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3xLOGIC Cameras Boost New Castle Safety

Introduction - Lightkeepers of Henry County is a grassroots nonprofit organization based in New Castle, Indiana. It began informally in 2020 with a community vigil, where organizers realised that local residents wanted more activities centred on culture, diversity, and understanding. Lightkeepers became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023 and soon afterward acquired its own building. Guided by its core values of equity, education, diversity, and empathy, Lightkeepers aims to provide a safe place where everyone in the community feels appreciated and has a sense of belonging. Its programs focus on marginalised communities, including low-income residents, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization hosted the first Juneteenth celebration in Henry County, organises New Castle Pride, and runs food and blanket drives, festivals, and community meetings. Following historic flooding in the area, it is also hosting home damage assessments for affected residents. Limited police patrols The challenge - Lightkeepers is based in the former Westminster Community Center, a two-story cement building that has long been a staple of the neighborhood. Over the years, it has served as an elementary school, a community center with after-school programs and classrooms, and most recently a food pantry. The building includes a large gym, several ground-floor rooms, an upstairs kitchen, classroom area, and offices, and an attached garage. Before Lightkeepers took it over, the building had been largely vacant, opening for only a few hours, two days a week, for food distribution. It is located in a low-income area with limited police patrols, and the parking lot was so poorly lit that the team repaired the light themselves. A city park directly behind the building had become a meeting place for illegal and unsafe activity. Limited police patrols Today, the building is in use throughout the day. With no set opening hours, it hosts fundraisers, community meetings, training sessions, birthday parties, and baby showers, with anywhere from four to more than 120 people inside at any one time. Festivals and other events also take place in the parking lot. During summer 2026, Lightkeepers partnered with fellow nonprofit Live Coalition to run the Hangout Hub, a weekday program offering activities and free meals for children aged 10 and over. Lightkeepers needed a way to protect the building and its contents, and to keep children and visitors safe while they were on-site. Board members, who often come and go outside of normal hours, needed to see what was happening in the building and parking lot before arriving or leaving. As an older building with boiler heating, the property was also at risk from problems that could go unnoticed when nobody was there. “After we acquired the building, we knew that we would need to be able to watch what we had, because of the neighborhood it’s in. We definitely needed some sort of security, and we wanted safety for the kids in the gym,” says Mary Nicholson Tait, President, Lightkeepers of Henry County. Monitored intrusion detection The solution -Lightkeepers worked with 3xLOGIC and SONITROL to install video surveillance and monitored intrusion detection across the building, parking lot, and perimeter. The system was completed in 2024. A mix of 3xLOGIC indoor and outdoor cameras watches the building inside and out. A 360-degree camera mounted in the center of the gym ceiling gives full visibility of the space, while a camera in the entrance lobby covers the main entry point. Outside, cameras cover each side of the building, including edge-based deep learning cameras that, if required, can detect people and vehicles and identify details such as vehicle make, model, and color. Deep learning analytics A 3xLOGIC VISIX 5MP InterACT camera on the front of the building overlooks the parking lot. The camera combines high-quality video with edge-based deep learning analytics and built-in deterrence features, including sirens, white or red and blue lights, two-way audio for talk-down, and custom messaging. Its analytics can detect loitering, intrusion, and vehicles in prohibited areas, with real-time alerts allowing potential incidents to be addressed early. SONITROL’s patented audio intrusion sensors inside the building provide 24/7 monitored intrusion detection. When a sensor is triggered, SONITROL operators can listen in to verify activity and dispatch police when required. Allowing potential incidents Mary can view live footage remotely using the 3xLOGIC mobile app on her phone and access the cameras from a desktop workstation in her office at the building. The SONITROL app, meanwhile, may be used on-site to arm and disarm the alarm system. “I’ve got the desktop set up in my office at the building, so if we have activities in the gym, we don’t have to go down and see what’s going on. We can just click on the camera and see what’s happening,” explains Mary. Monitored intrusion detection Results gained - Since installation, Lightkeepers can see what’s going on at the building from anywhere. Mary regularly uses the mobile app to keep an eye on the parking lot, and because the team does not keep regular business hours, board members can check the cameras before heading out to their cars at night. “We’ve got a lot of women on our board, and we’re over there at all hours. It’s nice for everybody to be able to see what they’re about to walk into before they leave the building,” says Mary. Late one Sunday night, an intruder forced their way in through the gym door. SONITROL’s monitored intrusion detection picked up the activity, operators called Mary, and police were dispatched. Officers were at the building before Mary, who lives five minutes away, could get there. The intruder fled without taking anything. Low winter temperatures In another incident, during unusually low winter temperatures, copper pipes in the building burst. SONITROL’s sensors detected the noise and alerted the team, and Mary checked the lobby camera on the 3xLOGIC mobile app, where she saw water coming out of the room. This meant the team could get someone to the building quickly and limit the damage. No repainting or structural repairs were needed, and no fittings needed to be thrown away. “Had it not been for the security system, we would not have known about the flooding. I was able to look from my app and see there was water, and we were able to get over there and take care of the problem. It saved us a lot of money in repairs and made a huge difference,” explains Mary. Deter nuisance activity The cameras, the repaired light, and the extra activity on-site have helped deter nuisance activity in the wider area, so the park behind the building is now somewhere local children can play. Residents across the street have welcomed the cameras, reporting fewer people coming into their yards and a decrease in illegal activity. “We were afraid they were going to be so mad at us because there were cameras over here. It was completely the opposite. The neighbours were really happy that they could see the cameras, because it provided safety for their properties. They actually thanked us,” Mary concludes. Additional camera coverage Future plans - Lightkeepers is preparing to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to deliver after-school programs from the building, to bring more young people on-site regularly. The organization is also working with its integrator to assess additional camera coverage and to make full use of the InterACT camera’s siren, talk-down, and custom alarm features to actively deter unwanted activity in the parking lot.

Sonitrol New Orleans Joins Securitas Technology Team

Securitas Technology, a world pioneer and global provider of security, health, and safety technologies, is proud to announce the acquisition of Sonitrol of New Orleans. This strategic move underscores Securitas Technology's ongoing commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and expanding its geographic footprint to better serve clients across North America. Sonitrol solutions Sonitrol of New Orleans, known for its expertise and pioneering Sonitrol audio sensor technology joins the Securitas Technology portfolio. With this acquisition, Securitas Technology strengthens its position as one of the largest providers of Sonitrol solutions in North America. "This acquisition aligns with our focus to deliver cutting-edge security solutions while keeping our clients at the center of everything we do. We are proud to welcome the talented Sonitrol of New Orleans team to Securitas Technology and look forward to driving technology innovation that adds value for our clients," said Tony Byerly, Global President and CEO, of Securitas Technology. Advanced security technology Sonitrol's rich legacy dates back over 60 years, such as reducing false alarms and enhancing verified responses Sonitrol's rich legacy of innovation dates back over 60 years, with achievements, such as reducing false alarms and enhancing verified responses. Together, Securitas Technology and Sonitrol of New Orleans will combine their expertise, leveraging advanced security technology for clients in North America. Sustainability, innovation, and excellence "This partnership brings together two leaders in the security industry, blending Sonitrol's unique capabilities with Securitas Technology's expansive technology resources," said Kevin Engelhardt, President of North America, Securitas Technology. He adds, "It marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide innovative solutions that safeguard what matters most to our clients." Securitas Technology continues to enhance its offerings and maintain a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and excellence in client service.

Securitas Expands With Sonitrol Acquisition

Securitas Technology, a world pioneer and global provider of security, health, and safety technologies, is proud to announce the acquisition of Sonitrol New Orleans. This strategic move underscores Securitas Technology’s ongoing commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and expanding its geographic footprint to better serve clients across North America. Securitas Technology portfolio Sonitrol New Orleans, known for its expertise and pioneering Sonitrol audio sensor technology, now joins the Securitas Technology portfolio. With this acquisition, Securitas Technology strengthens its position as one of the largest providers of Sonitrol solutions in North America. “This acquisition aligns with our focus to deliver cutting-edge security solutions while keeping our clients at the center of everything we do. We are proud to welcome the talented Sonitrol New Orleans team to Securitas Technology and look forward to driving technology innovation that adds value for our clients,” said Tony Byerly, Global President and CEO, Securitas Technology. Advanced security technology Sonitrol’s rich legacy of innovation dates back over 60 years, with achievements such as false alarms Sonitrol’s rich legacy of innovation dates back over 60 years, with achievements such as reducing false alarms and enhancing verified responses. Together, Securitas Technology and Sonitrol New Orleans will combine their expertise, leveraging advanced security technology for clients in North America. “This partnership brings together two pioneers in the security industry, blending Sonitrol’s unique capabilities with Securitas Technology’s expansive technology resources,” said Kevin Engelhardt, President North America, Securitas Technology. Innovative solutions Engelhardt added: “It marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide innovative solutions that safeguard what matters most to our clients.” Securitas Technology continues to enhance its offerings and maintain a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and excellence in client service.

Insights & Opinions from thought leaders at Sonitrol

STANLEY Drives IT-Centric Solutions For Security And Greater Business Value

As security embraces IT-centric solutions, it can provide business value over and above security. Now in charge of managing a variety of data – e.g., from video platforms – a company’s security function has access to a range of new metrics. While security may use video to analyze a security event, machine learning can analyze the same data for other business capabilities, such as quality control or when a policy has been breached. “It’s the same camera, but with dual purpose,” says Matt Kushner, President of STANLEY Security. STANLEY Security, one of the largest integrators with a global footprint, has positioned itself at the center of the industry’s transformation by information technology (IT) and the Internet of Things. “Security will become an expanded business partner with corporations,” Kushner comments. In response to the trend, STANLEY is hiring more IT-oriented technicians and salespeople within the IT community and who can “speak at the C-level,” Kushner comments. Sonitrol is the most recognised brand by law enforcement for verified response Data centers, higher education and logistics STANLEY manages very large, multi-national clients. As a consequence, the STANLEY security organization has some of the best and brightest minds for enterprise-class security. To maintain that level of talent, STANLEY is committed to education. “We bring them into the family and focus on education, such as IT and IoT training. That’s critical in a world where unemployment is less than 3%. Finding good people, growing good people, and retaining good people – we do that exceptionally well at STANLEY,” says Kushner. STANLEY’s strong vertical markets including data centers, higher education, and logistics. They are also strong in multi-location installations (such as banking.) STANLEY has a big footprint throughout North America and Europe.  PACOM access control and 3xLOGIC cloud-based solutions In addition to STANLEY’s core integrator business, the company also manages several manufacturing brands such as PACOM access control and 3xLOGIC cloud-based solutions. Mergers and acquisitions have been commonplace in the integrator spaceBeyond its company-owned integrator locations under the STANLEY brand, the company also owns Sonitrol, the strongest brand in the market for verified response with 65 franchises in North America. Sonitrol is the most recognized brand by law enforcement for verified response. Mergers and acquisitions have been commonplace in the integrator space, and Kushner says that STANLEY is “open and actively looking for properties that fit our commercial growth strategy.” He notes that STANLEY focuses on the commercial side of the market, where there are good margins and continuing growth. They pay less attention to the residential side which is “being heavily disrupted.” Strong partnerships with manufacturers STANLEY has strong partnerships with several manufacturer partners, through which they bring new breakout technologies to market from emerging companies. An example is Evolv Technology, a manufacturer of gun and bomb detection technology. “We see them as a leading provider of the technology, and they are, in my mind, a very disruptive provider,” says Kushner. STANLEY is also collaborating with a company – to be announced – that provides a unique gunshot detection technology, he says. STANLEY is also cooperating with dormakaba to implement Switch Tech, a Bluetooth wireless core that can replace any standard mechanical lock core. Existing locks can be transformed into electromechanical locks in minutes. STANLEY is also developing a tight integration with Lenel’s mobile credentialing system. STANLEY is also cooperating with dormakaba to implement Switch Tech GSX 2019 and ISC West 2020 At the recent GSX 2019 show in Chicago, Kushner says STANLEY heard a lot about cybersecurity, especially customers wanting to make sure they are investing in cyber-hygiene and who are looking to expand into providing cyber protection. “In concert with cyber-hygiene, they are looking for health monitoring or assurance that network devices are operating properly,” he says. “They want to ensure their security platforms are cyber-secure and up to date with the latest software versions.” STANLEY is also a big proponent of cloud offerings, and Kushner hints at a big announcement at the upcoming ISC West show in Las Vegas of additional cloud offerings and/or partnerships. “There will be a variety of new solutions to be introduced, including hosted solutions and applications that benefit both security and that add new value to businesses overall.”