Counter Terror

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, on March 7, over 70 leading security specialists met at Delta Scientific headquarters to discuss the state of the vehicle access control market in North America. These security specialists came together to view anti-terrorism portable systems, barriers, bollards, crash-rated gates and other solutions and how each product fits in a comprehensive vehicle access system.  SAFETY Act Minimizes Insurance Risks The vehicle access control budget is actually being buttressed by the new certification of the SAFETY Act of 2002""Budgets remain high for vehicle access," relates Greg Hamm, Delta vice president of sales and marketing. "The Defense Department continues to fund large scale vehicle access projects. Although border wall projects may impact spending at the Department of Homeland Security, its vehicle access control budget is actually being buttressed by the new certification of the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology (SAFETY Act) of 2002." This certification minimizes insurance risks for organizations that deploy authorized Delta vehicle access control products to protect against terrorists and errant drivers. All products certified are covered retroactively back to 1984 and are now authorized to carry the SAFETY Act Designated mark.  Backing Of The DHS "By minimizing insurance risks to deploying authorized Delta vehicle access systems, this certification lets customers feel comfortable knowing that they have the full faith and backing of the Department of Homeland Security," emphasizes Hamm. Delta Scientific secures over 110 Federal buildings, including the Pentagon, U.S. Supreme Court, Federal courthouses and FBI locations "As the only manufacturer having such certification for wedge barriers, beam barriers and crash gates, this announcement is encouraging commercial organizations to more fully explore using such life-saving products in their anti-terrorist and safety vehicle access solutions." Attendees were also able to analyze the security options of Delta's full line of portable, towable bollards plus wedge, swing arm and newly introduced beam barricades. Securing Government Buildings Worldwide  In the United States alone, Delta Scientific secures over 110 Federal buildings, including the Pentagon, U.S. Supreme Court, Federal courthouses and FBI locations. Delta also provides vehicle access control for over 200 U.S. embassies and consulates in 130-plus countries, including State Department headquarters, as well as those of the United Kingdom and other nations. In addition, Delta Scientific vehicle access control equipment protects high profile corporate headquarters, logistic sites that store and ship vital materials, transportation hubs and even the private residences of powerful, influential people.

Dahua Technology, global video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, has unveiled its H.265 Mobile Video Recorder series. Specific products that were launched include the Dahua MXVR1004, MXVR4104, MNVR4104, and MNVR4208. Upgraded in performance while retaining the same price, all the new Dahua Mobile Video Recorder products adopt H.265 technology, offering a cost-efficient choice for mobile solution. H.265 Mobile Video Recorder Series Featuring cutting-edge H.265 video compression, the new generation of Dahua Mobile Video Recorders can store twice as much video as before with the same HDD capacity. That is, storing the same amount of video now requires only half of the HDD capacity, thus saving money for users. At the same time, choosing wireless network monitoring enables 3G\4G traffic to be reduced by half, which can also lower the cost. This series’ enhanced performance delivers more competitive advantages for customers, especially well-suited to meet the needs of corporate or institutional clients such as transportation service providers, namely taxi companies, buses, railway bureaus, and many more. Real-Time HD Video Monitoring Offering real-time HD monitoring, all the Dahua Mobile Video Recorders support 4MP IP Cameras Offering real-time HD monitoring, all the Dahua Mobile Video Recorders support 4MP IP Cameras whereas the MNVR series can support up to 4K cameras. With embedded GPS module, the recorders allow for real-time vehicle location tracking and monitoring, which will enable the police to quickly and accurately identify suspects in the case of a public safety incident. Meanwhile, the devices can be set to upload all the information (video/audio/alarm/GPS) to VMS platform via wireless network: 3G/4G/WiFi. Users can also set the devices so that even under offline condition, the GPS information will be saved automatically and continuously uploading from the breakpoint when connected to the network again. AI-Powered Face Detection Technology   Moreover, all the Dahua MXVR series are equipped with AI-empowered face detection, catering for a wide range of applications. For instance, identifying suspects on public bus or taxi, assisting in obtaining attendance information of students on school bus, etc. Apart from the above, the products of H.265 mobile video recorders unveiled this time share even more fascinating functions including anti-vibration, multiple ports for various applications and accessories connections, as well as wide range of power supply to suit various vehicles. In addition, most products in the series are certified with EN50155/ISO16750, while having a good resistance to hot or cold temperature while operating. With all the features combined, it becomes an undoubtedly a star series in the market. Mobile Video Surveillance Dahua ADAS and DSM products will integrate a variety of intelligent warning functions to predict the potential risks Vehicles, ships, airplanes — all forms of transportation these days require modern video surveillance to ensure people’s safety. In particular, terrorism and other public security issues have become the top global concern and are challenging the surveillance industry. The advent of Dahua Mobile Video Record H.265 series has capitalized on the growing demand for mobile surveillance solutions spurred by the needs for robust public security worldwide. Aiming to give early warnings and prevent ahead - a trend of the security industry, the upcoming Dahua ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistant System) and DSM (Driving Monitor System) products will integrate a variety of intelligent warning functions to predict the potential risks. With a mission of ‘Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Life’, Dahua Technology will continue investing in ‘Innovation, Quality, and Service’, to serve its partners and customers from around the world.

