless criminal charging, or eCharging system.
Metrorail, better known as Metro Washington, D.C. has installed 20 exterior surveillance cameras at 12 stations in the District of Columbia and Fairfax County, Va. Sounds like a pretty good idea, and I suppose riders of the public transit system can feel a bit safer. After all, cameras help deter and prevent crime.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- May 19, 2009
Pivot3 Inc. recently announced that the Placer County Sheriff’s department in California is using the Pivot3 storage platform to support its mobile in-car video surveillance infrastructure. The decision to choose the Pivot3 open-system platform was based on three factors: scalability, ease-of-use and total cost of ownership.
Technology in the Bergen County Jail in New Jersey is state-of-the-art, featuring computer control of all inmate housing areas, an integrated perimeter security system, a site-wide duress/panic alarm system and a computerized control center. However, the Bergen County courthouse and jail had some particular challenges that the coaxial (analog) cameras simply could not meet.
- By Peter McKee
- May 07, 2009
The Field of Flags, a traveling war memorial dedicated by the Somers Congregational Church in Somers, Conn., began in October 2005 with 2,231 American flags, one for each American solider who died serving his or her country in Iraq and Afghanistan. The idea for the memorial came about as members of the church considered what they could do to show support for the troops. Each casualty reminded them of the dangers the soldiers face every day. The flags honor those who have given their lives as well as their families, whose lives have been forever changed.
- By Sherleen Mahoney
- May 01, 2009
It's no secret that government facilities must have airtight security systems and protocols in place for protecting communications.
- By Daryl Miller
- May 01, 2009
DVTel and MATE Intelligent Video presented the award "Best Intelligent Metropolitan Video Surveillance Deployment" to Mayor Fernando Margaín Berlanga from the City of San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico on April 1, 2009, at the ISC West show in Las Vegas.
The Grand Prairie Police Department in Texas has transformed the way it uses CCTV after installing a complete integrated IP video solution from IndigoVision.
American Science and Engineering Inc. recently announced the introduction of two new Gemini Parcel Inspection Systems: Gemini 7555 and Gemini 100100. These systems along with the Gemini 6040 provide customers with a selection of systems to inspect everything from mail, baggage and break-bulk cargo within mailrooms, lobbies, checkpoints, airports, high threat facilities and other security-sensitive areas.
VidSys, provider of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software that allows organizations to resolve business and security situations in real time, recently announced that it has partnered with ShotSpotter Inc., provider of acoustic surveillance systems used for gunshot and explosion location and detection that achieves proven results for law enforcement, homeland security and military agencies.
Alvarion Ltd., provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, will be showcasing its end-to-end video surveillance solutions for enhanced public safety and security at ISC West Booth 39038.