Homeland Security


FBI Report Says Violent, Property Crimes Declined In 2007

According to the FBI's recently released Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report, the nation experienced a 1.4 percent decrease in the number of violent crimes and a 2.1 percent decline in the number of property crimes for 2007 compared with data from 2006.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Uses Digital Surveillance As Part Of Crime Fighting Plan

Sheriff’s deputies at Century Station, part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, are now using “digital eyes” to protect citizens on the streets of Lynwood, Calif. and the surrounding unincorporated areas.

Former UK Law Enforcement Official Says Public Surveillance Cameras Work

Public surveillance cameras in the United Kingdom work, but there are a few caveats. Sir Chris Fox, former president of the National Association of Chief Police Officers and 34-year veteran of British law enforcement, made the case for surveillance in a recent presentation.

Oklahoma City Unveils Wireless Mesh Network For Public Safety

Oklahoma City recently unveiled its wireless network -- the largest city owned and operated municipal Wi-Fi mesh network in the world.

Texas City Uses Wireless IP Video For Crime Prevention Network

BridgeWave Communications recently announced the city of Southlake, Texas has selected the company's FE80U point-to-point wireless links to provide the backbone for its crime prevention video network.

Like Gang Busters

Most people who read the newspaper or pay any attention at all to what is happening are aware of the porosity of our borders. People also are aware that the current administration, the two major political parties and Congress seem unwilling to do anything about it.

Going Places

Transportation affects people every day. They depend on the safe and efficient operation of airports, mass transit systems and roadways for work, personal travel and commercial business.

Clear Opens At Salt Lake City Airport, Announces 1 Million Usages

Clear, the fast pass for airport security, announced that its lane has opened at Salt Lake City International Airport.



ICx Technologies Acquires S3I

ICx Technologies, a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced recently the acquisition of Reisterstown, Md.-based S3I LLC, a company specializing in biological threat detection. The company will be part of ICx BioSystems.

NASCAR Crowds In Phoenix Protected With Wireless Video Surveillance

To assist in protecting crowds during the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at the Phoenix International Raceway, the Glendale Police Department reached once again for a high-tech wireless video surveillance system from AgileMesh, a provider of rapidly deployable video surveillance, and Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh and access networks.

Spray-On Films Developed By Chemists Reveal Traces Of Explosives

New spray-on films developed by UC San Diego chemists will be the basis of portable devices that can quickly reveal trace amounts of nitrogen-based explosives.

Preventing Another Firestorm

The task of rebuilding has begun after the Southern California wildfires left nearly a half-million acres scorched last year. With more than 1,500 homes lost and well over $1 billion in insured losses, one of the greatest challenges for those starting over will be getting adequate insurance against future fires.

DHS Announces IPA Grant Program Awards

The Department of Homeland Security announced recently more than $844 million in grant awards as part of its Infrastructure Protection Activities (IPA) grant program. Grant awards will strengthen security at ports and enhance transit, trucking and intercity bus systems.

A Volatile Time

If you’re a security integrator working with companies that store or produce chemical or petroleum products, your clients have probably asked for assistance with the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facilities Anti- Terrorism Standards.

Preventing Another Firestorm

The task of rebuilding has begun after the Southern California wildfires left nearly a half-million acres scorched last year. With more than 1,500 homes lost and well over $1 billion in insured losses, one of the greatest challenges for those starting over will be getting adequate insurance against future fires.

Smoother Sailing

The maritime industry is clearly one of the most powerful drivers of international commerce and economic vitality in the world. The statistics are astounding, including a worldwide fleet of nearly 11 million marine containers, a transportation cargo unit that can hold up to 500 computer monitors.

Study: Look To Big Box Stores During Disasters

With hurricane season about to begin, those living in high-risk areas should heed the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina: think Home Depot, not Homeland Security.

Explosives Trace Portal Trialed At Orange County Airport

Syagen Technology Inc. conducted a trial deployment of its Guardian Explosives Trace Portal system, in collaboration with the John Wayne, Orange County Airport in California.

Competition Seeks New Ideas For Protecting Crowded Places From Terrorist Threats

The Global Security Challenge (GSC) and Secure Futures, a national security innovation firm, announced recently a commitment to an initiative designed to help bring fresh thinking to the problem of protecting the general public from the threat of terrorism in crowded urban environments.

ObjectVideo, ESP Group Partner To Provide Surveillance System For Norwegian Airports

ESP Group and ObjectVideo recently announced the companies have partnered to provide a complete video surveillance system with embedded video content analysis to 40 Norwegian airports.

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.