It’s the first quarter of a New Year and businesses are already busy reviewing budgets for ways to save money. One line item that can impact business the most – loss. Employee theft alone is a crime that costs U.S. businesses $50 billion annually*, according to Statistic Brain. So if you aren’t sure who is keeping watch over your property and assets, and how they reduce preventable loss, it might be time for a security audit. According to GuardOne, the security patrol and remote video monitoring company, more than 400,000 businesses in the United States experience theft, robbery, vandalism, and criminal acts each year. The company advises that all businesses should consider the reality that thefts and other crimes can happen on their premises. They note that having the right systems in place can prevent these occurrences. Protecting Employees, Guests And Property We are experts at using video monitoring in conjunction with security guards to maximize coverage while minimizing security costs"“Some types of businesses – such as banks, convenience stores, and high-end retailers – are a natural target for theft. But if you have the right security partner, your employees, guests, and property will be protected,” said Robert Copeland, President and CEO of GuardOne. “We are experts at using video monitoring in conjunction with security guards to maximize coverage while minimizing security costs.” It may be time to reassess your security needs “if” your company is: Experiencing retail shrinkage, equipment, or inventory loss. The National Retail Federation reported that retailers lost nearly $44 billion from theft in 2014, with 34 percent of these crimes committed by employees. Theft accounts for tremendous profit losses for retailers.  A trained guard or surveillance camera will help reduce your losses, increase your profits, create a deterrent for would-be thieves, and help catch criminals in the act. Having issues with squatters, damage or vandalism. If your office, warehouses, parking lots or distribution centers are unattended at night, the risks of vandalism, squatters, and damage rises. Businesses – including car dealerships, warehouses, retail locations, and empty campuses – benefit from security monitoring that deters these crime risks. Experiencing issues with your parking lot, garage or business perimeter. Employees and customers may feel uncomfortable walking to their cars at night, particularly if the parking lot is not well lit or heavily trafficked. Unattended parking lots can attract vandalism, theft, muggings and other crimes to people. A patrolling security guard can reduce these risks, serve as a crime deterrent and ensure the safety of people and property. Located in a high crime location. “High crime” doesn’t necessarily mean a bad neighborhood. It could include a location in a sparsely-populated area that attracts loiterers and vandals. Risk may be reduced through high tech surveillance. Keeping incomplete safety records. Company employees are often tasked with day-to-day record keeping regarding safety, personnel and property, and may not be trained for this task. F or example, if a door is repeatedly left open, a security guard will notice (and record) that pattern. Then, he or she will investigate causes like whether the door’s lock is faulty or if an employee is leaving the door open to sneak back in later. Because the guard works for the security company and not the business, he or she can provide objective third-party records (and testimony) for events like employee termination, liability issues, and workplace injuries. Experiencing heavy traffic. Businesses that have high-volume traffic will benefit from on-site security guards to manage security and liability concerns, check guests’ IDs, log people in and out, handle crowd control, search guests for contraband, and respond to incidents and alarms. Unprepared for emergencies. Security guards are equipped to manage a wide range of emergencies, medical emergencies, natural disasters, terroristic threats and more. They are trained to act quickly, responsibly and sensibly regardless of the circumstance. Experiencing the threat of a lawsuit. Has your company been targeted for frivolous lawsuits or false claims? You may encounter physical fights between employees or customers, harassment claims, or employees ‘faking’ an injury to spark a lawsuit against your business. Security guards and surveillance cameras can protect you from all of these unfortunate scenarios (and more). Assessed by employees as an environment where they don’t feel completely safe. Protect your employees and your property with a high-quality safety system. The right security company will safeguard your assets, protect your employees, and improve your day-to-day business operations by fixing observable problems and delegitimizing false claims. Unreachable during off hours. If you have unreliable security detail that doesn’t always show up for work, won’t answer a call or text or you can’t ever reach loss prevention management, it’s time for a change. Security should be the one thing you don’t have to worry about. If it’s reliable, it just happens.  Preventing Crime And Keeping People Safe “Securing your business helps your staff and customers feel more comfortable, knowing that you’re taking concrete steps to prevent crime and keep them safe. Many companies have found that investing in on-site security was one of the best choices they ever made,” says Copeland.

