Homeland Security


DHS Initiative Looks To Crowdsource Cell Phones For Detecting Toxic Chemicals

Do you carry a cell phone? Today, chances are it's called a "smartphone" and it came with a three-to-five megapixel lens built-in -- not to mention an MP3 player, GPS or even a bar code scanner. This 'Swiss-Army-knife' trend represents the natural progression of technology -- as chips become smaller/more advanced, cell phones absorb new functions. What if, in the future, new functions on our cell phones could also protect us from toxic chemicals?

Barricades Help Block Attackers During Incident At U.S. Consulate In Pakistan

Delta Scientific recently announced that Delta barricades at the United States Consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, helped retain the attackers.

Purdue University Deploys OnSSI PSIM Technology

Seeking a solution providing centralized security management and coordination, Purdue University turned to the Ocularis DS video-centric PSIM system from On-Net Surveillance Systems Inc.

DHS Hoping To Understand, Limit Impact Of Chemical, Biological Agent Release In Subway Systems

To limit the impact of similar attacks and determine the best actions to take during a chemical or biological agent release, scientists are investigating how these contaminants would travel through a subway system’s underground tunnel network.

globe

Laying Down the Law

In response to the failed Christmas Day bombing by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the Transportation Security Administration has mandated enhanced screening measures at airports nationwide for U.S.-bound passengers traveling from or through state sponsors of terrorism and other countries of interest.

camera lens

An Extra Pair of Eyes

The biggest challenge in outdoor live surveillance for border patrol, Coast Guard and traffic control applications is atmospheric interference from fog, snow or haze. Existing fog cancellation devices are expensive and often require multiple cameras with individual adjustment to each camera.

Border Patrol

The New Detectives

Customs officials used to have to rely on traditional screening technologies that are ill-suited for the customs mission and have produced mixed results. Today, advanced imaging technology in the form of millimeter wave imagers and other devices are emerging as the newest tools in a customs officer's toolkit.

Sea-Tac Airport Selects Genetec’s Omnicast For Major System Upgrade

Genetec announced recently that the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has selected and has recently completed installation of Genetec’s Omnicast IP video surveillance as part of a major video system upgrade.



First Responders, Homeland Security Officials Collaborate In New Virtual Community

First responders can network and collaborate on department policies or homeland security projects easily when they all work in the same office and shift. But, when they all work in different shifts, disciplines, offices, cities or states, suddenly the task grows enormously complex.

Canadian Shopping Center Deploys 100 Percent IP Surveillance Solution

Vancouver Island’s leading fashion focused shopping destination has invested in an IndigoVision integrated IP video security system, in what is believed to be the first mall in Canada to deploy a surveillance solution with 100 percent IP cameras.

Impressive Crowds, Products Mark ISC West's Second Day

The second day of ISC West dawned to the same impressive crowds as the opening morning, and everywhere I looked, I saw busy exhibitors and countless customers (not to mention the occasional harried industry journalist). From the looks of the show floor, business is definitely booming again -- let’s just hope the trend continues through the rest of the year.

Iris Recognition System From Sarnoff Wins Best New Product Award At NPS

Iris on the Move from Sarnoff won the Best New Product Award at the Security Industry Association New Product Showcase on Wednesday.

Security Products Announces 2010 GovSec Award Winners

Security Products magazine announced the winners of the 2010 Security Products’ GovSec Award today at GovSec, the Government Security Expo & Conference.

Thermal Cameras, Video Analytics Protect South African Rail System

C3 Shared Services (Pty) ltd has been appointed by Bombardier to supply and install a combination of two military grade technologies, namely Opgal’s thermal cameras combined with ioimage intelligent video analytics, to monitor the tracks and tunnels of the Gautrain rail in South Africa.

Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Wants ‘More Balanced’ Security Approach

Pressure on the industry to achieve a zero risk level is wrongheaded because it is not attainable in the real world, Dale Klein, a Nuclear Regulatory Commission member, told attendees Friday in Raleigh, N.C., at the Grand Challenge Summit 2010.

Guam

The First-responder Portal

In examining its emergency response program, the Guam government wanted to ensure partnership and leadership. In other words, officials wanted to promote a collaborative environment for sharing information, resources, assistance and expertise to enhance the security environment.

government security

Spending the Government's Money

The government security market is a growing multi-billion dollar business. To address a host of new security requirements, the security industry has partnered with the government to develop new security standards and capabilities. New requirements have led to opportunities in the physical access control systems and the identity management markets.

Poll: Most Adults In U.S., Europe, China Say Full Body Scanners Should Be Introduced In Airports

A new Financial Times/Harris Poll of adults under 65 finds support for increased security measures after the attempted bombing of a plane on Christmas Day. Majorities of those surveyed in the United States (64 percent), Great Britain (62 percent), Italy (58 percent), France (58 percent), and Germany (53 percent) as well as 46 percent of Spaniards and 44 percent of Chinese all agree that body scanners that X-ray the full body should be introduced at airports.

border security

Up and Running

Increased emphasis on border security creates new opportunities for small to mid-sized original equipment manufacturers to deploy new technology both here and outside the United States. As these companies' technology is successfully integrated into border security applications, they should be actively organizing resources for fielding and technical sustainment of their equipment.

HD Surveillance

High Expectations

The dramatic increase in airport-security spending over the past decade has maximized traveler safety, but we still have a ways to go. Airports pose unique challenges for surveillance systems, not only due to their sharp focus on passenger safety, but also because they encompass very large spaces. In fact, nine of the top 20 largest facilities on Earth are airports.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities