Public security

i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security), a pioneer in professional security, public safety and medical applications, announced that it has signed an agreement with Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. to take over the wholesale and marketing functions for i-PRO products in the Japanese market, which are currently managed by Panasonic Connect. The transition is scheduled to be completed on March 31, 2026, following the necessary regulatory approvals. Advanced security products Since becoming independent from Panasonic in 2019 through a capital partnership with Polaris Capital Group Co., Ltd., i-PRO has focused on developing and manufacturing advanced security products, while sales in the Japanese market have been conducted through Panasonic Connect. At the same time, they have also made efforts to develop the own sales channels. By taking over the wholesale and marketing functions for the products from Panasonic Connect, i-PRO will strengthen its sales structure in the Japanese market and integrate development, manufacturing, and sales into a unified organization. This integration will enhance responsiveness to market needs, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce competitiveness in the Japanese market. This approach aligns with the regionally integrated management model that i-PRO has been implementing globally since 2019. Expected synergies Expected synergies include the following: Promote collaboration among manufacturing, product development, and sales to swiftly reflect market needs in products. Accelerate the deployment of global solutions in the Japanese market by promoting personnel exchanges with overseas offices. Enhance customer value and strengthen competitiveness through a more efficient and integrated value chain. Improve the quality of sales, proposals, and after-sales service. Increase operational speed by simplifying business processes. i-PRO products via Panasonic Connect As of April 1, 2026, approximately 500 dealers who currently procure i-PRO products via Panasonic Connect will begin conducting business directly with i-PRO. Contracts with end-users purchasing through Panasonic Connect or Electric Works Company (Panasonic Corporation) will remain unchanged. i-PRO will continue to build long-term relationships with customers and deliver reliable, high-quality products and solutions that contribute to a safer and more secure society.

More than three-quarters of Americans (77.4%) believe gun detection technology should be deployed in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces, according to new survey data released now.  The national survey shows strong support for incorporating camera-based gun detection into existing video surveillance systems. Gun detection technology An overwhelming majority of parents (86%) said they would feel more confident sending their children to schools equipped with gun detection technology.  Office workers across the nation mirrored this sentiment, with 74.4% of workers in the U.S. saying they feel safer working in offices that have gun detection technology in place. The findings arrive one week after Eagle Eye Networks launched its AI-powered gun detection to make communities safer. Key survey findings 77.4% of Americans believe AI-powered gun detection should be deployed in schools, workplaces, and houses of worship. 86% of parents said they would feel more confident sending their children to schools equipped with gun detection technology. 76.3% of workers nationwide reported feeling safer in offices with gun detection technology. Respondents expressed broad support for integrating gun detection tools with existing video surveillance systems as part of comprehensive safety measures, with 90% of Americans, regardless of political party, saying they would feel more confident if schools had gun detection integrated with video surveillance. Pioneers across sectors echoed the sentiment: “I believe parents and teachers are reassured that technology is in place in our school that can help protect students and staff from threats before they escalate. And I’m especially pleased that we can use existing cameras for Eagle Eye Gun Detection,” Jeffrey Tull, Technology Director, Socorro Schools, Socorro, New Mexico. “Congregations gather in trust and faith, and today's security technology like that of Eagle Eye can help protect those sacred spaces and ease people's minds,” Jack Ely, Building Coordinator, St. Julian of Norwich Episcopal Church, Austin. Implementing AI-based gun detection “The survey results reflect widespread public demand to address gun violence at scale,” said Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks. “Implementing AI-based gun detection can give schools and businesses valuable time to take action and potentially save lives in an active shooter situation.”

ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of AI-based gun detection pioneer ZeroEyes, launched ZeroEyes Aerial Detection Kit (ZAD), a portable, drone-based AI threat detection and intelligent situational awareness solution designed for public safety agencies.  The kit provides operators with a stand-alone drone solution that can be deployed in minutes from agencies' existing drone platforms to detect firearms, people, vehicles, drones, and maritime vessels. Rapid integration with drones Outdoor spaces are among the most challenging environments to protect due to their size and open nature, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential gun-related violence. ZeroEyes Aerial Detection addresses this critical need with layered advanced AI analytics that detect threats in real time through a drone's live camera feed. To provide confidence and situational awareness, detections can be viewed instantly by law enforcement or security personnel and dispatched immediately to on-site staff when detections are made. Rapid integration with drones ensures that first responders or federal agencies are quickly informed of on-scene security threats, allowing for appropriate response posture to the current situation. ZeroEyes Aerial Detection Kit The kit enhances drone operations for a variety of scenarios, including drone response, event and perimeter security, armed assailants, suspect and article searches, barricaded gunmen, hostage situations, and domestic disputes. Providing immediate detections and alerting improves law enforcement situational awareness and personnel safety. ZeroEyes Aerial Detection Kit integrates seamlessly with existing drones and drone programs, and comes equipped with a carry-on case and a ZeroEyes laptop to stream video and deliver automated alerts to dispatch or operations centers via LTE, Wi-Fi, or mesh radio. It connects to drone feeds or controllers through HDMI, IP address, RTSP or Headsets, and is compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act and protected by DHS SAFETY Act designation. New drone solution “Protecting outdoor spaces is one of the greatest challenges in security today,” said Dustin Kisling, Executive Vice President of ZE Government Solutions. “With our new drone solution, we can detect potential threats in real time and provide verified alerts, giving organizations and the public the confidence that help is on the way when it matters most.”

