INDUSTRY FOCUS

Ready for the Showdown

All signs are pointing to Las Vegas for ISC West. Even though I’m writing this two months ahead of the show, it is pretty much all that is on my mind, as far as work is concerned.

I’ve had a couple of interesting security experiences that are worth noting. Not long ago, my wife’s company, a financial institution, bought a new building and planned for an upgrade. Not long after that purchase, I received a call from their IT guy. He wanted to know if taking out the old analog system from the previous location would be detrimental to use in the new building.

Of course they could use the old system, but why would you? My logic was that because they were moving into a new building, and there were crews inside refurbishing the facility, it seemed like their best decision was to switch to IP networked cameras so you can actually see what’s going on.

After their due diligence, the bank installed several IP cameras, and to their pleasant surprise, it took fewer cameras than they thought it might, and the images were better. Well, you could see what’s going on. The bank president was pleased because he could pull the system up on a mobile device and get a clear picture, day or night.

Another one of my security experiences includes my granddaughter. She attends a day school, and the first thing I looked for when shopping for a school was the security. As she turned two, she moved up to a new classroom, and that meant different cameras. As it turns out, the cameras are analog and it’s pretty tough to pick her out of the crowd.

I’m guessing when the cameras were installed a few years ago, it was not done with a qualified and/ or certified security integrator. It looks to me like the contracted electrician put the security system in place.

I complained, mightily.

It would seem that I’m the only person that accesses the video system during the school day. Maybe I’m an overprotective grandpa, but that’s my job. I protested the location of the cameras as one was pointed from the top shelf of a bookcase and the other was placed in a spot that looked upon a spot in which children never were seen.

I tried to explain to the day school that the system was archaic. If parents, or in my case, the grandpa, were paying for high-quality childcare, it should come with high-quality surveillance equipment. The school heard my cries for help and finally changed out the cameras, but to my surprise, the cameras were purchased at a local, or nearby Big Box home improvement store. The so-called improvement was not really a step in the right direction.

Again, I complained mightily, but to no avail. Part of the reason I’m excited about ISC West is a first-run view of today’s newest products. From those manufacturers that I’ve spoken with, there will be lots of new technology for the integrator and end user. These products are what stick in my mind when I am asked about the system at my wife’s place of business or the security systems in my granddaughter’s classroom. I know how good the security can be.

One important product that I’ve brushed aside, which I realize now I should not have, is the use and technology of body worn cameras for law enforcement.

The general public has recently coined the phrase, “Shoot first, ask questions later” when referring to the policies of law enforcement officers. There have been protests and riots to show the growing concern for those killed by police officers. The bottom line is, police have a difficult job, at best. I’m not saying everything that we’ve seen lately is justified, but it is the law enforcement official that is putting his/her life on the line. It is certainly not those who would protest.

My last and final security experience revolves around the body worn cameras on police officers.

In a recent story from Salt Lake City, a police officer responded to a reported car accident. The driver of the damaged car fled on foot and when the officer approached him, to determine if he needed medical help, he was gunned down. There were no protests over this unwarranted killing.

My nephew, a sheriff’s deputy, was first to respond to the officer down call. He certainly didn’t expect what he found, and could only hold the officer as he slipped from this life.

So, yes, body cameras are needed. The sooner the better, and hopefully police and sheriffs’ departments will start to provide this necessary technology. If not for the protection of the general public, then for the validation of what police actually go through on a daily basis.

I love ISC West and the opportunity to see the newest technology, as these new products play a very important role in my daily life. I hope to see you there.

This article originally appeared in the March 2016 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.