Security communication

Sielox LLC, a provider of layered security solutions, is featuring its award-winning Sielox CLASS (Crisis Lockdown Alert Status System) Emergency Notification and Response Solution here at GSX 2018 in booth #3914. CLASS dramatically improves emergency notification and response capabilities, saving time and potentially saving lives. Initially designed for the education market, CLASS is also proving to be a highly effective resource for corporate campuses, hospitals and large facilities across a range of markets to manage all hazards, including threatening situations, inclement weather and more. “Sielox has purpose-designed CLASS to provide instant notification of emergency situations with communications between occupants and first responders. Additionally, CLASS provides scalability for future expansion, and the ability to integrate with access control as an integral component in a layered security solution,” said Karen Evans, CEO and President, Sielox. “These capabilities alone put CLASS in a class by itself.” Five Programmable Color-Coded Alert Levels CLASS can issue messages with response instructions specific to each alert level via email or text, and override any PC on the network to ensure the highest visibility of alert status CLASS provides vital emergency status details to responders so they can best manage events. Administrators or any designated initiator can issue an emergency alert to notify responders of conditions in real time while communicating status via one of five programmable color-coded alert levels. Occupants within the facility can then report status at their specific location enabling responders to view detailed facility maps with compiled room-by-room, color-coded conditions that update in real time as the situation evolves. A chat feature enables two-way communications between occupants and first responders to exchange detailed information or instructions. CLASS can also issue messages with response instructions specific to each alert level via email or text, and override any PC on the network to ensure the highest visibility of alert status. Providing Additional Ability To Responders A browser-based application that functions across LAN, Wi-Fi, WAN or high-speed cellular service for maximum accessibility, CLASS is designed for stand-alone or integrated system operation. CLASS can integrate with any system or device with an IP address providing authorized responders with the additional ability to view live cameras, change access control permissions, lock doors, and more. CLASS also provides for event archiving, with chronological event sequences that can capture who/what/when/where information, providing an audit trail to support event re-creation and review if needed. Because CLASS is an embedded appliance, there are no annual hosting fees – further contributing to the solution’s low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Issuing Medical Alerts In Case Of Emergencies CLASS is being utilised to issue medical alerts on school playgrounds in the event a child is injured during recess to quickly dispatch emergency personnel to the site Sielox CLASS has been successfully deployed in school districts across the U.S. One example is at the Catoosa County Public Schools in Georgia, where CLASS is being used to fulfill several different safety and security objectives. Here, CLASS is being utilised to issue medical alerts on school playgrounds in the event a child is injured during recess to quickly dispatch emergency personnel to the site. CLASS is also being used by teachers for morning check-in to let administrators know that they and their students are in the building. Each classroom is represented by a different color and a different square on CLASS, so school administrators know the status of every connected classroom. In the event of an incident, a chat box will pop up for all CLASS users where communication can take place. CLASS also gives first responders and administrators at Catoosa County Public Schools a clear picture of where students and teachers are at any given moment. For example, if teachers leave the building or take students off campus, they use CLASS to let school administrators know that they are no longer on the premises, which is critical information in the event of an emergency.The Catoosa County Public School district utilizes CLASS as part of its layered security and safety system Integration With Video Surveillance Systems The Catoosa County Public School district also utilizes CLASS as part of its layered security and safety system through integration with the schools’ video surveillance systems. The district’s integrated camera systems employs motion detection with a video window pop-up that appears in CLASS to help alert and notify first responders and administrators of an intruder’s location in a lockdown situation. In the event of a lockdown, teachers receive notification and receive a bullet list of instructions on what to do with two camera views of the hallway outside their classroom. This allows teachers to see if there’s any danger outside the doorway so they can better decide if it’s safe to exit the area. The Catoosa County Public Schools district plans to have CLASS deployed at all 17 schools by the end of the 2018/2019 school year.

Viakoo, a provider of a proven means to proactively automate surveillance and access control system verification in the security industry, is demonstrating solutions to assist in proving and maintaining regulatory or organizational compliance at GSX 2018. The dynamic capabilities of this system help customers ensure – and prove – consistent compliance with physical security regulations across a wide range of applicable industries including: transportation, payment card processing (PCI), electrical distribution and many more. This solves a persistent challenge in these industries to help avoid the risk of fines or service interruptions. Cyber-Risk Management Working in conjunction with Coalfire, a cyber-risk management and compliance firm, the Viakoo Predictive product was found to fully or partially automate the audit process for 38 specific physical security controls. Using automated discovery and push-button reporting from Viakoo can save significant time during an audit, and can help avoid the risk of expensive penalties, recalls or other service interruptions as a result of failing an audit. Additionally, Viakoo sits on the TIA-942 Edge Data Center working group, providing a focus on physical security requirements and cyber hardening of data centers to the group. Viakoo provides the only patented solution available to prove data retention compliance. Viakoo offers the only proactive and automated solution assessed by forensic auditors from Coalfire for physical security controls" Physical Security Compliance Viakoo has joined with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which represents the global information and communications technology industry, to comprehensively and proactively participate in providing compliance solutions for protecting telecommunications facilities and products. “Viakoo offers the only proactive and automated solution assessed by forensic auditors from Coalfire for physical security controls,” said Bud Broomhead, CEO, Viakoo. “By working with Coalfire, and joining with the TIA, Viakoo continues to work with industry leaders to provide proactive, automated solutions for ensuring physical security compliance across industries.” Surveillance Systems Many organizations that employ surveillance systems are required by regulations, industry standards, or internal compliance standards to retain video evidence for a period (typically 30 to 90 days). Auditors for industry standards such as PCI, NERC, NIST, TIA-942, FedRAMP and others, are now required to confirm that organizations systematically retain video data for the required retention period in order to achieve compliance certification.

Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) is excited to announce the launch of its XTLtouch security panel. Unlike any other DMP security system, the XTLtouch is an enhanced all-in-one, combining DMP’s elegant, intuitive 5-inch graphic touchscreen keypad with the popular XTLplus. All-in-one Security System “The XTLtouch represents the natural extension of our proven XT and XTLplus security technology,” says DMP Vice President of Sales Mark NeSmith. “Our XTLplus set the standard for security, fast installations, and ease of operation. We’re taking that technology and designing an enhanced all-in-one system.” Unlike any other all-in-one, the XTLtouch incorporates multiple enhancements, he adds. For instance, it has an external 110db wireless siren that can be placed anywhere. Security Installation “The first thing an intruder might do is try to disable the sound maker. But with the XTLtouch, since the siren won’t be coming from the main panel, it’s not alerting the intruder to where the main system is; therefore, it’s more secure.” To ensure the best coverage across the premises, DMP offers the option of installing up to eight wireless sirens To ensure the best coverage across the premises, DMP offers the option of installing up to eight wireless sirens. Placing the sirens away from the keypad also alleviates stress for the end user who’s disarming the system. “If there’s a siren blasting in your ear, and you’re trying to disarm your panel, it’s nearly impossible to think. This takes away that stress.” Entry Check-In Protection If the system isn’t disarmed in the designated delay timeframe, the XTLtouch’s built-in Entry Check-In Protection guarantees that the trouble signal is sent to the monitoring center immediately. In the event of an attack, this is a proactive safeguard against a burglar’s fast tactic to disable the security system before it can send a signal. “Entry Check-In Protection is based on the same reliable check-in technology that we’ve used for years, even for our high-security customers,” NeSmith explains. “Our messages never go through a third-party NOC where they’re re-transmitted. They’re sent to the monitoring center receiver directly.” Identical User Interface The XTLtouch also offers flexible installation options. This adds to the system’s security and functionality. “If the best cell reception or wireless coverage is on the second floor, that’s not a problem. You can put the XTLtouch wherever you need to and still add keypads exactly where your customer wants them.” The new XTLtouch can support up to seven additional wireless keypads, all with an identical user interface as the main unit. According to NeSmith, “With only one keypad format to learn, users don’t get confused about the way their system functions operate.” Not only is it easy to operate, but the XTLtouch also installs quickly and easily Commercial And Residential Security Not only is it easy to operate, but the XTLtouch also installs quickly and easily. Options include table top, wall mount or in-wall installations. “That’s part of delivering a complete security solution. These options ensure fast and easy installations while fitting the end user’s preferences.” Compared to other all-in-one systems, the XTLtouch is one of the most compact. And yet, packed into that keypad-sized alarm panel are the same high-security features that commercial and residential customers have come to expect from DMP: 99 zones of 900 MHz Two-Way Wireless, built-in Wi-Fi and LTE communication, as well as Z-Wave Plus support, all included in the base unit. Video Integration The XTLtouch also includes all the system automation features that consumers crave, giving them the ability to control lights, locks, and thermostats as they come and go or use the new Custom Actions programming to automate up to 20 different user programmable scripts. Consumers can add video integration with multiple options and control it all from the Virtual Keypad app or VirtualKeypad.com browser. “We’re very excited about the XTLtouch — no other all-in-one offers this kind of powerful and flexible solution,” NeSmith concludes. “Plus, it’s competitively priced. We believe it’s going to allow us to more aggressively compete in the residential and small commercial markets.”

Code Blue Corporation, the industry pioneering manufacturer of emergency communication solutions, has named John Plooster its Director of Enterprise Solutions. Emergency Communication Networks Plooster will be responsible for leading Code Blue’s new Enterprise Solutions department, which will work with security integrators and information technology teams to design, implement and support sophisticated emergency communication networks. This includes combining Code Blue platforms like EmerComm and ToolVox with third party products to create an overall solution that addresses the technology challenges currently facing security integrators. On an interim basis he will continue to manage Code Blue’s central sales territory, in addition to the Strategic Partner Program, which focuses on business development and growing the company’s relationships with sales and technology partners. Strategic Partner Program Prior to joining Code Blue in 2012, Plooster excelled as a sales engineer and manager in the telecommunications industry for more than 15 years. His resume includes work with Windstream, Cavalier Telephone and PAETEC. “John’s extensive backgrounds in telecommunication, IT and Code Blue’s emergency communication platforms give him an upper hand in handling the complicated security projects our integrators are working on,” CEO David Cook said. “This will allow us to better serve the needs and demands of our enterprise customers.”

At GSX 2018 in booth #2341, Hanwha Techwin America, a global supplier of IP and analog video surveillance solutions, will unveil the new Wisenet TNV-7010RC corner mount camera. Focused on the unique needs of correctional facilities and detention centers, the IP-based camera features a corner mount design that provides broad room coverage. IR (infrared) is emitted at a higher wavelength than traditional ‘red glowing’ IR emitters, making it invisible to the human eye so as not to disturb inmates at night. The Wisenet TNV-7010RC camera features a 3MP sensor that captures video at up to 30 fps so details are preserved. Wisenet WDR supplies 120 dB of wide dynamic range so detail can be discerned in both brightly lit and shaded areas of a room. Built-In Suite Of Wisenet Video And Analytics The TNV-7010RC housing is vandal resistant with an IK10+ rating and also includes shock detection to alert operators if the camera is subject to abuse The TNV-7010RC housing is vandal resistant with an IK10+ rating and also includes shock detection to alert operators if the camera is subject to abuse. Ingress protection is rated at IP66 and IP6K9K. In addition to shock detection, a built-in suite of Wisenet video and analytics is also included featuring Tampering, Loitering, Directional Detection, Defocus Detection, Fog Detection, Virtual Line, Enter/Exit, Appear / Disappear, Audio Detection, Face Detection, Motion Detection, and Sound Classification. “For the TNV-70190RC we choose a 940nm IR emitter that illuminates to 32.8 feet. This wavelength can’t be seen by humans unlike the 850nm emitter utilized by most cameras which results in the traditional red glow,” said Paul Kong, Technical Director, Hanwha Techwin. “We’ve received feedback from the corrections market that this provides a much better atmosphere in cases of 24/7 surveillance.”  Additional features particularly applicable for in-cell use include a built-in microphone and audio line out for two-way communication. Multiple privacy-masking zones can also be configured.

Genetec Inc., global technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions has announced that Mr. Normen Wollmann will join the company as Country Manager for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), effective October 1st, 2018. Before joining Genetec, Normen served as chief executive officer (CEO) at ela-soft GmbH, a Berlin-based developer of security, building and communication systems. He has also held senior sales positions at Siemens Building Technologies. Unified IP Security Solutions In his new role, Normen will use his extensive technical experience and strategic vision to introduce Genetec solutions and the benefits of open-architecture, unified IP security to a growing and evolving German market. “We are very happy to welcome Normen Wollman to the Genetec family,” said Jos Beernink, Vice President of Sales for EMEA, Genetec. “Normen is recognized for his leadership in the German security industry and with his background as electronics engineer, he is uniquely qualified to further expand the Genetec presence in the DACH region and support the needs of customers—helping them with scalable security solutions,” added Beernink.

Hytera, a global provider of innovative Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) communications solutions, announces that it has signed contracts with Secretariat of Public Security of the State of Alagoas, Brazil to provide TETRA communications infrastructure as the expansion of the statewide mission critical communications network and four-year maintenance service. The total contracts value is around 6.5 million US dollars with the infrastructure contract around 1.3 million and the service contract around 5.2 million. “We are excited being chosen as the equipment and service provider of Alagoas’s statewide TETRA system. The state authority shows confidence in Hytera’s ability to deliver advanced and reliable public safety communications networks. For the expansion, we presented the latest development of TETRA technologies,” said John Zhou, the General Manager of Hytera Brazil. “The new contracts as a milestone for Hytera Brazil recognize us not only as a leading TETRA solution provider, but also a trusted service provider, and it is the embodiment of Hytera transformation globally.” In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas TETRA Communications Network In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas, who were modernising its communications systems to better serve the communities and prepare for the global soccer fiesta, the World Cup 2014. The newly signed equipment contract includes 31 sites with Hytera’s latest TETRA innovation, DIB R5 base station. It adopts a maintenance-free, space-saving design and can be installed on walls, antenna masts or in tunnels. Thanks to its low power consumption and passive cooling, it is ideal for use in areas where power supply is critical or where there is a need for battery-based, portable base station solutions. With the expansion of the TETRA network, different public safety forces such as police, firefighters and emergency response in the State of Alagoas will share the network to facilitate optimal cooperation when the situation requires, which is another big step forward by the local authorities to improve the security of the state.

Cathexis Technologies is exceptionally proud to have played an important security role in Pope Francis' visit to Ireland last weekend. Cathexis worked alongside its Dublin-based, Gold Channel Partner, Mongey Communications, and the Irish Garda, to facilitate the critical role of surveillance management. With an official itinerary that was jam-packed with meetings, visits and official engagements, all within a two-day schedule, His Holiness, had a whirlwind visit through Dublin, which included the World Meeting of Families and Festival of Families at Croke Park on Saturday 25 August. Fully-Integrated CCTV IP Cameras Cathexis worked with Mongey Communications to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solutionCathexis, a global video management software developer, worked in partnership with Mongey Communications, a renowned supplier of security equipment such as CCTV IP cameras, to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solution that would effectively manage the entire visit. The CathexisVision IP video management software suite provided an around the clock CCTV surveillance solution, which supported three linked control rooms to ensure an immediate response to any situation of potential security threats. Video Management Software Solutions Cathexis is a headquartered in Durban, South Africa, with operations spread throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. “We are exceptionally proud to have played a role in the Pope’s World Meeting of Families visit,” says Mark Ross, managing director of Cathexis Europe. “Cathexis is committed to providing the most efficient and effective, tailored video management software solutions, to provide maximum return on surveillance investment,” he added. CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018 Cameras & Surveillance Management The Cathexis Europe Technical team worked alongside Mongey throughout the design, build up and operations over the weekend to ensure that CathexisVision was providing optimal performance, and to provide additional cameras and surveillance management to the police service of the Republic of Ireland (Gardai). Earlier this month, CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018, when it was announced the overall winner in the Video Surveillance Software category. “We are delighted that we had the opportunity to play a part in the Pope’s historic visit to Ireland at the weekend, and are exceptionally honored for the ongoing international recognition,” concluded Ross.

HID Global, a global provider of trusted identity solutions, has announced that HID is the world’s first ticketing solution provider to be certified to deliver more secure, lower cost, faster contactless tickets based on an open standard called Calypso Light Application (CLAP). CLAP-certified SOMA Atlas Public transportation authorities around the world no longer need to accept lower security, incompatibility and slower speeds or be locked into a proprietary low-end ticket system. HID’s CLAP-certified solution, SOMA Atlas, is now recognized by the Calypso Networks Association (CNA) as providing interoperability and greater flexibility to transportation operators. “HID Global is bringing a new level of trust to low-cost contactless tickets for public transportation by supporting an open standard that will overtake the proprietary memory cards commonly used for low-end tickets, such as single trip tickets,” said Cesare Paciello, Vice President, Ticketing & Transport with HID Global. “Being the first ticket provider in the world to achieve Calypso Light Application certification positions HID strongly to lead the way to enable mid-sized and smaller public transportation networks to do next-generation automated fare collection.” Contactless CLAP Ticketing Recognized widely and deployed in many countries for secure, fast and flexible ticketing, Calypso is an open standard of contactless ticketing, suitable for multiple applications, especially public transportation in which Calypso cards and NFC mobile phones are used. To extend the success of the Calypso standard and help solve the incompatibility of low-cost tickets, a worldwide group of transport operators in the Calypso Networks Association, a not-for-profit standards body, ratified a set of specifications for the Calypso Light Application standard. CLAP tickets have the same security as high-end tickets, such as sports season tickets, but at a lower cost CLAP tickets have the same security as high-end tickets, such as sports season tickets, but at a lower cost than typical Calypso tickets. CLAP is also simple to deploy because, unlike proprietary memory cards, the use of CLAP tickets does not require development work to be integrated into an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) System. Automated Fare Collection System To become the first ticketing solution provider to receive the CLAP certification, HID had to pass the technical evaluation that was conducted by Elitt, a CNA-accredited laboratory. HID has been working with Calypso technology since 2014, resulting in the development of the SOMA Atlas, an OS architecture that combines the multi-application capabilities of the KIAT operating system with the Calypso 3.1 standard. HID achieved its first Calypso certification in July 2016 with SOMA Atlas V1, which proved to be one of the fastest products of its kind. RFID, Key Management and Smart Card Tokens As the next logical step in its evolution of an open standards-based approach, HID’s ticketing and transportation team in Italy developed the CLAP-certified SOMA Atlas OS architecture to broaden the customer acceptance of more secure ticketing by small to mid-sized transportation operators. Known as the ticketing solution provider that delivered millions of tickets for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, HID provides end-to-end ticketing solutions, including transportation ticketing terminals, data capturing software, key management capabilities, RFID paper tickets, smart card tokens, smart wristbands, among other components. Its multi-application operating systems can be integrated with existing hardware.

Comelit has provided bespoke black-finish video door entry panels to The Metalworks, a former Victorian factory site that has been transformed into an exclusive gated residential development with a private courtyard and garden. Set in the heart of vibrant and fashionable Old Town in Clapham, The Metalworks, established by boutique property development company The Malins Group, now presents twenty four loft style design apartments – which are all now sold - and two commercial properties. To maintain the iconic feel of the twentieth century factory, Comelit, working with installation partner ATI Fire and Security Limited, was specified for the door entry system, utilizing its specialist ViP IP Network solution, with a bespoke black finish; installed to operate with Comelit’s premium touchscreen Icona Monitor. Comelit’s color Icona Monitors is fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance Comelit’s ViP System Says Sandra Brownlie, Operations Director at The Malins Group: “The founder of the original 1904 factory, William Bainbridge Reynolds was a pioneering arts and crafts designer whose work remains highly collectable today.  He insisted on everything being “as flawless as he could make it, yet absolutely individual.” “This is a philosophy we have carried through to every element of grand restoration of The Metalworks, right through to the door entry system.  With Comelit Group renowned for style and high specification solutions, we had no hesitation in reaching out to create a solution that would complement the look and feel of the development.” Comelit’s ViP system includes Comelit’s color Icona Monitors, fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance. Bespoke Door Entry System Simon Robinson, Managing Director at ATI Group added: “The Metalworks is a unique development, whereby every detail has to be carefully considered in line with the design principles and traditions of the historic factory restoration program. This is even down to the security on site, which is why we called in the expertise and style of Comelit Group, to create a bespoke door entry system.”   Tailored to suit homeowner’s preferences, Comelit’s Icona Monitors include customization of ringtone and video memory functionality where missed callers can be recorded on the apartment monitor when the resident returns. Residents can communicate with each other on the system if desired, as the system allows unlimited call traffic at any time without becoming engaged. When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates" Powerful Security Solution Francesca Boeris, Comelit UK Managing Director concluded: “Comelit worked closely with ATI Fire & Security Limited and The Malins Group to ensure the door entry systems installed, achieved the desired balance between style and technology, as is synonymous with the legendary designs of William Bainbridge Reynolds.” “When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates. We believe, finished in bespoke black, it is the perfect blend of smart door entry to add the finishing touches to the beautiful restoration of The Metalworks.” With backlit touch-sensitive controls and a 4.3 inch color LCD screen, the Icona Monitor is available in flush-mounted, surface-mounted or desktop versions and in white or black finishes.