It has been announced that next year will see IFSEC move to a brand-new dateline of 19 - 21 May and welcome three prestigious events alongside it at ExCeL London; Security & Counter Terror Expo (SCTX), Ambition and Forensics Europe Expo. Focal Point For Security Industry Building on a rich history of the two exhibitions - IFSEC steeped in the trade and commercial security world and Security & Counter Terror Expo immersed in national security – the collaboration of these key events has been designed to meet the strength of demand for a central focal point for the security industry. The additional synergies between the first responder focused, Ambition and Forensics Europe Expo, which currently run alongside SCTX, and FIREX International as well as the wider security community, also lend additional diversity and strength to this new alliance. Extensive Security Products On Display ExCeL London will become the global destination for the security community, pushing the boundaries of security product innovation and expertise ExCeL London will become the global destination for the security community, pushing the boundaries of security product innovation and expertise. 38,000 trade, commercial, public and policing security professionals will unite at one venue to discover the most extensive range of security suppliers on offer. In doing so, the industry will see a single marketplace for the security ecosystem made up of installers, government end users, corporate end users, integrators, manufacturers and distributors. The announcement of the move to stage IFSEC and SCTX together at London’s ExCeL from 2020 is already being warmly welcomed, as the security industry look forward to seeing one sole event for the whole community. “This has come at the perfect time for the security industry. The BSIA are excited to be supporting this major new partnership between the UK’s two leading security exhibitions. We have a long-standing partnership with IFSEC and we look forward to extending our welcome to SCTX.” Mike Reddington, CEO, BSIA Dahua Technology To Participate In IFSEC, SCTX “Dahua is excited to see this partnership between IFSEC and SCTX in 2020. It will provide a rewarding balance of end-users, consultants, installers and integrators. This presents a fantastic opportunity for likeminded end-users and integrators to exchange ideas with manufacturing security professionals.” Steve Norman, Sales Director, Dahua Technology UK & Ireland  “Risk UK, Benchmark and Professional Security Installer welcome the news that Security & Counter Terror Expo is running alongside IFSEC in 2020. We have a long-standing association with this market sector via Risk UK magazine and associated media. We look forward to supporting SCTX and IFSEC in 2020.” Mark Quittenton, Managing Director, Risk UK, Benchmark and Professional Security Installer Magazines Hikvision To Take Part In SCTX And IFSEC 2020 Hikvision are pleased to hear the news that IFSEC and Security & Counter Terror Expo will run alongside each other in 2020" “Hikvision are pleased to hear the news that IFSEC and Security & Counter Terror Expo will run alongside each other in 2020. This is a good move forward for the security community, and we look forward to supporting this.” Justin Hollis, Marketing Director, Hikvision UK & Ireland “IFSEC is always a great success for BRE Global / LPCB and we’re looking forward to showcasing the dynamic Attack Testing Zone to the SCTX and IFSEC 2020.” Richard Flint, LPCB Physical Security Certification Scheme Manager, LPCB / BRE Global Security Industry To Attend “IFSEC never stops surprising me. Great move for the whole security industry, getting SCTX alongside IFSEC in 2020. It’s going to be a massive set of shows.” Roy Cooper, Managing Director, Professional Security Discussing this move for the market, the organizers of IFSEC and SCTX share their thoughts as they announce the culmination of these 18 month-long discussions to co-locate these events. “The security industry is both broad and complex – and in recent years Clarion and UBM have come to realize that in this environment both IFSEC and SCTX had evolved in ways which were seeing them become increasingly complementary in both profile and audience.” said Tim Porter of Clarion Events. SCTX 2020 To Be Global Counter Terror Arena This is a great fit for IFSEC as it strengthens our message of the critical nature of security as a major global issue" ‘’SCTX is by far the most prestigious and market leading event in the counter terror arena, with a proven track record in drawing a high calibre audience of government specifiers, law enforcement and related crime intelligence agencies.” added Gerry Dunphy of IFSEC. “This is a great fit for IFSEC as it strengthens our message of the critical nature of security as a major global issue. IFSEC will also highly complement this offering by continuing to champion integrated security for the trade and commercial markets. The prospect of these events, working in harmony, promoting expertise and guidance for the broader security environment has already been met with immense anticipation by the security community.”  Bringing the events together will offer exhibiting manufacturers and distributors an unrivalled opportunity to access the entire end-to-end security audience, with a greater number of security product buyers in one venue than any other security event across the globe. Over 600 exhibiting companies will join to represent all aspects of the security sector, ranging from the latest developments in commercial and corporate security through to critical national infrastructure and policing.

Governments and corporations face crisis events every day. An active shooter terrorizes a campus. A cyber extortionist holds a city for ransom. A hurricane washes away a key manufacturing facility. Not all critical events rise to the level of these catastrophic emergencies, but a late or inadequate response to even a minor incident can put people, operations and reputations at risk. Effective Response Plan In 2015, for example, the City of Boston experienced several record-breaking snowstorms that forced the city to close the subway system for three days. The extreme decision cost the state $265 million per day and was largely attributed to a lack of preparation and an inadequate response plan by the transportation department. The reputation of the head of the transportation department was so damaged by the decision she was forced to resign. Being able to better predict how the storms would impact the subway system’s aging infrastructure – and having a more effective response plan in place – could have saved the state hundreds of millions of dollars (not to mention the transit chief’s job). A comprehensive critical event management strategy begins before the impact of an event is felt and continues after the immediate crisis has ended. This full lifecycle strategy can be broken into four distinct phases – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Assessing Threats For Prevention Security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictionsIdentifying a threat before it reaches critical mass and understanding how it might impact vital assets is the most difficult challenge facing security professionals. In the past, security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictions. Today, the exact opposite might be true – there is too much data! With crime and incident data coming from law enforcement agencies, photos and videos coming from people on the front line, topics trending on social media and logistical information originating from internal systems it can be almost impossible to locate a real signal among all the noise and chatter. Being able to easily visualize all this intelligence data within the context of an organization’s assets is vital to understand the relationship between threat data and the individuals or facilities in harm’s way. Social Media Monitoring Free tools like Google Maps or satellite imagery from organizations like AccuWeather, for example, can help understand how fast a storm is closing in on a manufacturing facility, or how close an active shooter is to a school. Their usefulness, however, is limited to a few event types and they provide only a very macro view of the crisis. Data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile Critical event management (CEM) platforms, however, are designed specifically to manage critical events of all types and provide much greater visibility. Internal and external data sources (weather, local and national emergency management, social media monitoring software, security cameras, etc.) are integrated into these platforms and their data is visualised on a threat map. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting and don’t lose time trying to make sense of intelligence reports. The more they can see on a ‘single pane of glass,’ the faster they can initiate the appropriate response. Locating A Threat Once a threat has been deemed a critical event, the next step is to find the people who might be impacted – employees/residents in danger, first responders and key stakeholders (e.g., senior executives or elected officials who need status updates). Often, this requires someone on the security team to access an HR contact database and initiate a call tree to contact each person individually, in a specific hierarchical order. This can be a time-consuming and opaque process. There is no information on the proximity of that person to the critical event, or if a person has skills such as CPR that could aid in the response. Ensuring ahead of time that certifications, skill sets, or on-call availability is included with contact information can save valuable time in the middle of a crisis response. Going even further, data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile of where a person just was and where he or she might be going in a CEM platform. This information can be visualized on the threat map and help determine who is actually in danger and who can respond the fastest. The emergency response then becomes targeted and more effective. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting Acting And Automating The third step is to act and automate processes. If there is a tornado closing in on a town, for example, residents should not have to wait for manual intervention before a siren is activated or a message sent out. Organizations can build and execute their standing operating procedures (SOPs) fully within a CEM platform. Sirens, alarms, digital signs and messages can all be automatically activated based on event type, severity and location. Using the tornado example, an integration with a weather forecasting service could trigger the command to issue a tornado warning for a specific community if it is in the path of the storm. Summon Security Guards Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert. All communications with impacted individuals can be centralized within the platform and automated based on SOP protocols. This also includes inbound communications from first responders and impacted individuals. An employee confronted by an assailant in a parking garage could initiate an SOS alert from his or her mobile phone that would automatically summon security guards to the scene. Conference lines can also be instantly created to enable collaboration and speed response time. Additionally, escalation policies are automatically engaged if a protocol is broken. For example, during an IT outage, if the primary network engineer does not respond in two minutes, a designated backup is automatically summoned. Eliminating manual steps from SOPs reduces the chance for human error and increases the speed and effectiveness of critical event responses. Analysis Of A Threat Looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again It’s not uncommon for security and response teams to think that a critical event is over once the immediate crisis has ended. After all, they are often the ones pushing themselves to exhaustion and sometimes risking life and limb to protect their neighbours, colleagues, community reputations and company brands. They need and deserve a rest. In the aftermath of a critical event, however, it’s important to review the effectiveness of the response and look for ways to drive improvements. Which tasks took too long? What resources were missing? How many times did people respond quickly? With a CEM platform, team performance, operational response, benchmarking data and notification analysis are all captured within the system and are available in a configurable dashboard or in after-action reports for analysis. Continuously looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again, but it will also improve response effectiveness when unforeseen events strike. Coordinate Emergency Response Virtually every organization has some form of response plan to triage a critical event and restore community order or business operations. While many of these plans are highly effective in providing a structure to command and coordinate emergency response, they are reactive in nature and don’t account for the full lifecycle of a critical event – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Whether it’s a large-scale regional emergency or a daily operational issue such as an IT outage, a comprehensive critical event management strategy will minimize the impact by improving visibility, collaboration and response.

Facial recognition has a long history dating back to the 1800s. To track down criminals, such as infamous bandits Jesse Woodson James and Billy the Kid, law enforcement would place “Wanted Alive or Dead” posters advertising bounties and soliciting public cooperation to help locate and even apprehend the alleged criminals. In addition to the bounty, these posters would include a photo and brief description of the crime, which would then be circulated to law enforcement agencies around the country and displayed in every US Post Office to speed up apprehension. Facial Recognition Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology have led to the widespread use of computerised facial recognitionToday, technology such as social media, television and other more specialized communication networks play a more influential role in the recognition process. Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology, including the development of Machine Learning capabilities, have led to increased accuracy, accessibility and the widespread use of computerized facial recognition. The significance of this means that facial recognition can occur on an even larger scale and in more challenging environments. This article will explore key milestones and technological advances that have resulted in the modern incarnation of facial recognition, before discussing the capabilities of cutting-edge “one-to-many” technology which is increasingly being used by counter-terror defense, police and security forces around the world. Technology Inception And Developments The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour, which was considered very impressive at the time The 1960s marked the start of computerized facial recognition, when Woodrow Wilson (Woody) Bledsoe developed a way to classify faces using gridlines. Bledsoe’s facial recognition still required a large amount of human involvement because a person had to extract the co-ordinates of the face’s features from a photograph and enter this information into a computer. The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour (each face took approximately 90 seconds to be matched) which was considered very impressive at the time. By the end of the 1960s, facial recognition had seen further development at the Stanford Research Institute where the technology proved to outperform humans in terms of accuracy of recognition (humans are notoriously bad at recognizing people they don’t know). By the end of the century, the leading player in the field was a solution that came out of the University of Bochum in Germany – and the accuracy of this technology was such that it was even sold on to bank and airport customers. From this stage on, the facial recognition market began to blossom, with error rates of automatic facial recognition systems decreasing by a factor of 272 from 1993 to 2010 according to US Government-sponsored evaluations. The aim for facial technology is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware Modern Usage Of Facial Recognition Fast-forward to the modern day and facial recognition has become a familiar technology when using applications such as the iPhone X’s Face ID capability or MasterCard Identity Check, passport e-gates at airports and other security and access control points. These solutions implement a consensual form of identity verification, as the user has a vested interest in being identified. This is a “one-to-one” facial recognition event, one person in front of the camera being compared to one identity either on a passport or the app. In these scenarios, the hardware is specifically developed for the application at hand, therefore technically much easier to accomplish. Facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments The safety and security world brings a much more complex problem to solve – how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve. It’s even more challenging when the aim is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware. And unlike in the 1960’s where identifying a face every 90 seconds was acceptable; the safety and security market requires near instant feedback on who a person matched against a watchlist is. Security And Safety Applications The idea behind all facial recognition technologies is broadly the same: you start with an image of a person’s face (ideally a high quality one, although machine learning means that to a point we can now even use video without reducing accuracy). A fully front facing image is best, think a passport photo, but machine learning and new software has made this more flexible. An algorithm converts this image into a numeric template, which cannot be converted back to an image and so represents a secure one way system. Every numeric template is different, even if it started out as an image of the same person, although templates from the same person are more similar than templates from different people. The accuracy of facial recognition continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments What happens next sounds simple although the technology is extremely complex: templates of people’s faces are taken in real time and compared to those in the database. The technology identifies individuals by matching the numeric template of their face with all the templates saved in a database in a matter of seconds or milliseconds. To put this into perspective, imagine you are at the turnstiles of a busy train station looking for a person on the run. Today’s facial recognition technology would be able to identify that person should they pass in view of a CCTV camera, as well as notify the police of any additional persons of interest, whether they are a known terrorist or missing vulnerable person on an entirely separate watch list. Because of technical progression, facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments, from identifying barred hooligans attempting entry at a football stadium or helping self-excluded gamblers at casino to overcome addiction. Real-Time Assessments The latest evolution of facial recognition pits the technology against an even more challenging application – directly matching individuals from body worn cameras for real time recognition for police officers on the beat. This capability equips first responders with the ability to detect a person from a photo and verify their identity with assurance. The broader implication for this means that every interaction, such as stop and search or arrest, can be supported by real-time facial recognition which will see cases of mistaken identity driven down on the streets. First responders can now for the first time be deployed and furnished with the ability to identify wider groups of people of interest with a degree of accuracy that previously relied only on the fallible human memory. As the accuracy of the technology continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments, its ability to support government initiatives and law enforcement means the debate about the lawful and appropriate use of facial recognition must be addressed. Facial recognition should not be everywhere looking for everyone, but when used properly it has the potential to improve public safety and we should make the most of its potential.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology Overview And Early Adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations At Critical Infrastructure Sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial Applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation And Advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New Market Opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-Sensor Thermal Solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

