Cameron Javdani

Workplace violence has been on the rise in mental health facilities, schools, and detention centers across the country. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.” As such, security directors are looking for technologies to help identify and mitigate these incidents.  Increasing use of vocal aggression detection technology  Shift from video surveillance to audio analytics  Application in hospitals and schools Recognizing Workplace Violence Traditionally, security personnel have relied on video-only solutions, but security technologies continue to shift and adapt to a new standard of sight and sound for an effective solution. Deploying audio analytics with security technologies gives security staff a means to better recognize potential incidents. Specifically, vocal aggression detection technology is gaining traction in security system installations as it offers staff better situational awareness, additional information about an event in progress, and faster opportunities for intervention.  Reducing workplace violence requires a cohesive approach among company leadership with a plan implemented in a strategic manner. Management must first understand the risks specific to their employees and their workplace and invest in a solution that will protect both. OSHA states, “In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions.” The most effective prevention system is one that is capable of recognizing, analyzing, and addressing potential incidents quickly and effectively. Vocal aggression detection technology is gaining traction in security system installations as it offers staff better situational awareness Once a facility has the proper equipment, it becomes a matter of creating an action plan to make use of the information the technology provides. A sophisticated system can detect certain events and alert the proper personnel, but if that same personnel does not follow standard protocols once that alert is received, the effectiveness of the security system, and as a corollary, workplace safety, is reduced. Integrating Video And Audio Surveillance As previously mentioned, security crews have primarily relied on video surveillance as a means of monitoring an environment or incident. However, this reactive style of observation has proven to insufficient when it comes to reducing incidents, as video only security systems mainly provide a recording of an event to be examined after the event has occurred. This situation can also transpire in hospitals and school campuses, such as a nurse walking with their patient Facilities including medical centers, schools, and detention centers continue to shift towards more proactive standard operating procedures to further increase their workplace safety. Out of the ordinary noises is often one of the earliest indicators for individuals that something is wrong or that the probability of a security incident is increasing. With knowledge of the fact that sound plays a critical role in early risk identification; it is a recommended best practice that security personnel integrate both video and audio technologies in their security systems. Assessing Situations In Real Time Technologies such as audio analytics not only offer an additional layer of evidence for responding to incidents, but also allow security personnel to assess the tone of a situation in real time and take immediate action before circumstances deteriorate. Similar to how the human ear processes audio, sound detection software analyses acoustic events through advanced algorithms and classifies them into predetermined categories. Aggression detectors are capable of accurately recognizing stress and duress in a person’s voice Aggression detectors are capable of accurately recognizing stress and duress in a person’s voice, automatically and objectively detecting the presence of aggression, anger, or fear, and warn staff by a visual alert or an audible alarm. For example, consider a corrections officer escorting a detainee through a detention center and an argument ensues. An audio analytic program equipped with aggression detecting software could quickly identify the raised level of stress in either individual’s voice and immediately flag the area for other officers. Audio Technology In Security Systems This situation can also transpire in hospitals and school campuses such as faculty escorting a student or visitor through the grounds or a nurse walking with their patient. Staff being warned at an early stage gives them improved situational awareness, opportunities for additional support, and a significantly increased chance of de-escalating the incident. Having the ability to document occurrences like these in reports makes the problem of workplace aggression more measurable. Another major benefit of aggression detection and audio analytics solutions comes from the fact that the technology maintains employees’ right to privacy. Sound detectors do not listen for speech, language, or key words, but instead, analyze frequencies, volume level, time duration, and other acoustic patterns. The use of audio technology in security systems has become a best practice to reduce incidence of violence. Addressing workplace violence requires a comprehensive approach taking into consideration the many variables of each workplace. This is especially true when addressing the myriad of threats facing those in corrections, mental health, and education facilities. Fortunately, as technologies continue to evolve and security professionals strive for better and more advanced ways of keeping people free from harm, security professionals have new tools to better address potential threats. {##Poll40 - What is the potential of audio to impact a market dominated by video systems?##}

Louroe Electronics, global provider of audio monitoring technology and solutions in the security industry, has announced a change to its core leadership team. Cameron Javdani, previously the Director of Sales and Marketing, has been named President of Louroe effective July 1, 2019. Audio Security Solutions Firm Javdani is actively involved with trade associations such as the Security Industry Association and sits on the SIA Government Relations Committee Javdani joined Louroe in 2011, after holding marketing positions with AT&T and Target. Throughout his seven-year tenure at Louroe, Javdani has focused on Louroe’s long-term growth, building strategic partnerships with key distributors, integrators, and end users globally. Under Javdani’s leadership and work with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Louroe’s products are now used in more than 60 countries. In 2015, both Javdani and Louroe CEO Richard Brent received the President’s E Award for Export Achievement in recognition of Louroe’s growth in international markets. Javdani is actively involved with trade associations such as the Security Industry Association and sits on the SIA Government Relations Committee. “Louroe Electronics is an exemplary organization to work for, as demonstrated by its best-in-class audio security solutions and more importantly, the incredible people that are the driving force behind the company,” said Cameron Javdani. “I am honored to be named the president of Louroe, and I look forward to working with the entire team to further Louroe’s success.” Audio Analytics And Surveillance Expert “Cameron Javdani is a smart, dynamic leader with deep expertise in business strategy and development,” said Richard Brent. “His appointment as president is another important move to put Louroe on the path toward continued growth and success.”

