Homeland Security


DHS Announces Guidance For FY 2011 Preparedness Grants

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently announced the release of FY 2011 grant guidance and application kits for 12 DHS grant programs totaling $2.1 billion to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening the nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

New Sensor Developed By Researchers Can Detect Tiny Traces Of Explosives

To create the sensors, chemical engineers led by Michael Strano coated carbon nanotubes -- hollow, one-atom-thick cylinders made of pure carbon -- with protein fragments normally found in bee venom. This is the first time those proteins have been shown to react to explosives, specifically a class known as nitro-aromatic compounds that includes TNT.

FEMA, NYC Launch New Emergency Alert System

Mayor Bloomberg joined FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate on Tuesday to announce the Personal Localized Alerting Network, to be available in New York City later this year.

NRPA Announces Support For Current CFATS Program

Charles T. Drevna, president of NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, issued the following statement on the recent markup hearing of the Full Implementation of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Act (H.R. 908) by the Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Bin Laden’s Death Comes at Fortuitous Time for U.S. Security

Osama bin Laden's death in a mansion-like compound in Pakistan last week came at a time when much of the Middle East is in turmoil amid democratic protests against long-seated monarchies. Two Hudson Institute senior fellows say his death not only makes the United States more secure, but also underscores the importance of these protests.

Smiths Detection Launches New Handheld Radiation Detector and Identifier

The RadSeeker increases accuracy, identifying masked or shielded rad-nuc threats faster and at greater distances.

Americans' Security Concerns Jump on Internet and National Security Worries

U.S. Unisys Security Index finds concern rises to highest levels ever following WikiLeaks incident, new unrest in the Middle East and national and financial security threats.

Anti-terrorism Vigilance Heightened Following Osama bin Laden Death

Security experts in the Middle East, Europe and the United States are pointing to new technologies that can detect person-borne concealed objects, such as “suicide bomb vests,” from safe distances, as a needed measure of protection.



Helios

Invisible Border Monitoring System Uses Fiber Optic Cables for Detection

The Helios system is sensitive enough to detect a dog and can discriminate between people, horses and trucks.

Gamma Rays Search For Concealed Nuclear Threats

Gamma rays are the most energetic type of light wave and can penetrate through lead and other thick containers. A powerful new source of gamma rays will allow officials to search for hidden reactor fuel/nuclear bomb material.

USIS Signs Teaming Agreement with University of Arizona for Development of New Investigative Tools

The tools will enable agencies to conduct comprehensive interviews and inquiries of current and prospective employees.

Augusta Systems Software Aids Homeland Security Initiative in the Kingdom of Jordan

EdgeFrontier middleware is part of the country’s emergency response and anti-terrorism efforts.

Inovonics, Optex Provide Perimeter Security Solution For Water Treatment Facility

Inovonics together with Optex recently announced the implementation of a wireless security system for a water treatment facility in Bastrop, Texas. The facility is owned by Aqua Water Supply, a non-profit water provider.

Morpho Detection To Acquire Syagen Technology

Morpho Detection Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Syagen Technology Inc. of Tustin, Calif. Syagen is a leading mass spectrometry technology development company for security applications.

Port of Boston

Port of Boston Not Playing Games with Its Security

The Port of Boston is working with the University of Southern California on a pilot program that uses computer modeling to randomize the Coast Guard's patrol schedule, essentially optimizing its use of the port's limited resources to protect critical infrastructure.

Pennsylvania City Uses Sony Technology To Reduce, Prevent Crime

Allentown, Pa. strives to be a safe place to live, work and play. That’s why the city’s administration and police department decided to deploy surveillance cameras to assist the police department in reducing and preventing crime throughout the city.

Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems Achieves CMMI-DEV Level 5 Rating

The CMMI model measures business process maturity levels and provides Raytheon customers with a way to assess risks and determine the level of process maturity a company has achieved.

National Terrorism Advisory System Implemented

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently announced the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Terrorism Advisory System -- a terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats and replaces the former color-coded alert system.

Diebold To Implement Security Solutions At World Trade Center Transportation Hub

Leveraging its expertise in complex security system integration, Diebold Inc. is implementing advanced security solutions at the new World Trade Center (WTC) Transportation Hub in New York City.

Raytheon Awarded $42 M for Next-Generation Standard Missile-3 Interceptor

Raytheon Company was awarded $42 million for the initial concept development and program planning for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIB, which is the Missile Defense Agency's next-generation Aegis missile.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 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.