School shootings continue, as does a search for answers. What solutions are there to prevent school shootings and/or to improve the response (and thus minimize the death toll)?  In the physical security industry, we like to think we have solutions that can help, if not “solve”, the problem, but realistically speaking, how effective are they at the end of the day? We like to think we have solutions that can help, if not “solve”, the problem: but how effective are they at the end of the day? The sad answer – even after dozens of school shootings and even in the wrenching aftermath of the latest one – is that we don’t know. There is a gaping lack of knowledge and research when it comes to measuring the effectiveness of preventative measures as they relate to school shootings. Scarce Resources For Preventative Measures The dearth of knowledge on the subject leaves schools at risk of spending scarce resources on measures that don’t have any real impact, or worse, that have a negative effect on education environments. The natural impulse following a school shooting is to do something – anything – to prevent the tragedy from happening again at any school, but especially at my school. But how is money best spent?Successful businesses are a good thing, but not at the expense of misspending education resources on solutions that don’t solve anything Congress has passed the Stop School Violence Act of 2018 to provide $50 million per year to develop programs to train students, teachers and law enforcement to prevent violence, and to create anonymous reporting systems, such as hot lines, for school violence threats. The bill authorizes another $25 million for improvements to school’s physical security infrastructures. Congress also provides $1.1 billion in Title IV block grants, which districts can use to pay for diverse needs such as security systems. Several states are providing additional funding for physical safety measures and campus police, and local districts are also stretching their budgets to address security concerns. But is that money being targeted to measures that will help the situation? What is the role of technology in preventing school violence, and are we as an industry at risk of over-selling our preventative capabilities and diverting money from other measures that might have more impact? Successful businesses are a good thing, but not at the expense of misspending education resources on solutions that don’t solve anything. More metal detectors, armed guards and police officers could cause anxiety in some students and even interfere with the learning process Studies On School Safety And Protection Researchers, advocates and educators gathered this fall at American University to consider the need for better research to inform decision-making on safety, reported Education Week.The field is in desperate need of more evidence on what works, and schools want this information presented to them" A 2016 study by the Rand Corp. points to the problem: Lack of data and research on what works and what doesn’t. “Despite growth in the school safety-technology sector, rigorous research about the effectiveness of these technologies is virtually non-existent,” according to Rand. “The field is in desperate need of more evidence on what works, and schools want this information presented to them in vetted, digestible ways to help them with procurement.” Jeremy Finn, a professor of education at the University of Buffalo, has pointed out the difficulty of assessing the effectiveness of measures designed to deter events that likely won’t occur anyway. “How do you know when you have deterred a school shooting?” he asks. “It didn’t happen.” The Effects On Our Students  Might technologies aimed at making schools more secure have an adverse effect on the learning environment? More metal detectors, armed guards and police officers could cause anxiety in some students and even interfere with the learning process. The physical security industry should freely acknowledge that the technologies we offer are only part of the solution to school violence Do security measures aimed at preventing active shooting incidents absorb resources that might better be used to address a more general and/or likely security threat such as vandalism or student discipline? Theoretically, security measures in general should help to prevent the probability of an active shooter at the same time they are addressing a wider range of concerns and threats. But do they? At the very least, we in the physical security market should be aware, and should freely acknowledge, that the technologies we offer are only part of the solution to school violence. Schools should take the broadest possible approach to the range of security challenges, and technology should be one tool among many. Furthermore, better data to measure what works is sorely needed to illuminate the best path forward.