Securitas UK has announced Daniel Slade has been appointed as the Regional Operational Lead for City Security Council London Group (CSC). With effect from 1 January 2026, Daniel will support in advancing the CSC’s mission of intelligence sharing, coordinated crisis response, and close partnership with the City of London Police. Alongside his new CSC responsibilities, Daniel continues to serve as Area Director for London within Securitas UK, where he has led multiple client sites through cultural change, innovation, and commercial growth for the past 16 years. CSC’s key objective Having long supported the CSC, Daniel is highly motivated by the group’s crucial role in supporting emergency services during major incidents – work he is passionate about progressing in his new leadership position. Known for his “people-first” leadership style, Daniel has more than 22 years of experience in security operations and strategic partnerships, earning a reputation for trust, collaboration, and customer focus. He has also served as an executive sponsor for major global, European, and UK accounts, ensuring aligned priorities and shared success for clients and partners. The CSC’s key objective is to foster collaborative partnerships between city-based security companies and the City of London Police to provide support whenever there is a major incident, crisis, or significant event, which affect the City of London. Collaboration across security businesses Daniel Slade, Area Director, London and Southeast, Securitas UK said: "I am honored to take on this role with the CSC. I have always believed that resilience stems from unity, and I look forward to working with our partners to strengthen security, support our communities, and enhance public confidence across London." “I have supported the CSC for some time; they drive true collaboration across security businesses within the City of London, which is an important support driver for the emergency services." Security experts across a wide range of functions David Ward, Founder of the City Security Council, said: "Our leadership teams bring together security experts across a wide range of functions, from risk and intelligence professionals to seasoned operators." “We are united by our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our cities and communities. We’re delighted to welcome Daniel and confident he will bring exceptional leadership and vision to this role."

At IACP 2025, at booth #1085, Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, will showcase its latest public safety solutions that help law enforcement agencies and security professionals unify operations, streamline investigations, and enhance situational awareness. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to experience first-hand demonstrations of Genetec Cloudrunner™,  Citigraf™, and Clearance™, exploring how these solutions provide a connected and proactive approach to public safety.  Cloudrunner: New mapping tools Cloudrunner has vehicle-based investigative abilities, enhanced by new mapping functionality features Cloudrunner delivers vehicle-based investigative capabilities, enhanced by new mapping functionality features. These tools provide investigators with an intuitive way to visualize automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) data, uncover movement patterns, and locate vehicles of interest. The system also enables investigators to view all nearby connected Cloudrunner cameras and request access to third-party cameras directly from the interface. This strengthens collaboration and helps law enforcement agencies, businesses, and security stakeholders expand their investigative reach. Clearance: Enhance collaboration with digital evidence management Clearance enables agencies to collect, manage, and securely share digital evidence, reducing reliance on DVDs and shared drives. Clearance can support different sources of evidence, such as images, forensic data, video and audio recordings, documents, and license plate reports, all organized into cases to improve investigative efficiency. The evidence can also be shared for collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Clearance supports multiple video formats that can be reviewed directly in a web browser and streamlines video requests through custom request forms and approval workflows. With encryption, configurable access controls, and built-in audit trails, agencies can ensure that sensitive evidence is accessible only to authorized users and that all activities are tracked to maintain the chain of custody, providing secure and reliable digital evidence management throughout an investigation. Citigraf: Proactive situational awareness for safe cities Cybersecurity is built into the platform, and its scalable plan allows agencies to adapt operations Citigraf consolidates city-wide sensor data – such as traffic cameras at intersections, community partner cameras, ALPRs at key city entry points, gunshot detection systems, automatic vehicle locator (AVL) units, and more – into a unified real-time crime center (RTCC) dashboard.  It allows operators to correlate Computer-Assisted Dispatch (CAD) calls with nearby camera recordings, providing greater insights into what’s happening before units arrive. Cybersecurity is built into the platform, and its scalable design allows agencies to adapt operations as infrastructure and safety needs evolve. Improve operational efficiency “With Cloudrunner, Citigraf, and Clearance, law enforcement professionals can unify their public safety efforts, extract actionable insights, and respond to incidents faster,” said Phil Malencsik, Vertical Account Manager at Genetec. “These solutions help agencies improve operational efficiency, manage evidence securely, and strengthen collaboration, ultimately keeping communities safer.”

Just a few months after the release of RDID 1.0, Spotter Global is proud to announce the release of RDID 2.0. This sensor is for detecting and tracking FAA-compliant Wifi and Bluetooth drones as well as their pilots. Upholding the Spotter Global motto, “First to Detect, First to Protect™”, RDID 2.0 will empower law enforcement and security personnel with a cost-effective solution to reliably detect 90+% of drones in their airspace, with zero false alarms and swiftly reach the location of the drone pilot for any needed intervention. GSX visitors can see a demonstration of RDID 2.0 at booth #1319 or in Honeywell’s Commercial Security Suite #341. Law enforcement branches RDID’s unparalleled Drone ID tracking system capitalises on the FAA requirement for all drones over 250 grams to broadcast their serial number, location, and pilot location when in flight. RDID is easily deployed, can be set up anywhere on a simple tripod, covers nearly 700 acres of area (3 km range, 360°) with a single device, generates zero false alarms, detects and tracks both drone and drone operator locations with precision. Combined with Spotter’s NetworkedIO (C2 software) the RDID seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure including PTZ cameras, radars, and VMS systems. This new CUAS solution will enable law enforcement branches and security teams charged with protecting critical infrastructure, data centers, college campuses, crime scenes, and other locations to quickly “Find the pilot. Stop the Drone.” Mitigating active drone threats Production units will be delivered in November of 2025, and are available for pre-order Just this summer, RDID enabled a city law enforcement office to catch two drone pilots illegally flying their drones over a high-attendance stadium event. Because security and law enforcement teams must abide by FAA restrictions that prevent them from jamming or using hard-kill solutions against drones, the ability to quickly locate drone operators engaged in ongoing criminal drone activities is one of the few legal avenues open for mitigating active drone threats. “Spotter is on a very rapid development pace, focusing on delivery not just the best radar and Drone ID sensors in the world but solutions to customer’s security problems,” says Logan Harris, Spotter’s CEO & President. “The release of RDID 2.0 is exciting because now the RDID also detects the very cheap and shorter range drones that one can buy on Amazon for a few hundred dollars” Preventing harmful incidents Production units will be delivered in November of 2025, and are available for pre-order. Driven for 16 years in the mission of “Preventing Harm™,” Spotter Global produced the very first compact surveillance radars for Special Forces back in 2009. The company later pioneered radar AI software, revolving radar drone detection, and recently released the first C2 security software to combine Radar AI and Video AI. RDID 2.0 represents Spotter Global’s latest step in breaking security industry barriers to prevent harmful incidents before they happen.

