Homeland Security


Researchers Designing Ventilation System To Protect Buildings From Chemical Warfare, Bioterrorist Attacks

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in Canada have opened a new engineering lab to design a ventilation system that could protect schools, hospitals, and other public buildings from chemical warfare and bioterrorist attacks.

Is Our Telecomm Infrastructure Secure?

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the 2005 hurricane season emphasized U.S. dependence on an effective national telecommunications infrastructure. Telecommunication companies are a critical part of America’s infrastructure and key to securing the homeland in times of emergency. Reliable, resilient communication services can provide the bridge between emergency responders, firefighters and law enforcement for cohesive emergency management.

Houston 911 Center To Use Information Management Solution

NICE Systems recently announced the City of Houston, has selected NICE Inform for its 911 Center. The consolidated center for the United States' fourth largest city, the Houston Emergency Center (HEC) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Gunshot Location System Provides Spot-On Protection

Gunshot location technology is providing a safety net for law enforcement agencies across the country, detecting, pinpointing and alerting police responders to the location of gunfire. And ShotSpotter’s Gunshot Location System is providing more than just a detection system.

University Of Texas At San Antonio Selects Outdoor Campus Emergency Notification System

Cooper Notification recently announced the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has selected Cooper Notification’s WAVES (Wireless Audio Visual Emergency System) Mass Notification System (MNS) for its outdoor campus emergency notification system.

Delta Scientific Announces More Than 400 Deployments Of DSC2000 Barricades

Delta Scientific, a manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, recently announced that it has sold systems deploying more than 400 DSC2000 shallow foundation barricades to customers throughout the world.

Technology Provides Immediate Alerts In Emergency Or Routine Situations

ADT Security Services recently announced the availability of ADT Select Link, a Web-based electronic notification system that is designed to alert thousands of people in emergency or routine situations.

San Pedro Bay Ports Open New Enrollment Site for Federal Security Credential

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Port of Los Angeles worked together to open an additional enrollment site recently on Terminal Island in an effort to facilitate enrollment for the Los Angeles/Long Beach port worker, mariner and trucker communities into the federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program.



An Eye Under the Sky

Going Undercover

ASIS Issues Second Edition of TASR Guideline

The ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines has released the second edition of the Threat Advisory System Response Guideline (TASR).

Report Examines Law Mandating Scans of All U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers by 2012

Congress reaffirmed its will to implement 100-percent scanning in four years while government witnesses defended their position that the deadline was unrealistic.

Mandatory Usage Requriements Driving Biometric-Enabled Smart Card Market

"Advances in Emerging Biometrics and RFID for Security," finds that the mandatory requirement to use biometric-enabled smart cards to gain access control is a major factor driving this market.

New Bill Allows for Discounted Homeland Security Equipment, Services

The bill ensures state and local governments can purchase fire alarm systems, access control devices, perimeter security and video surveillance systems and countless other homeland security goods and services, at GSA-approved reduced prices.

Ben-Gurion Expands SimGuard Coverage to Simulate and Analyze Critical Scenarios

Ben-Gurion is one of the world's most secure airports. In 2007, it handled over 10 million international passengers and about half a million domestic passengers.

ID Solutions Awarded Contract To Supply Software For TWIC Program

ID Solutions Inc. recently reported that it has been awarded a contract to supply critical software to the Transportation Security Agency's TWIC program.

No Way To Protect Your Homeland

Something is dreadfully wrong when an arsonist can gain access to the Texas governor’s residence long enough to toss a Molotov cocktail and escape.

State Of Vermont To Use Enhanced Driver’s License Solution

Digimarc Corp. announced recently it has been selected by Vermont to provide the State with an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) solution that can be used in the State’s border crossing program with the Department of Homeland Security.

Colorado City Uses IP Cameras For Monitoring, Surveillance

Axis Communications recently announced that the City of Longmont, Colo., is using its network cameras to provide city-wide monitoring and surveillance.

Maryland Park Police Department Deploys Mobile Video Camera System

Brekford International Corp., a provider of homeland security technology products and services, recently announced completion of installation of 20 Panasonic Toughbook Arbitrator mobile camera systems for use in police vehicles by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

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

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • 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.

  • 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.