I have been thinking a lot about the U.S. government’s ban on video surveillance technologies by Hikvision and Dahua. In general, I question the wisdom and logic of the ban and am frankly puzzled as to how it came to be. Allow me to elaborate. Chinese Camera Manufacturers Reality check: The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse. Before the government ban, you occasionally heard about some government entities deciding not to use cameras manufactured by Chinese companies, although the reasons were mostly “in an abundance of caution.”  Even so, I find the targeting of two Chinese companies – three if you count Hytera Communications, a mobile radio manufacturer – in a huge government military spending bill to be a little puzzling. I can’t quite picture how these specific companies got on Congress’s radar. The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced (by a Missouri congresswoman) into the House version of the bill? And after the ban was left out of the Senate version, was there a new wave of discussions to ensure it was included in the joint House-Senate version (with some minor changes, and who negotiated those?). It all seems a little random. Concerns For The U.S. Furthermore, the U.S. ban solves neither of the two main concerns that are generally used as its justification: Concern: Cybersecurity. The U.S. ban “solves” the issue of cybersecurity only if both of the following statements are true. No security system that uses a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. Any system that does not use a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced into the House version of the bill? The ban ignores the breadth and complexity of cybersecurity and instead offers up two companies as scapegoats. Our industry has sought to address cybersecurity, and the one principle that has guided that effort is that cybersecurity is an issue that must be addressed by manufacturers, consultants, integrators and end users – in effect, everyone in the industry. Cybersecurity does not begin and end with the manufacturer and banning any manufacturers from the market does not ensure better cybersecurity. Concern: “Untrustworthy” Chinese companies. Hikvision and Dahua are only two Chinese companies. Any response to concerns about whether Chinese companies are trustworthy would need to cover many more companies that manufacture their products in China. Australian TV recently claimed that “All Chinese companies pose a risk. Because of Chinese laws, there is a requirement for companies to be engaged in espionage on behalf of the state.” Even if one embraces that extreme view, the logic fails when only two companies are targeted. One source told me that 60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, so it’s a much bigger issue than two companies.The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras And is U.S. security at risk unless or until it is cut off from more than half of the world’s supply of video cameras? Even Western camera companies manufacture some of their cameras and/or components in China. Why name only two (or three) companies, only one of which has ties to the Chinese government? If the goal of the U.S. ban was to address the possibility of cybersecurity and/or espionage by the Chinese government, shouldn’t there be other companies and product categories included? Clearly, video surveillance is not the only category that has the potential for abuse. The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras. Global Response To U.S. Ban And now that the U.S. ban has been passed, how is the ban being misused to justify a new level of alarm about Chinese companies? Australian television effortlessly made the leap from “software backdoors” to a concerted and organized effort by the Chinese government to use cameras to be the “number one country for espionage.” And it’s not just about government facilities: “Even on the street, [cameras] have the potential to inadvertently contribute toward Chinese espionage activity by providing real-time information about the situation on the ground,” says the Australian TV report. If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies? If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies, or at least those with electronics or computer products that could be used for espionage? What about the espionage potential of the 70% of mobile phones that are made in China? What about other consumer electronics such as PCs or smart TVs? How many government facilities that are eliminating Dahua and Hikvision cameras have employees who use iPhones or use other electronic equipment from China? Artificial Intelligence & IP-Over-Coax Also, consider the impact of the ban on business. Hikvision and Dahua have had many successes in the video surveillance market, including in the U.S. market. They have added value to many integrators and end user customers. They have been on the forefront of important trends such as artificial intelligence and IP-over-coax. And, yes, they have made technologies available at lower prices.Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just Hikvision and Dahua Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just these two, and both Hikvision and Dahua have worked to fix past problems, and to raise awareness of cybersecurity concerns in general. Is a U.S. ban on two companies an appropriate response to a series of geo-political concerns that are much bigger than those two companies (and bigger than our entire market)? Should two companies take the brunt of the anti-Chinese backlash? Video Surveillance Cameras Is the video surveillance market as a whole better or worse for the presence of Hikvision and Dahua? Is it up to the U.S. government to make that call? In some ways, thoughts of Chinese espionage are a sign of these uncertain political times. Fear of video surveillance is perfectly congruent with long-standing anxieties about “Big Brother;” suspicion about China taking over our video cameras just rings true at a time when Russia is (supposedly) controlling our elections. But should two companies be targeted while broader concerns are shrugged off?

One factor aggravating concerns about workplace violence in corporate America is the easy availability of firearms. In many states, citizens, including employees, have the right to carry firearms onto a company’s property even though firearms are prohibited in the workplace. In effect, an employee prone to violence may have a firearm as near as their vehicle in the company parking lot. Currently, 23 states in the U.S. have so-called “parking lot storage” laws, which enable employees to store firearms in their vehicle’s trunk or glove compartment despite any corporate ban on weaponry. The laws have evolved as an expression of the Second Amendment “Right to Bear Arms” in the last decade or so. There is some variance in the laws from state to state, but they generally allow a citizen to carry a gun to and from work and keep it stored out of sight in their vehicle.Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual conference and trade show  Employee Second Amendment Rights “The laws contend that employees should not have to give up their Second Amendment rights between home and the workplace and should be able to have a gun with them for protection from their front door at home to the front door of the workplace,” says Eddie Sorrells, Chief Operating Office/General Council of DSI Security Services. Sorrells will speak about the current state of the laws, how they came about, the nuances of state-to-state differences, and the possible impact on overall corporate security in a session titled “Employees Who Carry: Preventing Workplace Violence” at the upcoming GSX conference in Las Vegas, September 23-27. Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual conference and trade show, attended by more than 22,000 security professionals from 100-plus countries. Sorrells’ session will be Sept. 24 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Restrictions On Gun Visibility Employees may think the “right to carry” extends to the workplace, but the right only extends to the parking lot. The company still has the right to ban guns inside the premises. However, it is unlawful in some states for companies to search vehicles in parking lots, and companies who do so are violating the law, says Sorrells. Among the various state laws, some exempt public education institutions and other public venues. Depending on how the laws are written, there may be other exemptions, too. In Florida, for example, the law exempts any organizations that have explosives on site. With weapons on a company's property, a high-risk termination could potentially become violent Most laws require weapons to be stored securely out of sight. However, in Alabama, for example, it is legal to store validly permitted guns in full view during hunting season, Sorrells says. A resident of Alabama himself, Sorrells has been in the contract security business for 27 years, working mostly in multi-state operations. He has worked for 500 or so corporate security organizations throughout the country and is a practicing attorney who has studied issues of workplace violence and active shooters. “There is a political element to these laws, which were created with the goal of protecting Second Amendment rights,” says Sorrells, who says he sees arguments on both sides of the issue. However, political opinions aside, “if you’re a business owner, you have to contend with dozens of weapons on a company’s property,” he adds. “That could be an issue if a high-risk termination could potentially become violent. You have to assume there is a weapon in that person’s vehicle.” Sorrells' session will dive into the case law and illuminate some of the legal issues and how courts have addressed them GSX Education Program After the session, Sorrells hopes attendees will take away a good working knowledge of the state of the laws, how to comply with the laws, and issues such as posting of signs. The session will dive into the case law and illuminate some of the legal issues and how courts have addressed them. The timely session is an example of the valuable information attendees can gain by attending GSX. Sorrells has been attending the yearly ASIS International Conference and Exhibits for more than 20 years, at least since the mid-1990s. As the pre-eminent security organization around the world, ASIS International provides unrivalled educational and networking opportunities at the yearly conference, he says. “There is a vast amount of networking and educational offerings on a wide variety of topics, including technology, legal issues, risk management, workplace violence, consulting, and anything under the sun,” says Sorrells. The newly branded GSX education program is led by subject matter experts from ASIS International, InfraGard (a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation), and ISSA (Information Systems Security Association). Sessions will deliver valuable, actionable takeaways to help attendees shape their security strategies. There will also be an exhibition of 550-plus suppliers and manufacturers highlighting the latest security solutions.

