Public sector security

Intersec 2019, one of the world's leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, opened in Dubai, featuring 1,212 exhibitors from 54 countries. The annual three-day event, which runs until 22nd January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, and supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Civil Defence, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), and the Dubai Municipality. They’re joined by a further 35 international government partners, trade associations, and non-profit institutions aimed at advancing the global security, safety, and fire protection landscape. Intersec Future Security Summit The dedicated showpiece event is often used as the annual platform for hundreds of exhibitors to launch their latest products and solutionsHighlights this year include the new Intersec Future Security Summit, featuring 40-plus regional and international experts and government speakers, while returning features include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area for live firefighting and emergency rescue operations, along with workshops and seminars to keep an expected audience of 30,000-plus visitors informed about the latest market trends and technologies. Spanning 60,000sqm, Intersec 2019 covers the six show sections - Fire & Rescue (431 exhibitors), Commercial Security (375 exhibitors), Safety & Health (142 exhibitors), Information Security (120 exhibitors), Homeland Security & Policing (90 exhibitors), and Physical and Perimeter Security (54 exhibitors). The dedicated showpiece event is often used as the annual platform for hundreds of exhibitors to launch their latest products and solutions for the global security, safety, and fire protection industries. All-terrain specialty firefighting vehicle Rosenbauer from Austria, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of systems for firefighting and disaster protection, was one of the exhibitors this week, and unveiled TIGON, dubbed as a ‘radically designed, extraordinarily all-terrain specialty firefighting vehicle for industrial use.’ The Rosenbauer TIGON is one of the most all-terrain, variable, and long-lasting industrial vehicles worldwide “The special vehicle combines proven off-road expertise from Tatra and optimally designed drive components with outstanding extinguishing technology from Rosenbauer,” said Christian Mairzedt, Senior Vice President and Head of the Middle East and North Africa at Rosenbauer. “The Rosenbauer TIGON is one of the most all-terrain, variable, and long-lasting industrial vehicles worldwide. Its powerful performance makes it one of the most extraordinary fire fighting vehicles of our time.” AI-based solutions on display Nearly two-thirds of the world’s top 50 security manufacturers are also on-board Intersec 2019, including 17 of the top 20 incumbents comprising Hikvision, Dahua, ASSA ABLOY, Bosch Security Systems, Axis Communications, FLIR Systems, Hanwha Techwin, Tiandy Technologies, Avigilon, Infinova, Optex, VIVOTEK, CP Plus, Nedap, Raysharp, Milestone Systems, and Kedacom. All are showcasing their latest solutions, from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based safe city services and smart home security products, to the latest high definition IP-Network cameras and analytics software used across industry verticals from banking and retail to hospitality and oil & gas. Avigilon is showcasing its Avigilon Control Center 6.14 software, with enhanced capabilities for Avigilon Appearance Search technology across ACC sites Avigilon is showcasing its newly released Avigilon Control Center (ACC) 6.14 software, with enhanced capabilities for Avigilon Appearance Search technology across ACC sites, increased security and enhanced performance. The Canadian-headquartered company is also shining the spotlight on its Avigilon Appearance Search technology, a deep learning AI search engine that sorts through hours of footage with ease. Bringing automation to surveillance Paul Such, Vice President of Sales for Avigilon in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said Avigilon’s Appearance Search technology allows users to quickly locate a specific person or vehicle of interest across multiple sites that are connected to the same ACC client. “We’ll also feature Avigilon Unusual Motion Detection (UMD) technology, an advanced AI technology that will bring a new level of automation to surveillance,” said Such. “UMD technology is designed to continuously learn what typical activity in the scene looks like and focus the operator's attention on atypical events needing further investigation.” Such said, “A critical mass has been reached in the volume of video data captured and the limits of human attention to effectively search through that data,” adding: “As such, the demand for video analytics is increasing globally. Through the power of AI, Avigilon is developing technologies and products that dramatically increase the effectiveness of security systems by focussing human attention on what matters most.” AI and IoT at Future Security Summit Gren said the Middle East and the UAE in particular have always been an innovator in security and security technologiesThe 21st edition of Intersec in 2019 also coincided with the launch of the three-day Intersec Future Security Summit, where Future Foresight on Security, Artificial Intelligence, along with the Internet of Things (IoT) and Intelligent Systems were among the central themes on the first day. Martin Gren, Co-Founder of Axis Communications, and the inventor of the world’s first IP-Network camera, was among the headline speakers, offering his view on the future of the global security industry. “We see security needs increasing and new applications are enabled by new and complementing technologies,” said Gren, adding that while AI has shown tremendous improvements over the last few years, it’s still at an early stage.  