Homeland Security


Researchers Designing Ventilation System To Protect Buildings From Chemical Warfare, Bioterrorist Attacks

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in Canada have opened a new engineering lab to design a ventilation system that could protect schools, hospitals, and other public buildings from chemical warfare and bioterrorist attacks.

Is Our Telecomm Infrastructure Secure?

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the 2005 hurricane season emphasized U.S. dependence on an effective national telecommunications infrastructure. Telecommunication companies are a critical part of America’s infrastructure and key to securing the homeland in times of emergency. Reliable, resilient communication services can provide the bridge between emergency responders, firefighters and law enforcement for cohesive emergency management.

Houston 911 Center To Use Information Management Solution

NICE Systems recently announced the City of Houston, has selected NICE Inform for its 911 Center. The consolidated center for the United States' fourth largest city, the Houston Emergency Center (HEC) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Gunshot Location System Provides Spot-On Protection

Gunshot location technology is providing a safety net for law enforcement agencies across the country, detecting, pinpointing and alerting police responders to the location of gunfire. And ShotSpotter’s Gunshot Location System is providing more than just a detection system.

University Of Texas At San Antonio Selects Outdoor Campus Emergency Notification System

Cooper Notification recently announced the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has selected Cooper Notification’s WAVES (Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System) Mass Notification System (MNS) for its outdoor campus emergency notification system.

Delta Scientific Announces More Than 400 Deployments Of DSC2000 Barricades

Delta Scientific, a manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, recently announced that it has sold systems deploying more than 400 DSC2000 shallow foundation barricades to customers throughout the world.

Technology Provides Immediate Alerts In Emergency Or Routine Situations

ADT Security Services recently announced the availability of ADT Select Link, a Web-based electronic notification system that is designed to alert thousands of people in emergency or routine situations.

San Pedro Bay Ports Open New Enrollment Site for Federal Security Credential

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Port of Los Angeles worked together to open an additional enrollment site recently on Terminal Island in an effort to facilitate enrollment for the Los Angeles/Long Beach port worker, mariner and trucker communities into the federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.



An Eye Under the Sky

Going Undercover

ASIS Issues Second Edition of TASR Guideline

The ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines has released the second edition of the Threat Advisory System Response Guideline (TASR).

Report Examines Law Mandating Scans of All U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers by 2012

Congress reaffirmed its will to implement 100-percent scanning in four years while government witnesses defended their position that the deadline was unrealistic.

Mandatory Usage Requriements Driving Biometric-Enabled Smart Card Market

"Advances in Emerging Biometrics and RFID for Security," finds that the mandatory requirement to use biometric-enabled smart cards to gain access control is a major factor driving this market.

New Bill Allows for Discounted Homeland Security Equipment, Services

The bill ensures state and local governments can purchase fire alarm systems, access control devices, perimeter security and video surveillance systems and countless other homeland security goods and services, at GSA-approved reduced prices.

Ben-Gurion Expands SimGuard Coverage to Simulate and Analyze Critical Scenarios

Ben-Gurion is one of the world's most secure airports. In 2007, it handled over 10 million international passengers and about half a million domestic passengers.

ID Solutions Awarded Contract To Supply Software For TWIC Program

ID Solutions Inc. recently reported that it has been awarded a contract to supply critical software to the Transportation Security Agency's TWIC program.

No Way To Protect Your Homeland

Something is dreadfully wrong when an arsonist can gain access to the Texas governor’s residence long enough to toss a Molotov cocktail and escape.

State Of Vermont To Use Enhanced Driver’s License Solution

Digimarc Corp. announced recently it has been selected by Vermont to provide the State with an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) solution that can be used in the State’s border crossing program with the Department of Homeland Security.

Colorado City Uses IP Cameras For Monitoring, Surveillance

Axis Communications recently announced that the City of Longmont, Colo., is using its network cameras to provide city-wide monitoring and surveillance.

Maryland Park Police Department Deploys Mobile Video Camera System

Brekford International Corp., a provider of homeland security technology products and services, recently announced completion of installation of 20 Panasonic Toughbook Arbitrator mobile camera systems for use in police vehicles by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

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

  • 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.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities