Homeland Security


Down to Earth

One of the first reactionary attempts to bolster security after 9/11 occurred at airports. Immediately after air service was reinstated, the public saw uniformed Marines armed with M-16s at every security checkpoint, concrete barriers at each entry point, security guards ransacking passengers’ luggage and, of course, taller fences going up around airfield perimeters. As with most things in life, an unexpected event usually generates an unexpected— and sometimes irrational— response. Such was the case with the nation’s aviation facilities.

California City Uses Security Camera System To Protect Port, Reduce Crime

The City and Port of Richmond, Calif. have selected ADT Security Services to design and install two public security camera systems, one for the city to help reduce crime and vandalism, and limit illegal dumping and trespassing, and a second for the Port of Richmond as part of the port’s homeland security initiatives.

DHS Announces Application Period For FY 2008 Assistance To Firefighters Grants

The Department of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate will begin accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) beginning March 3 at with the deadline for receipt of the applications no later than April 4.

Software Allows Security Analysts To Query Terrorist Organization Behavior

Researchers at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) have developed the SOMA Terror Organization Portal (STOP) allowing analysts to query automatically learned rules on terrorist organization behavior.

North Carolina Transit System Uses Network Video To Enhance Safety, Improve Operations

Verint Systems Inc. recently announced that the Charlotte Area Transit System has selected its Nextiva Transit solution to enhance safety and improve overall operations on its fleet of municipal buses.

New Jersey Mall Uses Wireless Mesh Network To Improve Security

Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh and access networks, recently announced that the Livingston Mall in Livingston, N.J., has deployed a Firetide wireless mesh network to improve security at the super-regional shopping center.

Amtrak To Use Explosives Detection System

Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, recently announced Amtrak has purchased SABRE 4000 advanced detection systems, to enable rapid and non-intrusive screening of passengers, trains and train stations for explosives.

Web-Based Electronic Notification System Designed To Alert During 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.



New Multiband Radio Provides Real-Time Interoperable Communications

Harris Corp., an international communications and information technology company, recently introduced the first multiband land mobile radio that provides real-time interoperable communications for the growing federal public safety and homeland security market.

Minnesota Bureau Of Criminal Apprehension To Capture Biometric Data From Entire Hand

L-1 Identity Solutions, a provider of identity solutions and services, has secured a new state-wide contract with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to upgrade its Live Scan Network used for criminal booking.

Associations Collaborate To Craft Preparedness Standards

A new federal law calling for the creation of a voluntary private sector preparedness standards program has resulted in the collaboration between ASIS International and other organizations.

FBI’s Next Generation Biometric System To Be Developed By Lockheed Martin

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently awarded Lockheed Martin a 10-year, $1 billion contract to develop and maintain the Bureau's Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a multi-modal, state-of-the-art biometrics system for use by state, local and federal authorities.

Survey: Responding To Natural Disasters Top Concern Of First Responders

Motorola and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) recently released the findings of a national survey to assess how public safety organizations use current communications technology and what future capabilities they would deploy to help improve emergency response, officer effectiveness and public and officer safety.

Georgia City Deploys Wireless Mesh Network To Aid First Responders, Improve Security

The City of Brunswick, Georgia recently announced the completion of the first phase of its wireless mesh deployment.

Washington State Completes Deployment Of Warning Siren System

Federal Signal Corporation’s Safety and Security Systems Group recently announced that it has completed the first-phase deployment of a Federal Signal All Hazard Alert Broadcast warning siren system along Washington state’s Pacific coastline.

Forging Ahead

As countless counterfeiting successes have demonstrated, depending on a visual inspection for document verification isn't enough.

The Disaster Formula

The 9/11 Commission argued that federal HS aid should not remain a program for general revenue sharing.

GPS/Wireless Devices Will Track, Manage Security Personnel At Super Bowl

At this year’s Super Bowl, GPS/wireless tracking devices will be used to monitor, track, and manage security personnel in real-time via the Internet, which may speed up security incident response times.

Law Professor: 24 Has Seeped Into National Debate On Antiterrorism Tactics

Sure, it's just a TV show, but a University of Iowa law professor says 24 can have real-world legal implications

Beyond Fingerprints

The United States isn’t the only country that’s cracking down on border security standards.

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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