Moving from analogue to IP “Everyone expects to see industry disruption from AI and Deep Learning, and this is an area that Axis are heavily investing in, but I think the true benefits are still several years away. Instead, you will see AI help with regular basic algorithms, and personally, I think the market for audio is going to move from analogue to IP as it’s still currently 98 percent analogue.” Gren said the Middle East and the UAE in particular have always been an innovator in security and security technologies, on account of the region having limited exposure to traditional analogue technologies. Analysts say the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 percent over the next six years, valuing US$31 billion in 2024" “The Middle East was an early adopter of technology, and I think the UAE has shown a scale and willingness to invest that is much stronger than most other countries,” continued Gren. “This has given a modern, and upgraded, network of smart and intelligent systems that is quite unique.” Double-digit growth predicted Intersec 2019 takes place amid a Middle East market where demand for security, safety, and fire protection continues to climb. Andreas Rex, Intersec’s show director, said: “The Middle East market for physical and perimeter security, commercial and information security, fire protection, and drones, is currently estimated to be worth US$14.5 billion. Analysts say this will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 percent over the next six years, valuing US$31 billion in 2024. “Governments are taking a lead role in ensuring infrastructure, buildings, borders and societies are safe and secure, and the region continues to be an early adopter of smarter, integrated, and innovative solutions spanning both the public and private sectors – from banking, aviation, education and retail, to hospitality, healthcare, construction and energy. “These solutions are course on show this week at Intersec, where more than 1,200 exhibitors from 54 countries are gracing the exhibition floor,” added Rex. Intersec Fire Conference and SIRA Forum Returning popular features include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, and the Safety Design in Buildings PavilionWith 83 percent international participation, Intersec 2019’s 15 country pavilions are coming from Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA. Other conference highlights include the one-day Intersec Fire Conference on 21st January, which will provide insights into the changing global trends in fire protection and its implications on the Middle East, while Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum on 22nd January will also return with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai. Returning popular features include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. Intersec is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Bold Communications, a developer of alarm communications and management systems, has announced a new technology partnership with Openview Security Solutions, the UK’S largest privately-owned independent security company and provider of integrated control room systems. The two companies already have a proven track record of working together on a number of high-profile public sector projects including Loughborough University, Stockport Homes and the City of Cardiff. This new partnership will enable clients, particularly in the public sector, to take advantage of the significant expertise and capabilities accumulated by both companies over many years in the deployment of innovative alarm and CCTV-based security systems that deliver best value. Ensuring highest level of service The monitoring platform is the central receiving and processing point for a wide range of security products and applications including fire and intruder alarmsBold Communications Managing Director, Brian Kelly, commented: “Working with the right partners is essential to the successful delivery of important public sector projects. This new partnership between Openview and Bold builds on the unique strengths of both companies. Combining OpenView’s project delivery expertise with Bold’s specialised development and support skills will help to de-risk installations and ensure that control rooms deliver the highest level of service.”  The monitoring sector has evolved significantly in recent years away from just simple alarm receiving and toward complete remote management solutions. The monitoring platform is now the central receiving and processing point for a wide range of security products and applications including fire and intruder alarms, public address systems and CCTV networks.   Providing clients with robust security systems The increasingly complex nature of such integrated systems demands the highest level of technical skills and resources making the relationship between software suppliers and systems integrators more important than ever. Andy Ward, Sales Director of OpenView Security Solutions, added: “This partnership is a natural fit as both Openview and Bold are engineering-based companies with outstanding reputations in the security industry because of the quality of their work and longstanding client relationships. Together, we will be providing public sector clients with robust, reliable systems that provide the highest level functionality without the complexity or project risk associated with other solutions.”