The strategic alliances will help Louroe enhance its overall industry influence Louroe Electronics, a provider of audio monitoring technology within the security industry, is proud to announce that it has signed Tech Sales & Marketing and has expanded its existing partnership with Thomasson Marketing Group. These strategic alliances will strengthen Louroe's presence on the West Coast and in the Midwest.Particularly impressed by Tech Sales & Marketing’s knowledge in new technologies and experience working with medium to large enterprise class systems, Louroe brought on the company as the new rep group for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.Based on the great results Thomasson Marketing Group produced in Northern California and Nevada, Louroe decided to expand its partnership with the organization and sign the firm as its main representative for all of California, Arizona, and Nevada.Enhancing Industry InfluenceLouroe Electronics’ Director of Sales & Marketing, Cameron Javdani, stated, “We are excited to team up with two of the best representatives in the field to further increase Louroe’s success in their particular territories and enhance its overall industry influence.” “We are excited to team up with two of the best representatives in the field to further increase Louroe’s success" "Tech Sales & Marketing is very pleased to have the opportunity to represent Louroe, the gold standard of the industry,” said Craig Jones, President of Tech Sales & Marketing. “Louroe represents a strong addition to our offering and is an excellent addition to our synergistic selling approach. We are proud to partner with Louroe and look forward to much success." “TMG is enthusiastic to be expanding our partnership with Louroe in Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona,” said Jordan Thomasson, President and CEO for TMG. “Louroe will provide a solution to complement the TMG Line Card. We are honored to be partnered with the global leader that provides the most innovative audio and analytic solutions on the market.”Partner FirmsTech Sales & Marketing, formerly KPA, is considered among the top firms in the market, touching all major verticals and working with many of the fortune 500 and 100 companies in the region and beyond. They are especially adept at developing and closing medium to large enterprise class systems.Thomasson Marketing Group, established in 2003, is a sales and marketing firm that provides manufacturers representation and consulting services while delivering innovative quality products to the low voltage electronics industry in the Pacific Western United States.

Audio systems can enhance liability protection. Recently, a large regional convenience store chain with units across the Midwest and South supplemented its video surveillance security system with an audio monitoring system. Retail stores with Louroe audio system: The technology has been installed in more than 700 of the convenience retailer’s locations. The Louroe Electronics systems feature omni-directional capability and sensitivity and pick up sound within a 15-foot radius. Tulsa, Okla.-based SageNet, the retailer’s security integrator, handled the installation. The integrator mounted three to five microphones in each store. Typically, the microphones mount on the ceiling above point-of-sale terminals and other areas in which criminals might take an interest. The microphones are primarily used for live monitoring, remote responses to situations and conflict resolution among employees and between employees and customers — if an argument breaks out, the manager in the back or at a remote location will hear it. The microphones interface with a Louroe base station that usually sits in the office or control room. The desktop unit receives and plays back the audio through its three-inch speaker. In addition, the base station has four audio outputs that can connect to a DVR, enabling end-users to review video footage synced with audio. Preventing Theft And Break-Ins: "There is also a two-way communications configuration that makes it possible to speak to people in the store." Monitoring personnel can follow the audio and video locally from a back office and remotely from a central security station. If there is a robbery attempt in a store being monitored remotely, the security officer at the remote location can call the police. Easier Communication: There is also a two-way communications configuration that makes it possible to speak to people in the store. “Suppose a crime is being committed after hours, and there is no danger to employees or bystanders, an oral intervention makes sense,” says Cameron Javdani, director of sales and marketing with Louroe. In such a case, an officer at a remote monitoring station can intervene by speaking to the perpetrators: “You are on-camera. The police have been notified and are on the way.”  “Audio gives four key benefits, especially when paired with video,” adds Javdani. “Audio provides additional evidence, alarm verification, deterrence and prevention, and quality assurance.”  Audio as a security tool: The quality assurance piece involves the ability of the store manager to monitor transactions at the cash register to make sure employees are providing the level of customer service the store promises. Finally, audio systems can enhance liability protection. In court, depositions or discussions with opposing counsel, audio synced up with the video of an event can provide much more compelling presentations. "Audio provides additional evidence, alarm verification, deterrence and prevention, and quality assurance.”  Javdani expects audio as a security tool to begin to catch on. “Audio paired with video is becoming ubiquitous, and the industry is coming to understand how audio can enhance security,” he says. “DVRs and NVRs all support audio today, and more and more users want to take advantage of it.” In light of the serious problems with crime faced by convenience stores, video and now audio represent only part of an effective convenience store security package. Precautionary Measures: The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing reports “certain precautions can help deter crime, particularly armed robbery. These precautions include forging a cooperative relationship with the police, posting “No Loitering” and “No Trespassing” signs, maintaining lines of sight through windows and doors unobstructed by signs, silent hold-up alarms with a panic button, signs telling the public about the alarm system, a secured drop safe for cash and a high-resolution digital camera system.  Such measures worked. In 2008, for instance, the City of Houston mandated these measures for its convenience stores and convenience store crime plummeted by 17 percent. Other cities followed suit.  Perhaps audio security can help to reduce crime by even larger margins.