Utilities


Optelecom-NKF Provides IP Surveillance Solution For Paris Tunnels

Optelecom-NKF Inc., a provider of Siqura IP surveillance solutions, recently announced it was awarded a contract with the Direction Interdépartementale des Routes d’Ile-de-France (DIRIF) to implement a video surveillance system for acquiring, transmitting and recording video in 23 tunnels in the Paris area.

DHS Announces Guidance For More Than $250 Million Of Transit Security Grants

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently announced the release of application guidance for the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) totaling an estimated $253 million -- funds for state, local and territorial governments and private sector entities to strengthen the nation’s transportation infrastructure and protect the traveling public from acts of terrorism and other major disasters.

Smiths Detection Expands Advanced Metro Safety System In Washington, D.C.

Smiths Detection recently announced it has been awarded multiple contracts for the expansion of the PROTECT security system at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Unisys: Biometrics Set To Boom In 2010

Looking ahead to 2010, Unisys predicts that government and commercial organizations will take a more proactive approach to security, implementing new measures to verify identity and protect confidential information. Financial institutions and defense agencies will lead the charge, with ports and other organizations quickly following.

Seaports Need More Safeguards Against Bio/Chem Weapons

U.S. Customs and Border Protection should issue guidance for inspecting cargo arriving in U.S. seaports for biological and chemical threats, the department's inspector general said.

Axis Network Cameras To Secure Sydney Suburban Rail Fleet

Axis Communications recently announced it has won the contract to supply network cameras for Sydney’s new Waratah train suburban fleet. The total installation order is estimated at about 7,000 network cameras.

ICx Technologies Providing Bio-Threat Agent Detection System To DHS

ICx Technologies Inc.a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced recently that it has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security contract to participate in a FY2010 mass transit security pilot program.

Beijing Metro Expands IP Video, Adds Support For Analytics

NICE Systems Ltd. Recently announced that it has been selected by Beijing Metro in China to provide NICE's IP video solution, with support for content analytics at certain project locales, to enhance safety and security at the 24 stations of its Line 15 route.



A Needle in a Haystack

London's city-wide transit surveillance system, the Ring of Steel, includes more than 10,000 cameras. Some 3,000 cameras also have been deployed in Chicago, with 3,000 more soon coming to New York City.

TSA Implementing New, Enhanced Threat Detection Capability At Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is further bolstering existing explosives detection capabilities by deploying additional tools to screen powdered substances at checkpoints.

Fundamental Facilities

Technology from the security industry fulfills an essential role in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. This is defined by a Homeland Security Presidential Directive as physical and virtual systems that are "so vital to the United States that [their] incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety."

Ahoy! Port

The Port of Houston tenants more than 150 private industrial companies along the 25-mile-long Houston Ship Channel. The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located on the Houston Ship Channel, which extends over complicated terrain from downtown Houston to the Gulf of Mexico. The terminals were designed to handle virtually any kind of cargo, from heavy containers to dry bulk materials or frozen goods. The port also has two major container terminal locations to move large containers in and out of PHA.

Wheels Up

Major airports typically have more than 1,000 cameras installed at and around their buildings and runways. Their security personnel often monitor facility perimeters with CCTV cameras as well, but these devices may be inadequate in truly keeping a close eye on potential risks.

Port of Miami Selects NICE IP Video Surveillance Solution to Enhance Security

The number one cruise port in the world replaces analog system with NICE solution to enhance passenger safety and port security.

Port Of Long Beach Installs Proximex Surveillint

Proximex, developer of products for the physical security information management (PSIM) market, recently announced that the company has signed a contract with the Port of Long Beach, the nation's second busiest seaport. Under the terms of this contract, Port of Long Beach installed Proximex Surveillint in its new Command and Control Center.

Southeastern Freight Lines Deploy Vandal-Resistant Cameras

Vandal-resistant mini dome cameras from California-based Rainbow CCTV have been installed at loading centers operated by leading transportation company Southeastern Freight Lines.

Life in the Fast Lane - First public mass notification program rolled out in New York City

Life in the Fast Lane

Life moves fast in New York, and New Yorkers wouldn't want it any other way. We demand fast service, fast talking and fast transportation, and now the city has a public notification program that keeps everyone informed with important up-to-date alerts wherever they go.

Analysis: Advanced Technology, Interoperability Key For Growth In U.S. Airport Security Screening Markets

With the establishment of the TSA, airport security has grown in prominence as the most visible aspect within the realm of homeland security. In the United States, the checked baggage market is nearing critical mass, witnessing a slow decline. On the other hand, the checkpoint screening market is poised for steady growth due to increased focus and spending in this segment by TSA.

SIA Adds New Features to Central Station Course

The Security Industry Association has added new features to its Central Station Operator/Instructor Training (CST) program.

Minneapolis/St. Paul Transit System Implements Nextiva Transit Video Solution

Verint Systems Inc., a provider of analytics software-based solutions for workforce-enterprise optimization and security, today announced that Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul is implementing the Nextiva Transit video solution from Verint Video Intelligence Solutions.

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

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.