Homeland Security


Down to Earth

One of the first reactionary attempts to bolster security after 9/11 occurred at airports. Immediately after air service was reinstated, the public saw uniformed Marines armed with M-16s at every security checkpoint, concrete barriers at each entry point, security guards ransacking passengers’ luggage and, of course, taller fences going up around airfield perimeters. As with most things in life, an unexpected event usually generates an unexpected— and sometimes irrational— response. Such was the case with the nation’s aviation facilities.

California City Uses Security Camera System To Protect Port, Reduce Crime

The City and Port of Richmond, Calif. have selected ADT Security Services to design and install two public security camera systems, one for the city to help reduce crime and vandalism, and limit illegal dumping and trespassing, and a second for the Port of Richmond as part of the port’s homeland security initiatives.

DHS Announces Application Period For FY 2008 Assistance To Firefighters Grants

The Department of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate will begin accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) beginning March 3 at with the deadline for receipt of the applications no later than April 4.

Software Allows Security Analysts To Query Terrorist Organization Behavior

Researchers at the University of Maryland’s Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) have developed the SOMA Terror Organization Portal (STOP) allowing analysts to query automatically learned rules on terrorist organization behavior.

North Carolina Transit System Uses Network Video To Enhance Safety, Improve Operations

Verint Systems Inc. recently announced that the Charlotte Area Transit System has selected its Nextiva Transit solution to enhance safety and improve overall operations on its fleet of municipal buses.

New Jersey Mall Uses Wireless Mesh Network To Improve Security

Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh and access networks, recently announced that the Livingston Mall in Livingston, N.J., has deployed a Firetide wireless mesh network to improve security at the super-regional shopping center.

Amtrak To Use Explosives Detection System

Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, recently announced Amtrak has purchased SABRE 4000 advanced detection systems, to enable rapid and non-intrusive screening of passengers, trains and train stations for explosives.

Web-Based Electronic Notification System Designed To Alert During 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.



New Multiband Radio Provides Real-Time Interoperable Communications

Harris Corp., an international communications and information technology company, recently introduced the first multiband land mobile radio that provides real-time interoperable communications for the growing federal public safety and homeland security market.

Minnesota Bureau Of Criminal Apprehension To Capture Biometric Data From Entire Hand

L-1 Identity Solutions, a provider of identity solutions and services, has secured a new state-wide contract with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to upgrade its Live Scan Network used for criminal booking.

Associations Collaborate To Craft Preparedness Standards

A new federal law calling for the creation of a voluntary private sector preparedness standards program has resulted in the collaboration between ASIS International and other organizations.

FBI’s Next Generation Biometric System To Be Developed By Lockheed Martin

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently awarded Lockheed Martin a 10-year, $1 billion contract to develop and maintain the Bureau's Next Generation Identification (NGI) system, a multi-modal, state-of-the-art biometrics system for use by state, local and federal authorities.

Survey: Responding To Natural Disasters Top Concern Of First Responders

Motorola and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) recently released the findings of a national survey to assess how public safety organizations use current communications technology and what future capabilities they would deploy to help improve emergency response, officer effectiveness and public and officer safety.

Georgia City Deploys Wireless Mesh Network To Aid First Responders, Improve Security

The City of Brunswick, Georgia recently announced the completion of the first phase of its wireless mesh deployment.

Washington State Completes Deployment Of Warning Siren System

Federal Signal Corporation’s Safety and Security Systems Group recently announced that it has completed the first-phase deployment of a Federal Signal All Hazard Alert Broadcast warning siren system along Washington state’s Pacific coastline.

Forging Ahead

As countless counterfeiting successes have demonstrated, depending on a visual inspection for document verification isn't enough.

The Disaster Formula

The 9/11 Commission argued that federal HS aid should not remain a program for general revenue sharing.

GPS/Wireless Devices Will Track, Manage Security Personnel At Super Bowl

At this year’s Super Bowl, GPS/wireless tracking devices will be used to monitor, track, and manage security personnel in real-time via the Internet, which may speed up security incident response times.

Law Professor: 24 Has Seeped Into National Debate On Antiterrorism Tactics

Sure, it's just a TV show, but a University of Iowa law professor says 24 can have real-world legal implications

Beyond Fingerprints

The United States isn’t the only country that’s cracking down on border security standards.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.