Government Security


The Body-worn Evolution

The Body-worn Evolution

What once began as technology typically reserved and embraced by law enforcement, wearable video continues to find applications and use-cases in a host of new verticals and industries.

Today’s “Eyes and Ears”

Today’s “Eyes and Ears”

Action movies like White House Down and Olympus Has Fallen have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Like all action movies, they have a high degree of entertainment value, but what sets them apart is the setting.

DHS Selects Northeastern University to Lead Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Targeted Attacks

DHS Selects Northeastern University to Lead Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Targeted Attacks

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced the selection of Northeastern University to lead a consortium of U.S. academic institutions and other partners for a new Center of Excellence for Engineering Secure Environments from Targeted Attacks (ESE).

DHS Takes Victim-Centered Approach on First Anniversary of Center for Countering Human Trafficking

DHS Takes Victim-Centered Approach on First Anniversary of Center for Countering Human Trafficking

Oct. 20 marks the first anniversary of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT).

Safer Cities

Safer Cities

A lot has changed in cities around the globe in the last few years. According to the United States Census Bureau, population densities across the United States continue to shift from larger established metropolitan areas to smaller cities and into the suburbs. This is increasing the number of urban centers with sizeable populations.

Report: US Video Surveillance Market to Surpass $21.8 Billion by 2026

Report: US Video Surveillance Market to Surpass $21.8 Billion by 2026

The United States video surveillance system market was valued at $10.99 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach $21.86 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 12.2% during the period of 2021-2026.

9/11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance

9/11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance

Later this week, our Nation will observe the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

 DHS, VA Announce Initiative to Support Noncitizen Service Members, Veterans, and Immediate Family Members

DHS, VA Announce Initiative to Support Noncitizen Service Members, Veterans, and Immediate Family Members

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R. McDonough have announced a new initiative to support our Nation’s noncitizen service members, veterans, and the immediate family members of service members.



HSI El Paso-led Multi-agency Operation Results in Recovery of 24 Missing Children

HSI El Paso-led Multi-agency Operation Results in Recovery of 24 Missing Children

A multi-agency effort, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), has resulted in the recovery of 24 missing and/or runaway children throughout El Paso County and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

SIA Opposes Reintroduction of Facial Recognition & Biometric Technology Moratorium Act

SIA Opposes Reintroduction of Facial Recognition & Biometric Technology Moratorium Act

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced its strong opposition to the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act

CBP Seize 24 tons of Narcotics in Second Quarter in Fiscal 2021

Air and Marine Operations (AMO) National Air Security Operations Center, P-3 Long Range Tracker and Airborne Early Warning crews partnered with federal authorities to disrupt smuggling of 24 tons of narcotics.

House Democrats Unveil $1.9 Billion Bill to Improve U.S. Capitol Security

House Democrats Unveil $1.9 Billion Bill to Improve U.S. Capitol Security

House Democrats unveiled on Friday a $1.9 billion bill to improve Capitol Hill security after the January 6 insurrection.

Report: Colonial Pipeline Paid Almost $5 Million to Hackers

Report: Colonial Pipeline Paid Almost $5 Million to Hackers

Colonial Pipeline paid the Eastern European hackers who attacked its network 75 Bitcoin, worth almost $5 million at the time of the ransom payment.

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Launches Internal Domestic Violent Extremism Review

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Launches Internal Domestic Violent Extremism Review

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has launched an internal probe "to address the threat of domestic violent extremism within the Department of Homeland Security," according to a letter he wrote to all DHS employees.

DHS Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

DHS Issues a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin

The Acting Secretary of Homeland Security has issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin today after consultation with the intelligence community and law enforcement partners.

Fortem Technologies Demonstrates Integration with Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control System

Fortem Technologies has announced that the Fortem DroneHunter® will seamlessly integrate with the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control system

A Capitol Breach

A Capitol Breach

On Jan. 6, the U.S. Capitol security perimeter was breached and the nation watched as multiple levels of security failed.

Absolute Capitol Security

Here we go again, but this time security is prepared at the Capitol. Apparently, the chatter among extremists groups have been talking about possible plots of illicit activity in Washington, D.C.

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.

Intruder Caught at Joint Base Andrews

Intruder Caught at Joint Base Andrews

A distracted gate guard allowed an unauthorized man to illegally enter Joint Base Andrews, where he roamed for about five hours. He also climbed aboard a C-40 Clipper, an aircraft frequently used by senior government leaders.

Front Line Security at Risk

Inauguration Security Gets a Second Hard Look

Inauguration Security Gets a Second Hard Look

Things will be different on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. They better be considering the riotous events on Jan. 6, when protestors rushed the Capitol and broke into congressional chambers.

DC: All is Quiet: Today

DC: All is Quiet: Today

The U.S. Capitol and surrounding area is quiet this morning (Jan. 7); this coming after a late afternoon attack on the very fabric of the U.S. government, and supposed peaceful transfer of power in a presidency.

Protestors Storm Capitol; Woman Shot, Congress Evacuated

Protestors Storm Capitol; Woman Shot, Congress Evacuated

Protestors have swarmed the U.S. Capitol, bringing the appearance of mob violence and insurrections to the House and Senate chambers as lawmakers review President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory.

Nashville Bomber Relatively Unknown to Police

Nashville Bomber Relatively Unknown to Police

Anthony Warner lived a pretty squeaky clean life, until Christmas that is. For whatever reason, Warner drove an RV from his residence to downtown Nashville, played a message over a loudspeaker warning people to vacate the area then exploded the vehicle.

U.S. Marshals Shot in Confrontation with Suspect in State Trooper Shooting

Two U.S. Marshals have been shot while assisting the locations and arrest of a suspect involved in the shooting of a Massachusetts state trooper. The suspect was shot and killed after a confrontation in the Bronx Friday morning.

Republican Security Experts Seek Congressional Support to Push Trump Concession

Republican Security Experts Seek Congressional Support to Push Trump Concession

More than 100 Republican national security experts on Monday called on GOP congressional leaders to push President Donald Trump to concede the election to President-elect Joe Biden, according to the Washington Post. In a signed letter, the experts urged current GOP officeholders and Trump to prioritize the country's national security interests above politics.

Smart Imaging Systems Announces the First Portable Vehicle Scanning Technology with $3.5 Million Initial Order from Customs and Border Protection

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a $3.5 million purchase order for new compact, portable X-ray technology developed by Smart Imaging Systems, to safely scan for contraband and explosives in vehicles.

Election Security Separating Rumor from Reality

Election Security: Separating Rumor from Reality

Here is a Q&A that answers questions about spoofing the voter. The answers come from Chris Krebbs, CISA director.

Voting Security: Did Your Vote Count?

Voting Security: Did Your Vote Count?

The most recent elections is the most secure in the nation’s history. Or, is it? Government officials say it is the most secure ever.

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.

Medina County Implements Checkups Version 2 to Further Boost Criminal Justice System Remote Monitoring Efforts

County has worked with San Antonio-based tech company for nearly two years to check in with offenders using an innovative mobile app, now adds more customized features

All States Now Compliant Ahead of REAL ID Deadline

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing that after more than 15 years since Congress passed the REAL ID Act, all 50 states are now in full compliance issuing these cards, with most states becoming compliant in the last four years.

Richmond TSA Officer Recalls His Role at the World Trade Center After 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Richmond TSA Officer Recalls His Role at the World Trade Center After 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

As he reflected back to 2001, Mitchell said he thinks back to the men and women who he worked alongside at Ground Zero.

AF Looks to Facial Recognition to Secure Facilities

AF Looks to Facial Recognition to Secure Facilities

The Air Force’s AFWERX innovation arm is investing in real-time facial recognition to secure base perimeters and enhance situational awareness for Air Force security staff.

Air Force One Nearly Hit by Drone

Air Force One Nearly Hit by Drone

As Air Force One was descending to an air base near Washington, D.C. recently, it nearly collided with a small drone, according to several people on board the aircraft. President Trump was aboard the modified Boeing Co. 757 aircraft.

Senior DHS Officials Improperly Appointed

Senior DHS Officials Improperly Appointed

The Government Accounting Office (GAO) is now saying that acting DHS Chad Wolf and his active deputy, Ken Cuccinelli are ineligible to govern the agency to which they were appointed by the Trump administration.

Backbone Support

Backbone Support

Our nation’s critical infrastructure serves as the backbone supporting activities at manufacturing plants to elementary schools.

Precise Analysis

In the war on illicit drug trafficking today, a law enforcement professional’s greatest allies are speed and accuracy.

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.

Florida Governor Announces Over $722,000 in Grants to Protect Florida Military Installations

Florida Governor Announces Over $722,000 in Grants to Protect Florida Military Installations

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that $722,400 was awarded through the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF) Grant Program to three projects to protect military installations across the state.

Solving the Challenges

Security managers, CSOs and other personnel tasked with mitigating risk at an organization are the first link in a long and vitally important chain.

DOD looks for extension on Huawei ban

The 2021 must-pass defense policy bill could be a prime vehicle to give the Defense Department and its contractors more time to comply with a governmentwide ban on Huawei and other China-made telecommunications equipment.

Finding Flexible Systems In The Age of Converged Security

While access control is an essential consideration for any business, nowhere is it more necessary to maintain real-time oversight of who is on-premise than in a governmental facility — whether at the federal, state or local level.

Implementing a Video Plan

There’s a specific paradigm shift in the world of video that might be bigger than the transition from analog to IP more than 15 years ago.

Police Use of Amazon Facial Recognition Software on Hold

Police Use of Amazon Facial Recognition Software on Hold

Amazon’s facial recognition software has been a staple for police departments, using the program to provide identities on cold bases. Prisons and jails in Florida also have been using the platform in its databases, storing thousands of mug shots of anyone who has ever been “behind bars.”

ICE HSI Baltimore seizes over 14,000 unapproved COVID-19 treatment capsules, several unapproved test kits

ICE HSI Baltimore Seizes Over 14,000 Unapproved COVID-19 Treatment Capsules, Several Unapproved Test Kits

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore special agents and Maryland law enforcement partners have seized over 14,000 unapproved COVID-19 treatment capsules and several unapproved COVID-19 test kits as part of ongoing Operation Stolen Promise investigations.

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.

US Patent Office Issues Three Gunshot Detection Patents to Shooter Detection Systems

US Patent Office Issues Three Gunshot Detection Patents to Shooter Detection Systems

Gunshot detection with video analytics, gunshot detection in an indoor environment, and gunshot detection analysis during fire alarms are now exclusive patents held by SDS

Naval Air Station Security Guard Injured

Naval Air Station Security Guard Injured

An unidentified shooter has injured on security guard at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX, today. It has been determined that the shooting is terrorism related, according to the FBI.

airport boarding

Texas Legislators Introduce Bill to Restrict Purchasing Chinese Airport Equipment Due to Security Concerns

The legislation addresses the purchase of airport equipment, particularly passenger boarding bridges, from countries that are known for IP theft or national security threats.

food drug administration

Telethermography Devices: Current FDA Considerations

Adapting thermography machines to address COVID-19 issues qualifies them as medical devices, which can pose unique challenges for businesses that are unfamiliar with the FDA.

southwest plane

Perimeter Security in Question At Texas Airport After Man's Death

Man on Austin runway killed as Southwest Airlines plane lands.

data tokenization

Why Data Tokenization Could Be the Answer to Government Security Prayers

With growing number of breaches, there is a huge need for more advanced measures to protect public sector data.

TSA ID checkpoint

TSA Requires Security Officers to Wear Masks in Screening Areas to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

The agency plans to receive millions of masks in the next few weeks to distribute to employees, but most agents will wear surgical masks rather than the more expensive N95 respirators.

pentagon view

DoD Issues Guidelines That Might Not Disqualify New Recruits Over COVID-19 Exposure

it is not known if the interim Pentagon policy would eventually extend to current military member who have been ill from the coronavirus while on duty.

anchorage airport

Anchorage Airport Open Again After Reported Bomb Threat Last Week

False report of bomb on cargo plane temporarily closes facility

family dollar

Security Guard Killed in Dispute Over Face Mask Policy in Michigan

Calvin Munerlyn, a guard at a Family Dollar store in Flint, was killed after telling two customers to leave the store for refusing to follow a governor’s order to wear face coverings in public.

nuclear power towers

Trump Signs Executive Order to Secure Energy Infrastructure From Foreign Threats

The Energy Department will form a task force focused on identifying and banning equipment that pose national security risks.

andrew cuomo

Cuomo: You Can’t Depend on China For PPE

The New York governor said that New York hospitals must prepare their own stockpiles of personal protective equipment.

Featured

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

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  • New Report Says 1 in 5 SMBs Would Be Forced to Shutter After Successful Cyberattack

    Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, making up 99.9% of all businesses and contributing to half of the nation's GDP. However, these vital economic growth drivers face an escalating threat—cyberattacks that could put them out of business. Read Now

  • The Yellow Brick Road

    The road to and throughout Wednesday's and Thursday's ISC West was crowded but it was amazing. Read Now

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  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

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  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

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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.

  • 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.”

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.