The Palacio de Congresos, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition center in the heart of Valencia, Spain. Also known as the Palace of Light, due to its glass-fronted façade and distinctive roof design, the Palacio regularly accommodates large-scale international conferences organized by multinationals, trade associations and government organizations. Most events gravitate around the main auditorium with room for up to 1,481 participants, as well as smaller auditoria with capacities for 467 and 270 people. If needed, an IP-based video and audio network can connect up to 2,250 participants across these separate conference rooms. Bosch - DICENTIS Conference System Given the international character of most of the conferences it hosts, simultaneous interpretation is essential at the Palacio. The building management sought a solution that would take this into account, along with the facility’s existing architecture and infrastructure. Two of its three auditoria are equipped with fixed interpreter booths. Although the smallest auditorium and the conference center’s ten smaller meeting rooms do not include interpreter booths, simultaneous interpretation is also often required in these spaces. It was also important that the new conferencing system would not require any additional investment for wiring or cable connections. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths The DICENTIS Conference System from Bosch provided the perfect solution. Because the system is IP-based and Ethernet compatible, the existing IT infrastructure of the Palacio de Congresos could be used. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths to the meeting areas that don’t have these facilities. DICENTIS streams the language channels from the interpreter desks to the DICENTIS Conference devices in the main auditoria, and also to all the active conference devices in the Palacio’s smaller meeting areas. The floor languages of the active conference devices, regardless of their location, are streamed back to the interpreter desks. Mobile Installation To serve the smaller meeting areas, the DICENTIS central equipment is installed in a small mobile rack for easy transportation and setup. Additionally, the DICENTIS Conference devices with channel selector can be transported from one room to another in specially made, high-quality, lightweight and sturdy cases for protection during transit. The mobile rack simply connects to the room’s IT network plug to connect to the equipment in the various meeting rooms. This smart, mobile DICENTIS solution meets the requirements of all the meetings held in the Palacio de Congresos. The capacity for simultaneous interpretation in all the meeting areas means 2,250 participants can be connected across all conference areas big and small.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expressed strong support for MI HB 5828 and HB5830, two bills designed to improve school security across the state of Michigan. Michigan Legislation In a letter to Michigan House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Laura Cox and Vice-Chair Rob VerHeulen, SIA CEO Don Erickson praised the bills’ creation of a comprehensive school plan and fund to enable local districts to procure security solutions to protect students from malicious perpetrators and update building code requirements to include security measures. “Sadly, our nation’s schools have increasingly become a soft target for mass violence – at Sandy Hook Elementary, recently at Stoneman Douglas High School and in many other attacks,” said Erickson. “We support holistic approaches to improving school safety and security in response to these tragedies – recognizing there is no single action that can be taken that will, by itself, make our schools safe.” SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts Improving School Security SIA represents about 900 security and life safety solutions providers – companies that develop, manufacture and integrate technologies that help keep people and property safe from hazards. These industry leaders strive to introduce robust security solutions integrated into our nation’s K–12 public schools, private academic institutions, colleges and universities. In addition to serving member organizations working to improve security in schools and other environments, SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts that developed threat- and income-based guidelines for schools housing grades K–12 to implement appropriate, layered security measures. These guidelines are available to help guide school investments. Additionally, PASS provides integrators with risk assessments and white papers that can be used when working with schools to evaluate and establish the best security protections for their buildings. SIA believes state assistance like that in the Michigan legislation is a start to addressing key security gaps in schools and is especially critical to high-risk school districts or those with limited budgets.