Apstec Systems (Apstec) announces that its Human Security Radar (HSR) system will be deployed at the Palexpo Exhibition and Congress Centre in Geneva to improve safety and security for the International Motor Show 2019. Asptec’s HSR system is the world’s first fully automatic real-time mass people screening solution. Held over a period of ten days, the Geneva International Motor Show is one of the automotive industry’s flagship events and attracts large numbers of visitors every year. The organisers are anticipating up to three-quarters of a million visitors over the duration of this year’s event, with capacity reaching 150,000 attendees a day during peak times. Largest Conference Centres The Palexpo is one of the largest conference centres in Europe, and as such has a duty of care to its visitors HSR is uniquely well suited to managing this level of throughput and providing a high level of security without causing disruption to the flow of visitors into the venue, or negatively impacting their experience. Two HSR systems will be deployed for the show, each capable of screening up to 10,000 people per hour. The Palexpo is one of the largest conference centres in Europe, and as such has a duty of care to its visitors. Traditional security checkpoints or manual searches, which scan one individual at a time, are not suited to large venues and public places, leading to queues and delays. Although security is still paramount, attention has moved towards the need to add a critical level of defense that doesn’t impede visitor experience. Cost-effective solution HSR was designed to address this challenge, and offers a practical and cost-effective solution to security screening in high footfall scenarios. The first fully automated, real-time mass screening solution, HSR provides seamless security to protect public places from terrorist attacks. Developed by specialists in the fields of radio physics, electronics and software engineering, the walkthrough system has been built in conjunction with authorities and ‘end users’ in security and counter-terrorism. HSR screens for mass casualty threats including improvised explosive devices concealed on the body or in body-worn bags, and firearms wherever they are carried, without the need for an operator to inspect suspect materials.  It leverages centimeter wave technology, meaning it can discriminate explosives from benign materials, with a high degree of accuracy. Security screening The Palexpo’s deployment of HSR is the latest major implementation of this new technology Gregory Labzovsky, CEO, Apstec, explained: “Until recently, it’s been almost impossible to secure public spaces in a simple and cost-effective way, with existing approaches to security screening proving to be impractical, inconvenient and expensive to operate. HSR enables venue owners to close a critical security capability gap without impacting the experience of their patrons. We’re delighted to be working with The Geneva International Motor Show to enhance safety for thousands of motoring exhibitors and enthusiasts.” The Palexpo’s deployment of HSR is the latest major implementation of this new technology. The system has been installed in some of the world’s busiest airports, as well as in sports stadiums, entertainment venues, mass transport hubs and networks.

Brazilian infrastructure company Companhia Energética de Pernambuco (CELPE) is the main supplier of electricity in the country’s Northeastern state of Pernambuco. Headquartered in the state capital Recife, one of the most important economic and urban hubs in the country, CELPE serves a population of more than 8,8 million inhabitants in the 184 municipalities of Pernambuco. As part of the Brazilian government’s commitment to clean energy, the CELPE grid also contains several hydropower plants at rivers across the state. Detecting And Deterring Power Thefts Providing electricity to private customers and industrial clients in the expansive region requires a 136,762 kilometers distribution network and 4,386 kilometers of transmission lines. As critical parts of the power infrastructure, CELPE operates 240 substations across Pernambuco. But as most of these stations are located in remote areas, the last few years saw an alarming increase of vandalism and theft of expensive power cables. Looking to safeguard its vital infrastructure, CELPE needed an integrated security solution that achieved three goals: firstly, keep out criminals and alert police upon security breaches. Secondly, provide seamless access control for the 300 maintenance teams in the field. And thirdly, connect fire alarm, communications, and voice evacuation on an integrated system that allows for remote management from CELPE headquarters. Bosch Video Security And Intrusion Detection Systems  For video security, Bosch installed its AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras, integrated via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) As a one-stop solutions provider, Bosch won the contract for equipping sixteen substations with video security systems, access control, communications, fire alarm and voice evacuation as well as intrusion alarm connected on the Building Integration System (BIS). For video security, Bosch installed its AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras, integrated via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS). The fire alarm revolves around smoke and heat detectors, while for voice alarm and evacuation, Plena Mixer Amplifiers are connected to driver loudspeakers. All systems and cameras are monitored by security personnel at the company’s control center in Recife. IP Cameras With Built-In Video Analytics For added security, selected cameras feature built-in video analytics to automatically set off intruder alarms and alert authorities. The system also fulfills the key customer requirement for remote management via the management system BIS (Building Integration System), including administration of user credentials and access rights for the 300 maintenance teams serving various substation sites. Successfully installed at sixteen stations in Pernambuco, the Bosch solution has proven to be an asset for CELPE and its personnel. Aside from safeguarding valuable infrastructure against criminals, the system has also streamlined communications among the service teams in the region by including elements such as conferencing and automatic alerts for fires and intrusions through a messenger system. The remote management of user access rights at the substations has enhanced the overall service level and prevented security breaches. Satisfied with the end-to-end solution, CELPE has now commissioned Bosch to equip approximately 240 electrical substations over the next years.