As the backbone of community welfare, healthcare facilities cater to crucial public needs from emergency care to specialized medical treatments, and due to its position as a significant facet of the world's critical infrastructure, the healthcare sector faces a multitude of challenges in ensuring patient and visitor security, managing high traffic, and safeguarding sensitive data. Medical sites, such as large hospitals and urgent care clinics, see a wide variety of patients, medical staff, administrative teams, and visitors throughout the day. In addition to protecting patients, visitors, and staff, healthcare environments must protect medical and patient data, ensure immediate response to urgent medical events, and maintain 24/7 operations. Security challenges   Cloud-based solutions have made their mark on healthcare security, offering unparalleled scalability Addressing the security challenges presented by 24/7 availability and high patient and visitor traffic calls for a merging of technology, processes, and security strategies that go beyond what a typical security infrastructure would look like.  Cloud-based solutions have made their mark on healthcare security, offering unparalleled scalability, accessibility, and integration capabilities. These advancements address the multifaceted demands of healthcare organizations, ensuring seamless around-the-clock operations while prioritizing patient care and safety.  Enhancing Operational Efficiency to Save Lives Cloud-based access control solutions have revolutionized how healthcare security professionals approach collaboration within medical facilities. These solutions offer unparalleled accessibility and insight into patient and visitor security information and access logs, improving coordination among security teams and leading to more accurate monitoring and response to developing medical events. By managing and operating access control solutions via the cloud, healthcare facilities can implement effective physical security measures while ensuring seamless collaboration among staff to deliver the highest medical care possible to patients across facilities.  Physical access controls Cloud-based access control systems allow users to securely access and manage physical access controls Cloud-based access control systems allow multiple users to securely access and manage physical access controls and visitor management data simultaneously, enabling them to keep track of patient movements as they are transferred throughout the facility or between different facilities. For larger hospitals or medical campuses with multiple facilities hosting access controls via the cloud empowers users with the ability to find patients and patient data in an instant, as well as opening the door to collaborate with teams separated by long distances, ensuring all team members have access to the information they need to continue saving lives. Scaling the way to top-notch care Healthcare institutions are constantly growing and changing in response to evolving industry regulations and standards, and the access control solutions these organizations rely on should be able to scale to meet their changing needs. To ensure their access control systems can keep up with these growing demands, healthcare security professionals can invest in access control solutions hosted in the cloud to avoid the tedious hardware constraints that come with traditional on-premises solutions. Cloud solutions offer significant levels of scalability, enabling healthcare organizations to adjust their storage requirements and computing resources based on changing requirements on the fly. This capability for flexibility ensures users can manage large amounts of data without significant upfront investments in hardware. Cloud-based access control solutions Cloud-based access control solutions provide healthcare organizations with the flexibility they need to expand their access In addition to compliance with changing regulations, cloud-based access control solutions provide healthcare organizations with the flexibility they need to expand their access control platform across a growing campus or multiple buildings. Larger healthcare facilities typically consist of multiple sites of varying sizes across diverse landscapes, each with distinctive security needs.  Systems hosted in the cloud provide scalability and flexibility for user organizations, allowing security teams to modify or expand upon their security infrastructure as needed without spending on costly new hardware. This adaptability is crucial for helping address varying risks over multiple sites, providing security personnel the flexibility they need to ensure patient safety over long distances. Ease of use for security teams To truly understand the value of a cloud-based access control system, healthcare security professionals must consider the long-term savings and ROI these solutions provide by bolstering operational efficiencies and enabling unprecedented scalability.  These systems ensure compliance with changing standards and deliver a simplified user experience across platforms, prioritizing security and ease of use for security teams across the healthcare sector.

For K12 education pioneers, embarking on a journey to upgrade security controls can present a myriad of questions about finding the best-fit solutions and overcoming funding hurdles. A majority of public-school districts today are faced with outdated infrastructure and security controls, requiring necessary upgrades. By addressing these concerns head on, schools will ensure a safer environment for both students and staff, mitigating risks posed by unforeseen physical and digital threats. Common K12 security pain points There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in school district security. School districts may have big plans to implement upgraded security systems but to set out on the right foot, pioneers must have a clear vision of their long-term strategy. When embarking on their security journey, education pioneers often wonder where to start and what exact steps are they need to be taking to identify and address weaknesses. Local K12 and government pioneers are promoting and mandating security assessments to uncover safety gaps on campuses and mitigate these risks with advanced technology solutions. Not only do assessments provide detailed, customizable roadmaps for district pioneers, but they also recommend technologies and funding opportunities to help close threat gaps. K12 school districts are mainly vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to the sensitive nature of student records  In today’s climate, schools face a growing number of physical and digital security threats. From a cybersecurity standpoint, K12 school districts are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to the sensitive nature of student records. However, only one-third of these districts have adequate staffing to address threats effectively. In addition, according to a recent survey from Johnson Controls and Forrester Consulting, security decision-makers are having trouble receiving actionable insights. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said that they struggle to receive information from all necessary systems regarding their security threats. To gain more clarity into what school districts need in terms of security tools and threat mitigation, implementing system-wide monitoring and optimization can be invaluable. This approach enhances equipment and operational efficiency, while providing necessary resources and expertise for critical patch updates across all systems, strengthening their overall security posture. Achieving a well-rounded security program In the past few years, AI technology has emerged as a trending solution and is generating considerable attention. While the allure of implementing cutting-edge technologies is undeniable, it’s important to recognize that a robust security program hinges on solid access control. Access control technology provides administrators with the means to oversee and regulate entry into facilities, serving as the foundation for basic physical security. The technology helps administrators and staff control access to multiple areas from web-enabled devices, even during lockdowns which is crucial in emergency situations. School district pioneers should utilize available digital risk assessment tools to uncover threat areas Once basic security controls are in place, school districts must address their next set of security pain points and identify which solutions meet their specific needs. This involves identifying and prioritizing the highest need and most cost-effective investments that will have the greatest impact on enhancing security measures. To accurately determine which security solutions are needed for a specific environment, school district pioneers should utilize available digital risk assessment tools to uncover threat areas and determine levels of priority. By focusing on these priority areas, districts can allocate their resources and efforts where they are needed most, ensuring maximum effectiveness in mitigating risks and vulnerabilities.  Securing funding before approaching deadlines A major challenge for school districts surrounding campus security is identifying and securing the necessary funding to implement solutions aligned with their goals. Leveraging available funding sources is critical, especially considering certain programs are approaching their deadline, like the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. Announced during the pandemic, ESSER is a funding program that has allocated nearly $190 billion in aid to U.S. public school districts to fund projects benefitting the well-being of occupants.  Notable ESSER funding deadlines to keep in mind as the clock winds down include September 30, 2024 Notable ESSER funding deadlines to keep in mind as the clock winds down include September 30, 2024, when schools must attribute all of their funds to assigned contracts. Following this date, pioneers will need to complete all ESSER spending by January 2025 unless approved for an extension into March 2025. As ESSER wanes, school districts are acutely aware of the fiscal cliff in budgets through 2025. However, many states are ramping up grant funding to close the deficit gap. Administrators should become familiar with these grant opportunities at a local and state level. Get started on security plans The time for school district pioneers to act is now. While the safety and well-being of students and staff are always top priorities, it’s crucial to acknowledge that a lack of insight into necessary security upgrades and available funding options will leave districts behind the curve. Seizing the final months of ESSER funding presents an ideal window to address security pain points and build a safer future for K12 facilities. Looking beyond ESSER, pioneers must proactively seek out and leverage other funding avenues to help ensure the continuity of their security efforts and maintain a proactive stance in safeguarding healthy and safe educational environments.

