Homeland Security


Iron Sky Provides Street-Level Video Surveillance For Georgia City

City of College Park, Ga. officials announced recently that Iron Sky Inc. will outfit the city with its first street-level video surveillance cameras.

a federal building

Homeland Insecurity

A recently issued report from the Government Accountability Office presented some alarming findings regarding security features in federal facilities.

new_york_city

The Watchmen of Gotham

Modeled after London’s “Ring of Steel,” New York City’s Lower Manhattan Security Initiative covers Battery Park to Canal Street -- and when completed, will include more than 3,000 security cameras, 100 license plate reading devices and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detectors. All data streams into the Security Coordination Center and is monitored by the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau.

Port Of Long Beach Deploys IP-Based Command And Control Center

Activu Corp., a provider in command and control room solutions for homeland security and emergency management announces the successful deployment of a new Joint Command and Control Center for the Port of Long Beach, Calif.

iris_recognition

NIST Test Proves 'The Eyes Have It' For ID Verification

A new report by computer scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy and interoperability with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications.

Survey: 75 Percent Of Homeland Security Professionals Expect 9/11-Type Of Attack In Next Five Years

While a majority (57 percent) of Homeland Security professionals say America is safer now than it was before the September 11 attacks, 75 percent believe the country will experience a similar terrorist attack in the next five years -- and Americans aren’t prepared, according to a recent survey commissioned by the National Homeland Defense Foundation and Colorado Technical University.

World Trade Center

A Crack in Time

As we all know, the events of Sept. 11 changed the security industry—and the world—forever. Ten years ago, there was no such thing as the Department of Homeland Security, and transportation security was unrecognizable from what it's become. Today, terrorism and security are consistently popular topics within government policy and in the media. Clearly, it was a day that reinforced the importance of security forever.

GE Security Provides Integrated Solution For San Diego Military Housing Facility

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.



Seaports Need More Safeguards Against Bio/Chem Weapons

U.S. Customs and Border Protection should issue guidance for inspecting cargo arriving in U.S. seaports for biological and chemical threats, the department's inspector general said.

New York, In Full Glory

ISC East 2009 has to be considered a complete success. Aisles were packed with end users and integrators, and exhibitors had their “A” game on one.

ISC East Bustling With Activity

I missed ISC East in 2008, but it has certainly been worth it this year. As always, New York is alive and in full bloom and the tradeshow is bristling with activity. I’m sure glad I’m here.

Poll: Low Awareness Of DHS National Emergency Communications Plan

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.

Schneider Electric To Provide Wireless Video Surveillance System For Pennsylvania Town

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.

Poll: 96 Percent Of Americans Support Using Video Surveillance In Public Places To Fight Terrorism

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 Network Cameras To Secure Sydney Suburban Rail Fleet

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.

ICx Technologies Providing Bio-Threat Agent Detection System To DHS

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.

Researchers Create Radio Waves That ‘See’ Through Walls, Could Have Security Applications

University of Utah engineers showed that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control.

Beijing Metro Expands IP Video, Adds Support For Analytics

NICE Systems Ltd. Recently announced that it has been selected by Beijing Metro in China to provide NICE's IP video solution, with support for content analytics at certain project locales, to enhance safety and security at the 24 stations of its Line 15 route.

Australian Customs Service Selects Network Video Solution From March Networks, Sun Microsystems

March Networks, a provider of intelligent IP video and business analysis applications, announced recently that the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has selected the Company's VideoSphere solution to enhance its security operations in multiple airports across the country.

TSA Names Federal Security Director At JFK Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Michael A. Scott as federal security director (FSD) for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

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

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.

  • 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.