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announces that the longest operating and only remaining studio in Hollywood has implemented Delta Scientific's bollards and beam barricades to keep visitors and staff free from harm of terrorists and errant drivers. The 100 year-old facility features 30 stages throughout Paramount Studios' 65-acre complex. Perimeter Security Group installed the high security equipment at five different locations. Aesthetically Pleasing Solution We reviewed their facilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards""Paramount Studios asked us to create an aesthetically pleasing solution that would stop unauthorized vehicle entry at these five places but would still let production vehicles through when needed," reports Troy Blood, senior physical security professional at Perimeter Security Group. "With all the news of terrorists using vehicles as weapons against people, Paramount Studios recognized that they, too, could be a high profile target. We reviewed their facilities and vulnerabilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards. Paramount wanted the job done quickly and at night so we wouldn't disturb tourists or shoots." Standard Traffic Controls The high-strength wire rope of the sturdy TT212 beam barricade will stop a large or fast-moving vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds at 40 mph (2722 kg at 64 kph). The beam is raised to let the passage of authorized vehicles through and, then, lowered to protect cars or trucks from entering. The TT212 beam barricades are very popular and seen at many nations' embassies throughout the world. Manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered"They are also selected for government facilities, restricted or reserved parking areas, impound yards, freight terminals, shipping and receiving docks, storage and warehouse entrances, arms depots and other places where standard traffic controls or gates are not capable of resisting such high crash forces or vandalism.         Manually-Operated Bollards Paramount Studios also selected Delta's stylish manually operated DSC800 crash rated bollards for those areas in which vehicle passages are infrequent. The DSC800 will stop a 15,000 pound vehicle at 30 mph (6804 kg at 48 kph). They specified a model with classy cast aluminum decorative sleeves, which slip right over the crash tube. If ever damaged, Paramount will simply slip off the old and slip on the new sleeve. "Versus hydraulic or pneumatic operation, manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective for this application because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered. As a result, this expedited installation because there were no motors or power to contend with and also eliminated the need to work with any additional trades, such as electrical. All we needed to do was to make the barriers plumb."

Hoverfly Technologies Inc., global supplier of tether-powered aerial drone systems, is pleased to announce it has engaged retired Deputy Chief of Los Angeles Police Department Mike Hillmann to consult and provide expertise to Hoverfly and public safety officials of cities, counties and special law enforcement agencies who are considering the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to assist in keeping their cities safe. Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety “With 24-hour news cycles, a never-ending stream of social media posts, mid-term elections and potential threats to the public at large, getting fast, accurate situational awareness from the air during an incident has never been more important when it comes to keeping the public safe. We are thrilled to have Chief Hillmann advising on use cases and how best to implement and integrate this new technology,” says Hoverfly SVP of Systems, Lew Pincus.  When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety and the safety of those who serve our communities. Aerial/Drone Surveillance He adds, “We typically have relied on manned aircraft to provide aerial coverage over a variety of incidents. On occasion, those assets have not always been available, deemed too disruptive or too expensive to deploy in certain situations where an aerial view clearly could have helped an incident commander better understand the situation. Deploying small tether-powered, highly portable, unobtrusive persistent cameras positioned high above the scene can now be used as either a standalone capability or integrated system with existing networks, security infrastructure and even manned aircraft.” Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying dronesToday, Mr. Hillmann is helping chiefs of police, local city and county officials and other public safety personnel understand how Hoverfly’s tether-powered LiveSky systems can be deployed from police or EMS vehicles providing incident commanders with actionable intelligence from high above the scene within minutes of arrival. “Tactically, having the ability to stay in the air monitoring the situation from above for hours, days, even weeks at a time represents an amazing capability we never had before. During my career, I can think of hundreds of situations where having a drone in the air to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance would have helped keep my officers and the community much safer. It’s a force multiplier that should be exploited by public safety,” says Hillmann. Hoverfly’s LiveSky Systems Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying drones because they operate using a standard 120VAC power source or vehicle inverter. The power, command and control information and video are transmitted over the tether making the entire system completely secure from jamming, hacking or spoofing, ensuring the privacy of the data and improving safety. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Hoverfly systems is they are autonomous and require no piloting skills. The CEO of Hoverfly likes to say, “if you can operate an elevator, you can operate our LiveSky system.” 

Hospitality businesses work to provide a safe and pleasant customer experience for their guests. Hotels offer a “home away from home” for millions of guests every day around the world. These are businesses of many sizes and types, providing services ranging from luxury accommodations to simple lodging for business travelers to family vacation experiences. Hospitality businesses also include restaurants, bars, movie theaters and other venues. Security needs are varied and require technologies that span a wide spectrum. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of the hospitality market?

Enterprise customers provide a large, and very lucrative, business opportunity for the physical security market. These customers include big global companies with plenty of revenue to spend and employees and facilities to protect. As a group, enterprise customers also tend to be a demanding lot, requiring systems that are large, scalable, that can operate across a wide geographic area, and that provide top-notch system performance. Enterprise customers set the standards of performance for the entire market, and they challenge manufacturers to up their game. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable to reflect on the industry’s biggest customers: What are the security challenges of the enterprise market?

It seems there are more “bad things” happening than ever before. We hear news every day of workplace shootings and terrorist attacks, of smash-and-grab thefts and child abductions. Beyond the possible human tragedy involved, such events pose a persistent question to anyone involved in the realm of security: Could we have prevented it? The first step toward prevention is to predict or foresee an event before it happens. Too often, technology enters the picture after the fact, most commonly the use of forensic video. Isn’t there more our industry can do before such events occur? We put the question to this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security systems be used to predict bad things before they happen?