The average business owner or investor has some kind of security precaution in place, especially in the after-hours when there are fewer deterrents to inhibit criminal activity. Security guards, video surveillance systems, motion sensor lights, or even just fake cameras placed around the property are some of the common options people choose.  Future of overnight security Smart business owners are starting to realize, however, that some of these traditional security measures are becoming antiquated and no longer cutting. The now and future of overnight security is in remote guarding. Pioneered by companies like Los Angeles-based Elite Interactive Solutions, which was founded back in 2007, remote guarding is revolutionizing the overnight security business. Minimizing criminal activity Remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners Remote guarding utilizes a combination of cutting-edge technology, “digital guards,” highly trained security agents, and local law enforcement if and when necessary to minimize the potential of criminal activity. For those adequately enlightened to its overwhelmingly impressive crime prevention capabilities, remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners to secure and protect their investments. What Is Remote Guarding?  Remote guarding is a revolutionary concept and increasing trend in security systems that utilize a combination of methods to effectively analyze potential threats to property. Cameras and/or other monitoring devices running highly advanced algorithmic software are installed in strategic areas or vulnerable places onsite and remotely located security agents are immediately notified of any activity within a designated perimeter of the property. A blend of AI, cybersecurity, and video analytics When properly deployed by an expert provider, the technology stack includes a proprietary blend of video analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Done right, “noise” is effectively filtered out, allowing agents to act on legitimate alerts and achieve zero false alarms communicated to first responders. Today, there are a lot of terms and descriptions tossed around about remote guarding, remote video, virtual guarding, etc., but those attributes must be present to represent the true definition of the offering and its many virtues. Realtime situational awareness Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning When specially trained security agents are alerted to trespassers, possible intruders, or other suspicious activity, they analyze the situation in real time and determine the necessary level of action. Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning, known as a voice-down, to the individual(s) that they are being watched. Most perpetrators, often believing the response is emanating directly from security personnel on the property itself rather than from a remote command center, flee immediately. However, if the threat persists, the security agent enlists local law enforcement to get on the scene.  Customized remote guarding When properly deployed, remote guarding systems are also customized to specific properties. A team of consultants visits the client’s property to evaluate its vulnerabilities and where to best place cameras and/or other monitoring devices for system efficacy. Traditional Security Shortfalls  According to Keith Bushey, a retired commander for the Los Angeles Police Department, there is much frustration between law enforcement officers and potential victims of crime due to the historically unreliable performance of traditional burglar alarm systems and central monitoring stations. He states about 90% of security-related calls are false alarms, a problem that has been well-documented through the years. Onsite challenges When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage and/or escaped by the time law enforcement arrives.  Onsite security guards are not the remedy either as they bring their own set of issues and challenges.  Unexpected costs Traditional security systems can also have unexpected costs. The cost is not only in the security guards’ paycheck or the cost of the equipment itself. The cost comes when an actual incident occurs. In worst-case scenarios, the security guard(s) are injured, the business suffers inventory loss, and/or damage is sustained to the property.  The medical and other costs for the security guard(s), the loss of inventory, property damage, deployment of law enforcement resources, and possible fallout of legal expenses all add up. Even in the best-case scenario, false alarm expenses incur if law enforcement is dispatched. These, among many others, are some of the primary issues that remote guarding resoundingly answers as a superior alternative. A Bounty of Benefits Remote guarding systems have been proven to cut costs and be more effective than traditional security systems. Even though the monthly monitoring costs of remote guarding are significantly higher than traditional intrusion detection system monitoring, the much higher effectiveness in crime reduction, elimination of false alarms, and augmenting or replacement of manned guards result in a substantially higher return on investment (ROI) to the end user. Easy tracking of threats The security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down For example, case studies have demonstrated reduced security costs for clients by 60%, on average. These reductions have come from the costs of security staff, inventory, or property loss, plus saving money on insurance premiums and deductibles. The nature of remote guarding reduces the risk and costs of false alarms, with professional security agents able to determine an actual threat before law enforcement is called. In a rare instance when a perpetrator escapes before law enforcement arrives or can detain the individual(s), the security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down and identify. Reduction of false alarms The significant reduction in false alarms is greatly appreciated by law enforcement, as it allows them to focus on real emergencies or crises. Better relationships are also developed between clients and law enforcement, as remote guarding systems are highly reliable in providing accurate and real-time information to officers as they approach the scene. In short, it assists law enforcement in doing their job more effectively, as well as more safely thanks to having eyewitness information before engaging in an active crime scene.  Partnership When you combine the decreased cost with the increased efficiency and success rate, it is easy to see why many commercial end-user property owners across the country are making the shift to remote guarding. It’s also an outstanding opportunity for professional security dealers and integrators to partner with a remote guarding services provider to bring a superior solution to their end customers and pick up a recurring monthly revenue stream in the process.

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organizations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customized questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

Acre is a company built on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Since its founding in 2012, Acre acquired several familiar access control companies, from Vanderbilt to RS2 Technologies, Open Options to Feenics, and several others. Acre itself was acquired in 2021 by UK-based private equity firm Triton, thus launching a new chapter in the company's history. Don Joos was named the new CEO in 2022 and set about transforming Acre from a collection of acquired companies into a coherent whole (representing various brands). A year later, we recently caught up with Don Joos to discuss the "new Acre" and what's ahead. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading Acre Security? In physical security, there is a shift to more of a software-centric versus hardware approach Joos: This is my fourth company as CEO. What I’ve found along the way is that no matter the size or type of business, there’s a common theme, the business is going through some form of evolution or transformation because the industry they're in is going through an evolution. And today, in physical security, there is a shift to more of a software-centric versus hardware approach, and there’s a shift occurring that’s pulling us to the cloud. I think a key thing here is that while the industry is evolving, we must keep a careful eye on the evolution of the customer because the customer is the one who will dictate the pace of change, and I think that is what a lot of people sometimes lose sight of. Q: It seems Acre is on the path from being a “collection of small companies” to “a collection of brands within a single company.” Joos: I think most people think of Acre as a federation of companies. Acre Security was seen more as a holding company. For me, I think the biggest misconception is just that: “This is just a federation of companies” versus “This is a business.” Acre Security is a business that has a range of portfolios to address key verticals and pivotal business problems for customers. Because of what’s happening now and the market dynamics that are occurring, it ties back to “Who is Acre Security?” We have a clear answer as to where we want to be from cloud access control versus on-premise access control. We have clear answers regarding market segments, visitor management, and intrusion. When you think about it, those are the core areas of our business. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so at Acre? Joos: I think the thing that surprised me the most was how similar the problems are because I was coming into a new industry. It’s surprising how strong a correlation [security has] to other industry transformations that I’ve been a part of. Q: What are the points of differentiation among the various Acre Security brands? Joos: I think if you go back to the history of the company, it was designed to compete. That is, that's how it was set up under the logic of, “If we have three bids in a deal, it increases the odds that we're going to win one of them.” As we evolve, to have sustained scalable growth, it is not just about going shallow and casting a wide net. It’s about creating a concentrated focus. Some of the technology is just inherently older technology. And so for me, it’s about creating migration paths for the customers to move to more modern technology, such as the cloud. I love our installed base. When you think about the cost of acquisition to get a new cloud customer, it costs a lot less when you have an installed base that you can migrate to the more modern solution versus having to spend the money and the sales energy to hunt for that next opportunity. Q: Where has Acre positioned itself in the marketplace? We can take care of your current needs, but we also have a clear migration path to take care of your future needs Joos: If you're ready to go to the cloud, we have an answer for you. If you're not ready to go to the cloud, but you're ready to take more cloud-based applications to continue to evolve, we have an answer for you. If you're not quite ready yet and you're still looking for a market-leading premises solution, we have an answer for you, and we have a migration path when you're ready down the road. So, you have a safe bet with Acre because we can take care of your current needs, but we also have a clear migration path to take care of your future needs. Q: How are you building up your team? Joos: In 2023, we’re getting a lot of core building blocks in place and making investments in people who have experience in this space or aligned industries. It is a balance. I think we need a group that understands the industry and a group that's going to come into it and challenge why we do things the way we do. I think that makes us unique: we have fresh eyes looking at things from a different perspective. With that, you’re naturally going to end up with a better answer to problems because people are comfortable challenging the status quo. Q: How are you seeking to expand your dealer channel and/or transition it from the various dealers “inherited” in previous acquisitions? Joos: The channel invests in Acre Security. Our success is their success, and so what we're proposing to them is a range of solutions that supports their longevity and their financial success. But we also continue to build out our portfolio through organic technology innovation or M&A.  We're continuing to make investments in our channel strategy and how our partners interact with us We're continuing to expand their addressable market if they want to make investments with us. We're continuing to make investments in our channel strategy and how our partners interact with us. The design of our upcoming technology right now is built with the channel in mind. We want to ensure that we are not creating any channel conflict or any perceived channel conflict. I think that's usually the worst kind: when it's perceived but not real. You need to be very upfront and clear with communications. Q: What is the biggest challenge in the industry right now? Joos: Companies and customers are looking to embed security into their workflows. What I mean is these are not just standalone solutions anymore. They’re integrating with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and human resource (HR) software systems. In property management, they want it integrated into the fitness center, they want it integrated into the cafeteria areas and the dry cleaners, and so forth. So, this is about an ecosystem, and there are times when we are going to be the core, and there is going to be a lot of technology that is adjacent to us. There are times when we are the adjacency to someone else's core in a smart city or a smart building. This gets to why having an open application programming interface (API) is going to be an important part of the technology evolution. It cannot be a closed environment anymore; that is part of the past. Q: What’s next for Acre? We're constantly evolving our cloud access control as well as our on-premise access control Joos: There is a lot of work going on with integrating the business into a single Acre Security company. This is an investment year for us, we are adding people to our team. We are making a lot of investments from a systems and technology perspective. We have a lot of work right now going into integrating the business from an IT infrastructure perspective and all the tools that we use from an employee perspective. We are making a lot of investment as it relates to the commercial side. You're going to see some next-gen technology coming out from an intrusion perspective. We're constantly evolving our cloud access control as well as our on-premise access control. We're also bringing software applications, too. Q: What is Acre’s “message” going forward? Joos: One of the takeaways for me is this is not the Acre of the past. We are making some bold changes. New things are happening here; you better pay attention because clearly, something is different. I think that's one. I think the second is that as they spend time within us, they're going to realize the wide range of solutions and use cases that we can address, whether you're in access control or cloud, whether you're in intrusion, whether you are in visitor management, or whether you're looking at some network connectivity solutions. The third thing that I think people are going to see is a whole lot of energy as they talk to our people and the passion that you see from the team. If I wrap those three points up in one kind of statement there, I think my goal is that people walk away saying “Something is going on at Acre Security. We better pay attention.”

Matter is a new open-source interoperability standard that will simplify the connectivity of smart home systems, including security.  The growing popularity of the Matter 1.0 standard was evident at the large Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January in Las Vegas, where the standard was heavily promoted by companies including Google, Amazon, and Samsung. A flood of Matter-connected products is on the horizon for ship dates in the second half of 2023. Evolve, and manage IoT standards Creating the standard is the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), formerly the Zigbee Alliance, which changed its name in May 2021. With 300 companies as members, CSA seeks to create, evolve, and manage Internet of Things (IoT) technology standards through a well-established, collaborative process. CSA promotes the benefits of global, open standards, and the value of the IoT to customers and consumers, and seeks to break down the barriers to broad access and adoption of IoT technologies and solutions. Matter The new brand name Matter was launched in May 2021 to designate the standard formerly known as Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP), developed by CSA member companies including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Amazon. There are currently 800 devices and apps certified to the new smart home standard, including various smart home equipment (except video cameras, which will be included in a major release in the fall of 2023). Matter version 1.0 was initial launch in October 2022. Matter 1.0 release Twice a year moving forward, Matter plans a minor release each spring and a major release each fall As part of the Matter 1.0 release, authorized test labs are open for product certification, the test harnesses and tools are available, and the open-source reference design software development kit (SDK) is complete, thus enabling new products to be brought to market. Twice a year moving forward, Matter plans updated releases, a minor release each spring and a major release each fall. Smart home interoperability Currently, a variety of CSA working groups are addressing various aspects of interoperability in the smart home, including issues such as data privacy, security, energy management, and health and wellness, says Christopher LaPré, CSA’s Head of Technology. “Implementing elements requires that the standards alliance be able to multitask on several tracks,” says LaPré. Some development is centering around connectivity and the need for a “hub” to which multiple systems can communicate and incorporate an “identity” to regulate the availability of information to various systems. The standards will enable both do-it-yourself (DIY) systems and devices deployed by professional installers. Addressing privacy requirements The new development will be guided by what installers need to succeed in the home automation" Ecosystems depend on the availability of some type of “identity” to meet privacy requirements. Rules must be implemented across the ecosystem that deploys a “trust system” to ensure privacy. Solving the challenge involves getting all the major players to the table at the technical level to meet the bar from the business and technology perspective. “Integrators and retailers will play a role as Matter continues to evolve,” says LaPré. “New development will be guided by what installers need to succeed in the home automation market.” Matter-certified devices There is still work to be done to expand the 800 certified devices to function throughout the Matter ecosystem and to add new devices over time. One goal is to simplify an integrator’s solution using fewer hubs (and possibly a single hub) to provide a wide variety of services. The timeline of adding new Matter-certified devices may be delayed by the availability of equipment in the global supply chain, says LaPré. Flexibility Multi-admin provides for the simultaneous operation of devices in multiple smart home systems A multi-admin feature of Matter enables more flexibility for multiple ecosystems. A core feature of Matter, multi-admin provides for the simultaneous operation of devices in multiple smart home systems. Accordingly, family or household members could operate the device with the digital assistant or smartphone app of their choice. A bridging protocol helps to tie existing systems together.  Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Google, SmartThings, and the Connectivity Standards Alliance came together in 2019 to develop and promote this new standard, joined by fellow Alliance board member companies IKEA, Legrand, NXP Semiconductors, Resideo, Schneider Electric, Signify, Silicon Labs, Somfy and Wulian. Smart device communication Currently, member organizations span all sizes, across a range of business categories. More than 1,700 Member individuals participate in bringing the Matter specification, reference implementations, testing tools, and certification programs to life. Matter's underlying network technologies are Wi-Fi and Thread. Wi-Fi enables Matter devices to interact over a high-bandwidth local network and allows smart home devices to communicate with the cloud. Thread provides a mesh network within the home. Both the Wi-Fi Alliance and Thread Group partnered with the Connectivity Standards Alliance to help realize the vision of Matter.

Set in 33 hectares of woodland on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the zoo is home to an impressive variety of exotic and native animals, including Amur tigers, African lions, and Amur leopards. New patented master key system On-site challenges before the introduction of the new patented master key system. Before implementing the new master key system, the zoo faced the challenge of ensuring secure and efficient access control to sensitive areas, particularly enclosures with potentially dangerous animals. The previous master key systems were outdated and did not provide the necessary security and flexibility required for the zoo's daily operations. Installation of EPS NP and its advantages The EVVA EPS NP system was installed in collaboration with local partner Sir Fix-a-Lock. This system offers robust patent protection, long-term key control and high reliability in demanding environments. A total of 192 Asec weatherproof padlocks were installed in a 6-level master key system. The flexibility of EPS NP enabled graduated key control across the entire site, including special levels for animal care. Advantages of the new patented key system for the zoo Thanks to the new master key system, the zoo has been able to implement a secure and practical solution that enables staff to work efficiently while maintaining strict access controls. The color-coded keys make it easy to quickly identify access authorisations, which is particularly advantageous in security-critical areas. The Asec weatherproof padlocks also offer high resistance to environmental influences, ensuring the longevity of the system. "EPS has revolutionized our access control and gives us the security and flexibility we need." The project at Dartmoor Zoo impressively demonstrates how EVVA's flexible master key systems can be adapted to specific requirements to ensure security, control and long-term protection.

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced a more than 300% expansion of its deployment with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). Following a successful pilot, RTC has made the decision to deploy ZeroEyes in many additional strategic locations. RTC became the first transit agency in the United States to fully deploy weapons detection analytics when it launched its ZeroEyes implementation in June 2024. As part of a multi-pronged strategy including armed security officers and GPS-enabled panic buttons for drivers, RTC saw a 40% reduction in passenger-on-passenger assaults and a 26% drop in operator assaults over the course of 2024. RTC’s continued innovation The American Public Transportation Association recently recognized the RTC with two major honors The American Public Transportation Association recently recognized the RTC with two major honors: the 2024 Innovation Award for its ZeroEyes deployment and the 2025 Bus Security Award for the agency’s comprehensive efforts to keep riders, drivers, and staff safe. United Safety & Survivability Corporation (United Safety), a strategic partner of ZeroEyes in the transit industry, applauded RTC’s continued innovation and leadership in transit safety. AI-driven threat detection “RTC’s results clearly demonstrate how we can save lives when cutting-edge technology and a proactive safety mindset come together,” said Joe Mirabile, President and CEO of United Safety. He adds, “We’re proud to work alongside ZeroEyes to bring AI-driven threat detection to the forefront of public transportation and help agencies like RTC protect operators and passengers with unmatched speed and intelligence.” ZeroEyes' AI gun detection ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.  If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. RTC’s initial ZeroEyes implementation “RTC’s initial ZeroEyes implementation set a new benchmark for safety in public transportation systems nationwide,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes. He adds, “We are honored to expand the deployment and continue protecting passengers and staff against gun-related threats.”

HID, the pioneer in trusted identity and authentication solutions, announced that it successfully supported Stockholm's public transit authority, Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), in transforming the daily travel experience for hundreds of thousands of passengers in the capital through a comprehensive digital ticketing modernization program. The initiative has eliminated paper tickets and enabled seamless contactless payments across buses, ferries, trams and metro stations. The technology upgrade has delivered measurable benefits, including dramatically reduced fare evasion that translates to millions of Swedish Kronos in recovered revenue for SL.  Residents experience faster, more convenient travel New ticketing infrastructure was specifically selected because it withstands harsh Nordic winters With the new integrated ticketing devices from HID, citizens can now use the same payment method – whether a mobile app, contactless card or digital wallet – across all 2,600 buses, 140 ferry validators, 320 tram platforms and 1,035 metro fare gates throughout the capital region. Most importantly, the new ticketing infrastructure was specifically selected because it withstands harsh Nordic winters, a crucial factor for passengers who depend on public transit year-round. Legacy hardware, systems and networks “Serving hundreds of thousands of passengers daily across multiple transit modes required a ticketing solution that could scale with our needs while providing a consistent experience for our riders." "We chose HID for its multi-technology ticket validators for buses, ferries, and gates, as well as its ability to run side-by-side with our legacy hardware, systems, and networks. It was a real challenge for everyone involved to get this working, but it was one we overcame together,” said Karin Harrius, Business System Administrator, Ticket Readers at SL. Seamless ecosystem across touchpoints The implementation was designed to ensure a consistent validation experience and deliver a seamless ecosystem across all transit touchpoints. It included: Enhanced passenger convenience on buses: HID VAL100 ticket validators integrated with HID TripTick™ barcode technology and NFC/RFID contactless payment functionality in a single point of presentation for tickets and travel passes Reliable outdoors operation in extreme weather: HID VAL150 validators featuring a waterproof design on ferries and tram platforms Streamlined fare collection across metro stations: HID TripTick 220 OEM barcode, NFC and cEMV ticket modules within fare gates and ticket machines in the Stockholm metro, enabling multi-format ticket reading throughout the system. Significant reduction in fare evasion Improvement ensures that all users contribute fairly to keeping these vital transport links The modernization has delivered substantial financial benefits for SL. Fare evasion dropped from 3.1% in 2019 to just 2.3% in 2023 – a 26% reduction that has recovered millions of Swedish Kronor annually for reinvestment in public transit infrastructure and services. The impact was particularly dramatic on ferry services, where ticket validation rates increased from just 58% in November 2021 to 89% by March 2025. This improvement ensures that all users contribute fairly to maintaining these essential transportation links connecting Stockholm's islands and waterways. Digital-first approach meets evolving expectations Citizens particularly benefit from the system's ability to prevent ticket duplication The comprehensive digital transformation addresses the evolving expectations of Swedes in an increasingly mobile-first society. Citizens particularly benefit from the system's ability to prevent ticket duplication and unauthorized sharing through social media platforms – issues that had previously undermined fare revenue and service sustainability. Future integration of new technologies With Stockholm County – which represents 20% of Sweden's population despite covering only 2% of the country's area – the scalable, open-architecture system ensures SL can adapt to evolving technologies and passenger expectations. The system's flexibility allows for future integration of new technologies and travel services without requiring complete infrastructure replacement, protecting the public investment while maintaining service innovation.

Faced with rising crime, open-air drug markets, and declining neighborhoods in the late 1990s, the citizens of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, took action. What began as a grassroots response evolved into one of the nation's most effective community-supported video security networks, powered by Milestone Systems’ XProtect open platform video management software (VMS). For this city of nearly 60,000, with much of its economy based on tourism, the results demonstrate the power of community-driven technology solutions. Video evidence availability soared from 55 percent to over 90 percent, enabling faster case resolution and stronger prosecutions. Live video support Coalition operators provided live video support to 911 dispatchers during more than 4,100 incidents In 2023 alone, Coalition operators provided live video support to 911 dispatchers during more than 4,100 incidents. Most significantly, once-empty downtown streets now thrive with pedestrian activity and bustling businesses. The Lancaster Safety Coalition operates as a nonprofit organization, separate from law enforcement, but works collaboratively with police to enhance public safety. At the system's core, Milestone XProtect video management software provides a flexible foundation that enables city-wide scaling while adapting to evolving community needs. Technical infrastructure XProtect now supports more than 13,000 different security devices from over 700 manufacturers The technical infrastructure, designed and maintained by systems integrator App-Techs Corporation, supports approximately 170 4K quad-sensor cameras positioned strategically throughout Lancaster's neighborhoods and downtown area. The open platform architecture proved critical for long-term success. XProtect now supports more than 13,000 different security devices from over 700 manufacturers. This flexibility enabled the Coalition to select the best cameras for each location while ensuring cost-effective expansion. "What makes this project remarkable is the synergy between the technology partners and our community vision," said Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Lancaster Safety Coalition. Open platform "The open platform from Milestone, the technical expertise from App-Techs, and our community-driven approach created a formula that's yielded extraordinary results.” “We've seen crime rates plummet, businesses return to downtown, and most importantly, neighbors are reclaiming their streets. This isn't just about cameras, it's about using the right tools with the right partners to empower a community," concluded Tim Miller. Operational excellence A custom digital evidence delivery system maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols The system operates as a force multiplier for local police, with officers regularly collaborating with Coalition operators on investigations and warrant service. A custom digital evidence delivery system maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols, allowing operators to compile, document, and securely transfer video evidence to law enforcement through an efficient browser-based interface. The Coalition's effectiveness has changed investigation dynamics entirely. In one remarkable case, operators tracked a shooting suspect from the crime scene back to their residence within 15 minutes, leading to immediate arrest. Community-operated technology This capability demonstrates how community-operated technology can provide law enforcement with unprecedented investigational support. Looking ahead, the Lancaster Safety Coalition plans to add approximately 20 additional cameras over the next two years, representing its largest geographic expansion since 2009. These additions will focus on areas still facing safety challenges, consistent with the Coalition's belief that quality of life should not be determined by street address.

A community-supported video security initiative has transformed public safety in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The citizen-led collaboration demonstrates how open platform video technology can help revitalize struggling urban areas. Faced with rising crime, open-air drug markets, and declining neighborhoods in the late 1990s, the citizens of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, took action. What began as a grassroots response evolved into one of the nation's most effective community-supported video security networks, powered by Milestone Systems’ XProtect open platform video management software (VMS). Video evidence availability For this city of nearly 60,000, with much of its economy based on tourism, the results demonstrate the power of community-driven technology solutions. Video evidence availability soared from 55 percent to over 90 percent, enabling faster case resolution and stronger prosecutions. In 2023 alone, Coalition operators provided live video support to 911 dispatchers during more than 4,100 incidents. Most significantly, once-empty downtown streets now thrive with pedestrian activity and bustling businesses. Technology infrastructure enables community success Milestone XProtect video management software provides a flexible basis that enables city-wide scaling The Lancaster Safety Coalition operates as a nonprofit organization, separate from law enforcement, but works collaboratively with police to enhance public safety. At the system's core, Milestone XProtect video management software provides a flexible foundation that enables city-wide scaling while adapting to evolving community needs. Open platform architecture The technical infrastructure, designed and maintained by systems integrator App-Techs Corporation, supports approximately 170 4K quad-sensor cameras positioned strategically throughout Lancaster's neighborhoods and downtown area. The open platform architecture proved critical for long-term success. XProtect now supports more than 13,000 different security devices from over 700 manufacturers. This flexibility enabled the Coalition to select the best cameras for each location while ensuring cost-effective expansion. Community-driven approach XProtect now supports more than 13,000 different security devices from over 700 manufacturers "What makes this project remarkable is the synergy between the technology partners and our community vision," said Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Lancaster Safety Coalition. "The open platform from Milestone, the technical expertise from App-Techs, and our community-driven approach created a formula that's yielded extraordinary results." "We've seen crime rates plummet, businesses return to downtown, and most importantly, neighbors are reclaiming their streets. This isn't just about cameras, it's about using the right tools with the right partners to empower a community." Operational excellence through community partnership The system operates as a force multiplier for local police, with officers regularly collaborating with Coalition operators on investigations and warrant service. A custom digital evidence delivery system maintains strict chain-of-custody protocols, allowing operators to compile, document and securely transfer video evidence to law enforcement through an efficient browser-based interface. Coalition's effectiveness Operators tracked a shooting suspect from the crime scene back to their residence within 15 minutes The Coalition's effectiveness has changed investigation dynamics entirely. In one remarkable case, operators tracked a shooting suspect from the crime scene back to their residence within 15 minutes, leading to immediate arrest. This capability demonstrates how community-operated technology can provide law enforcement with unprecedented investigational support. Lancaster Safety Coalition plans Looking ahead, the Lancaster Safety Coalition plans to add approximately 20 additional cameras over the next two years, representing their largest geographic expansion since 2009. These additions will focus on areas still facing safety challenges, consistent with the Coalition's belief that quality of life should not be determined by street address.

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announced that its cloud-based vehicle investigation system, Cloudrunner™, is now hosted in Canada on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. This will ensure that sensitive data for Canadian law enforcement, security agencies, and private-sector organizations remains in Canada while delivering responsiveness, scalability, and reliability. Vehicle-centric investigation system Cloudrunner is a cloud-native vehicle-centric investigation system that helps public safety agencies Cloudrunner is a cloud-native vehicle-centric investigation system that helps public safety agencies and security teams detect, analyze, and respond to vehicle-related crime. Designed with privacy and compliance in mind, Cloudrunner supports proactive policing and community safety. It offers real-time alerts, historical search tools, and an intuitive map-based interface that makes it easy to visualize vehicle activity, collaborate across jurisdictions, and share insights securely. Data-driven tools “With vehicle-related crime on the rise in Canada, law enforcement agencies need powerful, data-driven tools that help them solve cases faster and keep communities safe,” said Larry Legere, Commercial Director at Genetec Inc. "By hosting Cloudrunner in Canada, we're giving agencies the tools they need to make quick, informed decisions that help them stay ahead of criminal activity, while keeping sensitive data within our borders.” Users can quickly identify vehicles Cloudrunner enables users to quickly identify vehicles of interest, even with partial information By combining automated license plate recognition (ALPR) with rich metadata, such as vehicle type, make, model, and color, Cloudrunner enables users to quickly identify vehicles of interest, even with partial information, at any time of day or night, and in any weather condition. The platform supports real-time hotlist alerts, historical search capabilities, and investigative tools that help law enforcement locate suspects on the move, and close cases faster. Evaluation of Cloudrunner "One of our primary considerations during the evaluation of Cloudrunner was ensuring that all collected data would be securely stored and remain within Canadian borders," said Jeff Joyce, Manager - Parking Services, at the University of British Columbia (UBC). "Data sovereignty was a non-negotiable priority for us, as it not only addresses regulatory requirements but also reinforces our commitment to protecting sensitive information and upholding the trust of our campus community." Setting up Cloudrunner Canada now joins a growing list of countries, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, where Cloudrunner is hosted locally to meet the needs of agencies that require data to reside within national borders. New and existing Canadian users will automatically use Canada as their hosting region when setting up Cloudrunner, with no changes to existing workflows.

Audio might detect sounds like breaking glass or footsteps before a person even enters the field-of-view of a video camera. Audio also helps to provide context: Someone running in a video image might be suspicious, but the situation is different if they are yelling for help. Furthermore, audio enables operators to talk remotely to people on site, which can deter crime, de-escalate situations, or gather information. And yet, optimizing audio is often an overlooked aspect of physical security system design. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the expanding role of audio in today's physical security systems?

For many years, security systems produced their share of "data exhaust." Every access control action and each video image became a data point to be stored in perpetuity, with no practical way to use the data. More recently, systems have been developed to enable organizations to analyze data from sensors and other connected devices to gain valuable insights into how their systems are being used, to identify potential vulnerabilities; and even to provide insights into broader enterprise operations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are data analytics changing the course of the security marketplace? 

Headlines of violence in our schools are a reminder of the need to keep educational institutions safe. In fact, if there is a positive aspect to the constant bombardment of headlines, it is that it keeps our attention perpetually focused on how to improve school security. But what is the role of physical security systems? As the new school year begins, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Are schools safer because of physical security systems? Why or why not?