Homeland Security


The Fight for Immigration Reform

Immigration is one of those controversial issues that touch on many aspects of American life. It's challenging because on one hand, there are those who come to the United States to seek a better life. But in doing so, they are breaking the law. Three people believe they have the answers to resolve this issue, and oddly enough, all three want to be president of the United States.

Final Land, Sea Rule Of WHTI Released

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State announced recently the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a core 9/11 Commission recommendation.

Cincinnati Mall Uses IP Video Surveillance To Protect Shoppers

Northgate Mall in Cincinnati, Ohio has installed an IP video CCTV surveillance system from IndigoVision as part of a recent renovation.

Second National Fusion Center Conference Fosters Greater Collaboration

More than 900 federal, state and local law enforcement and homeland security officials recently attended the National Fusion Center Conference in Washington, D.C. to further the U.S. government’s plans to create a seamless network of these centers.

Florida Uses Integrated Solution For Transit Worker Identity Card System

The state of Florida is using an integrated identity and credential management solution for all 12 deepwater seaports and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles headquarters as the backbone of its transit worker identity card system.

DHS, Emergency Interoperability Consortium Announce Alliance To Help First Responders

An agreement between the Emergency Interoperability Consortium (EIC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been signed to help further the continued development of data sharing standards for the emergency response community.

Florida Port Deploys Technology To Prevent Underwater Threats

Coda Octopus Group Inc. recently announced the first deployment in the United States by a local law enforcement agency since the 9/11 attacks of a new generation of port security technology to respond to underwater threats.

Potomac Basin Security System Uses Video Analytics

Agent Vi, developer of enterprise video analytics software to improve security, business intelligence and operations, recently announced that it has partnered with national systems engineering firm Abeo Technical Solutions LLC to provide video analytics software for the Potomac Basin Security System project.



TSA Canine Program To Enhance Air Cargo Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a new canine program to enhance explosives detection capabilities in air cargo facilities nationwide.

A Global Shift

If you don’t think the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, continues to have strong repercussions throughout the world, then you haven’t traveled much in the last six years. Security is still the word du jour—perhaps even more so as time goes on. Transportation venues continue to protect themselves from terrorist threats.

An Insider's Retrospective

This marks my final column as the Homeland Security Insider. Demands on my time have become so great that I need to pass this responsibility on to someone else. Over the past several years, we have witnessed many changes in how we secure our safety, freedoms and rights. Now is a good time to think about where we are and how we move forward.

Center Helps Contribute To DHS BioWatch Early Warning System

Say you’re an emergency response manager for a high-profile transportation facility. Among other responsibilities, you’re charged with overseeing the biodetection system at your facility and knowing how to respond if a detector goes off. What if said detectors do, indeed, sound an alarm, suggesting something may be amiss? What’s your next move?

Researchers Develop Wide-Angle, Gigapixel Camera For Surveillance

Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville have developed a wide-angle camera that will be able to provide security forces with the ability to monitor large areas through high-resolution images taken from a satellite or an airborne craft.

United States, Germany Agree To Share Fingerprint Databases, Information On Terrorists

Officials from the United States and Germany recently initialed a bilateral agreement related to sharing access to biometric data and spontaneous sharing of data about known and suspected terrorists.

DHS Conducts Cyber Storm II To Examine Preparedness, Response Capabilities

Cyber Storm II is the second in a series of congressionally mandated exercises that will examine the nation’s cyber security preparedness and response capabilities. The exercise will simulate a coordinated cyber attack on information technology, communications, chemical, and transportation systems and assets.

San Diego Harbor Police Deploy Automated Vehicle Location Service

BIO-key International recently Inc. announced the award of a contract from the San Diego Harbor Police Department (San Diego Harbor PD) to deploy the company's automated vehicle location (AVL) capability in its patrol vehicles.

Bay Area Law Enforcement Agencies Use Web Site To Share Crime Information With Public

A partnership between four San Francisco Bay Area law enforcement agencies and software developer Public Engines is putting near real-time local crime information just a few clicks away on the Internet.

Air Sterilization Technology Closer To Protecting Against Biological Agents

A powerful air sterilization technology developed at the University at Buffalo has killed every biological agent with which it has been challenged, including airborne spores, viruses and bacteria in independent tests conducted for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Texas University Joins LearnSafe Initiative

MDI Inc. recently announced the LearnSafe Initiative would begin providing services immediately to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), which is one of the largest private institutions in Texas and the largest Catholic university in the state.

Florida Police Department Deploys Wireless Mesh Network

The West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida now has “digital eyes” on the streets of the largest and busiest city in Palm Beach County. The police department has set up a wireless video surveillance network powered by Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh and access networks.

Featured

Webinars

New Products

  • 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.” 3

  • 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. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3