When first responders and security guards came to the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s “Tell Us What You Need” table, heading their list was an emergency escape hood worthy of James Bond: a “one size fits all” concealable hood weighing under a pound, folding to the dimensions of a DVD case, and donnable in 10 seconds.
There’s safety (and security) in numbers -- especially when those numbers are random. That’s the lesson learned from a DHS-sponsored research project out of the University of Southern California. The research is already helping to beef up security at LAX airport in Los Angeles, and it could soon be used across the country to predict and minimize risk.
Before Sept. 11, 2001, perimeter security provided an extra barrier of protection for an airport and its people—typically from hijackers and vandals. Although that is still true, there is now an added threat. Today, we cannot afford to let a terrorist or attacker get near airport facilities, people or passengers. In all too many cases, getting close is all they have to do.
In recent testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement, Rob Zivney called implementation of HSPD-12 a pioneering effort which will require both a financial investment and development of new infrastructure.
The Port Authority of Los Angeles has contracted with Unisys Corp. to design and manage an identification and access control system, using smart card and biometric technologies, to identify workers who require access to restricted areas in the port.
GE Security Inc. and Moscow International Airport Domodedovo recently announced GE’s Homeland Protection business has been chosen to provide two integrated advanced technology CTX 9000 DSi/XRD 3500 system-of-systems explosives detection solutions to the airport.
The new Charlestown, Rhode Island, police station was built more than a year ago, providing the opportunity to upgrade surveillance tools with the latest technology, including scalable IP video software from Milestone Systems.
RELM Wireless Corp. recently announced the introduction of its new state-of-the-science BK Radio KNG P150 digital portable two-way radio for use in homeland security and defense, law enforcement and similar public safety applications. The company will exhibit the product at Booth 1619 during GovSec, U.S. Law and Ready.
Trimble recently today the availability of two Nomad rugged handheld computers: the 800LC and the 800LE. The company will exhibit at Booth 1438 during GovSec, U.S. Law and Ready.
INOVA has announced the introduction of a versatile new series of military LED flashlights. The company is exhibiting at Booth 1211 during GovSec, U.S. Law and Ready.
In many respects the government is involved in the security business, whether officials like it or not. Lucky enough, there is a tradeshow especially for government and law enforcement -- GovSec will be held in Washington, D.C. April 23-24.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Apr 16, 2008
GE Homeland Protection Inc. recently announced it has established a strategic initiative to promote greater interoperability among security products globally.
The Department of Homeland Security’s color-coded system for warning the public of the risk of a terrorist attack does not appear to cause undue stress among law enforcement officers, according to a study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Splinternet Holdings Inc. introduced three new entries in the wide-area radiological detection marketplace, DefenTect, GammaTect and GammaTect Plus at ISC West.
RELM Wireless Corp. recently announced its Incident Command Kit enabling public safety officers and first responders to get preprogrammed radios and to establish temporary radio networks in a matter of minutes when power and communications have been disabled or in areas beyond home network coverage
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie Myers will open the 2008 GovSec, U.S. Law and Ready Conference and Exposition.
ePlus Inc. recently announced the availability of a software solution for first responders and other emergency workers. The DigitalPaper XE (Extended Enterprise) document imaging and distribution solution can provide real-time access to detailed infrastructure information for mobile users and emergency workers.
SSH Communications Security Corp. recently announced the general availability of SSH Tectia Client 6.0, SSH Tectia Server 6.0, SSH Tectia Manager 6.0 and the new SSH Tectia ConnectSecure 6.0.
A new study funded in large part by the Department of Homeland Security ranks 132 American cities according to vulnerability to terrorist attacks. If you can answer this Top 10 question, you might be a genius.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Apr 07, 2008
Serving as the Coast Guard’s Senior Operations Captain in the Port of New York and New Jersey immediately following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, profoundly influenced how Ed Merkle approaches his current job as director of port security and emergency operations for the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) in Norfolk.
- By Sharon J. Watson
- Apr 07, 2008