Homeland Security


Nevada Naval Station Increases Security With Biometrics

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.

IndigoVision IP Video Integrated With Access Control System At Spanish Hospital

IndigoVision’s IP video solution has been integrated together with access control and intruder detection to provide one of Madrid’s newest hospitals with a state-of-the-art security system.

A Needle in a Haystack

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.

Texas Water District Taps DVTel iSOC Technology

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.

DHS Falling Short On Small Vessel Security, IG Says

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.

Colorado Town Uses Microwave Radio System To Deliver Video Surveillance Traffic

Exalt Communications recently announced that the Town of Castle Rock, Colo. has deployed 10 Exalt EX-11s digital microwave radio systems to reliably deliver video surveillance traffic that helps protect its water distribution facilities.

Always Listening

Imagine hearing a sudden burst of what sounds like a gunshot. But was it a gunshot? Was it a car back firing, or maybe it was a firecracker? And from where did that sound come from? Without accurate information available, the sound registers but gets ignored.

Denver International Airport Selects Genetec IP Video Surveillance Solution

Genetec announced recently that Denver International Airport in Colorado has selected Omnicast, Genetec’s IP video surveillance solution, to secure their 53 square-mile facility. Ranked the 10th busiest airport in the world in 2008 for passenger traffic by Airport Council International, DIA officials were looking to upgrade an outdated analog system to a newer and more advanced network-based solution that they could evolve as newer technology emerged.



San Diego Rolls Out Wireless Video Surveillance Network

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.

Firetide MIMO Technology Powering Wireless Deployments In Miami, Phoenix

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.

Pivot3 Technology Helps Secure Mall Of America

The Mall of America uses several hundred cameras to provide safety and security for the 13,000 employees and more than 100,000 daily visitors (enough to make it Minnesota's third largest city). As part of a major upgrade to a digital system, the mall deployed a Pivot3 Serverless Computing Array running Genetec Omnicast video management system software to provide instant video search and retrieval, reliable storage and better image quality.

Report: Security Concerns Drive Growth In Digital Video Surveillance Market

The digital video surveillance systems market exhibits significant growth, driven by heightened public and private security concerns in addition to a technology shift.

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Deploys OnSSI IP Video Management System

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has deployed an IP video management and control solution from On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc. (OnSSI) to manage feeds from video surveillance cameras at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and the Boston Common Garage.

Key Design Milestone Reached On FBI Identification Program

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.

TSA Implementing New, Enhanced Threat Detection Capability At Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is further bolstering existing explosives detection capabilities by deploying additional tools to screen powdered substances at checkpoints.

Security Executive Council: Change In Mexican Drug Law Will Impact U.S. Businesses, Critical Infrastructure Sectors

The Associated Press reports that on August 21, Mexico decriminalized the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and LSD. This change would have a major effect on safety/environmental, legal, human resources and employment operations of businesses that have facilities in Mexico or employees that travel there.

Fundamental Facilities

Technology from the security industry fulfills an essential role in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. This is defined by a Homeland Security Presidential Directive as physical and virtual systems that are "so vital to the United States that [their] incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety."

United States, Mexico Announce Agreement For Cross-Border Public Security Communications Network

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.

ADT Continuing Expansion Into Public Sector

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.

Suspect Detection Systems To Install Computerized Interrogation System At National Border Crossing

Suspect Detection Systems Inc., a developer of counter-terror and crime prevention technology, announced recently that a 7-digit contract has been signed with a federal agency in a major country to deploy the Cogito rapid interrogation system along a major national border.

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.

  • 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.