Municipal Security


An Uninterrupted Lifeline

An Uninterrupted Lifeline

For a first responder rushing into a building emergency, losing communication with their teams inside or outside of the building can be terrifying.

The Science of Sherlock

The Science of Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes is known the world over for his amazing use of, induction, deduction, forensic science, elementary observation, and logic to successfully investigate and crack crime cases.

Moving to the Curb

Moving to the Curb

Making good policy decisions requires data. Cities, for example, need a clear picture of their curbs before implementing any changes to parking allocation, prices, or bylaws. But today gaining this understanding can be difficult because demand for the curb is changing.

San Diego Police Department helps secure U.S. Open at Torrey Pines

Tee Up the Security

When the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that the 2021 US Open was taking place at the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA, there was an excitement in and around the city.

Baltimore Council Says No to Facial Recognition

Baltimore Council Says No to Facial Recognition

The Baltimore City Council voted overwhelmingly earlier this week to pass one of the strictest facial recognition bans in the United States.

Steering the Conversation

Steering the Conversation

When navigating the Smart City market, it is wise to speak to the priorities and concerns of diverse stakeholders, many of whom might lie outside the security integrator’s traditional business.

High-tech Cameras Agree with Fort Worth, TX, Police Department

High-tech Cameras Agree with Fort Worth, TX, Police Department

If you have the technology, why not use it. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) is focused on a new camera solution to track down violent criminals.

A Quality of Life

When the number of people working from home rapidly increased in the spring of 2020, organizations everywhere had to adapt quickly.



Protecting Businesses during Riots

Protecting Businesses during Riots

Since June, protests have been happening across the United States. As civil disobedience increases, law enforcement agencies will prepare for the possibility of protests across the country. The potential continuation of political unrest means private security professionals must also be prepared with a plan that is tactically sound and protective of people and property.

ACPI Launches Police-Community Engagement Program to Help Improve Public Support for Law Enforcement

ACPI Launches Police-Community Engagement Program to Help Improve Public Support for Law Enforcement

The American Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI) has developed a comprehensive training and education program designed as a vital step in strengthening community trust and respect for law enforcement.

Body Cameras Must be worn by California Prison Guards

Body Cameras Must be worn by California Prison Guards

A federal judge mandate will make sure that California correctional officers will now be required to use body cameras while interacting with inmates inside a state prison.

CES Goes Virtual, No In-Person Event Scheduled for 2021

CES Goes Virtual, No In-Person Event Scheduled for 2021

Organizers of the Consumer Electronics Show announced the 2021 event will be online-only.

Security Guard Saves Child From Burning Building

Security Guard Saves Child From Burning Building

An off-duty Allied Universal security guard, Phillip Blanks, caught a three-year-old child who was dropped from a burning apartment in Phoenix last week. As smoke and flames engulfed the apartment, Blanks saw what was happening and ran towards the building.

Applications for Body Cameras Expand Well Beyond Law Enforcement

Applications for Body Cameras Expand Well Beyond Law Enforcement

Weeks of protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd have placed renewed attention on police body-worn cameras, whose two largest U.S. manufacturers have a significant Seattle presence.

Majority of Minneapolis Council Want to Disband Police Department

Majority of Minneapolis Council Want to Disband Police Department

Short of “taking intermediate steps toward ending” nine members of the Minneapolis City Council have announced plans to disband the city’s police department. The group represents a majority of the 12-person council.

Mexico City Surveillance Project Complete

Mexico City Surveillance Project Complete

13,720 cloud-managed cameras deployed in a cyber-secure city-wide surveillance program using 4G connectivity

Making Cities Smarter

According to several predictions, urban areas will see a population increase of 2.5 billion people by 2050. When combined with the rise of smart and connected cities, this growth in urban population is posing a new set of complex security and safety challenges.

It Takes a Village

It Takes a Village

As the city began strategically deploying surveillance cameras throughout Atlanta, APF invested $350,000 to create the cuttingedge Loudermilk Operation Shield Video Integration Center (VIC).

Transforming Healthcare Security

Transforming Healthcare Security

Security is a top priority at healthcare facilities across the country, but developing and deploying an effective healthcare security strategy is a challenging process.

iowa judicial branch

Security Testers Charged With Breaking Into Iowa Courthouses Cleared Of All Criminal Charges

The two men, who worked for Coalfire Labs, were caught up in a miscommunication between local law enforcement and the Iowa judicial branch, which hired the security firm to conduct testing.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • 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

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 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.

  • 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.