The 38th International East - West Security Conference organised by Capricorn Conferences and Exhibitions was held on 5th and 6th November 2018 at the elegant Hotel West End on the Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France. Delegates representing private and public sector organisations from the Russian Federation and Ukraine participated in an intensive two days of presentations by speakers drawn from the UK, USA, Italy and Russia, supported by simultaneous translation in English and Russian. Conference Chairman, Patrick Somerville QPM, welcomed the delegates and under the theme of ‘Protecting Yourself and Your Business’ reflecting the recent collapse of several retail and other sector businesses, introduced a programme that included the development of corporate governance and regulation in the UK with emphasis on the ‘Comply or Explain’ approach to compliance with codes of conduct and management. National critical infrastructures The need for business continuity and planning based on the international ISO22301 Framework was discussed against the background of global threats The issues of integrated security management and fraud prevention practices were highlighted by actual case histories from various jurisdictions, together with understanding of the ‘Audit Expectation Gap’ that exists between stakeholders and auditors evidenced by the failure to the discovery of fraud at all levels during formal audits. The need for business continuity and planning based on the international ISO22301 Framework was discussed against the background of global threats to business from cyber-crime and related activities. New cyber counter measures including the growing use of artificial intelligence, video analytics and biometrics as tools in the fight to protect national critical infrastructures, businesses and public services outlined how governments and industries were raising the levels of protection required against increasingly sophisticated and penetrating threats. Russian commercial activities Various speakers addressed the importance of protecting corporate assets with emphasis on due diligence procedures to prevent insider crimes and fraud. Case studies of elaborate schemes and compliance failures in both commercial and banking sectors resulting in massive losses and illegal gains demonstrated the considerable efforts needed to investigate and successfully prosecute those responsible. Insights into the operation of Russian commercial activities, including measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing in a business engaged in the leasing of plant and stock for the operation of railways and other enterprises contributed to the range and diversity of the topics discussed. Current concerns about identify theft, data security and protection from cyber-attacks featured prominently in the programme. Best business practices At the conference closing banquet several delegates expressed their appreciation of the opportunity to meet with colleagues from other countries Delegates were again urged to ensure that awareness of new developments and systems and the protective measures needed were not only understood at Board level in all organisations but were recognised and endorsed as Board level responsibilities for effective implementation and oversight where required. At the conference closing banquet several delegates expressed their appreciation of the opportunity to meet with colleagues from other countries, sharing professional experiences through presentations and discussions, and gaining knowledge and understanding of best business practices in countries represented. The International East West Security Conferences are promoted twice yearly by Capricorn Exhibitions and Conferences in cooperation with several other supporting bodies and held in various European cities to promote understanding and the exchange ideas and information between those engaged in managing security in public and private sector organisations in United Kingdom, Member States of the European Union, the Russian Federation and other countries in Eastern Europe.

Genetec Inc., a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced its plans for Smart City Expo World Congress 2018, taking place at Gran Via Venue, Barcelona from 13-15 November 2018. Genetec will be present at Smart City Expo at six locations around the show floor including technology partner booths with Axis Communications, Bouygues Energies & Services, Microsoft, Schréder and IoT.ATL; as well as in the USA Pavilion with the City of San Diego and Atlanta. At each of these locations, smart city solutions will be showcased that demonstrate how Genetec enables them to better serve the city. For any urban environment, safety, security, and the flow of people and goods have always been a critical factor" Building a safe and smart city Christian Chenard-Lemire, Team Lead for Intelligent Transport Systems at Genetec stated: “In order for citizens to benefit from a ‘Smart City’, it must also be a ‘Safe City’. For any urban environment, safety, security, and the flow of people and goods have always been a critical factor, driving the need for new, innovative technology. “Through the open-architecture, unified security platform in Genetec Security Center, and our other investigation management and decision support solutions, we are in a strong position to support cities in their goal towards a safer and smarter future.” Axis Communications Axis Communications will showcase a range of solutions, delivering safety and mobility in a city. Enhanced citizen safety and improved traffic flow are two essential pillars in any urban environment and provide the focus for Axis solutions on show at Smart City Expo 2018, along with real-world examples of its technology in action. The Genetec solutions being demonstrated at booth B211 will include Traffic Sense, a solution that gives traffic managers a complete picture of incidents as they happen. Bouygues Energies & Services Energy, digital and industrial transition specialist Bouygues Energies & Services will be presenting solutions that increase the efficiency of services to the city at booth Bouygues Energies & Services/ Colas D485. There, Genetec will be showcasing the Security Center integration with Bouygues solutions. Microsoft to demonstrate how connected technologies can help cities become more sustainable Microsoft Microsoft will be demonstrating how connected technologies can help cities become more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive. Genetec will have a pod at booth B213 to demonstrate neighbourhoods aligned to solutions, which will showcase Community Connect and Clearance. Schréder Smart street lights are the gateway to a smart city. A pioneer in intelligent outdoor lighting solutions, Schréder will present infrastructure that enables city planners to create open, fluid, connected and safer cities. Genetec will be showcasing Security Center, Intercom and Analytics on booth E567. IoT.ATL and the City of San Diego – USA Pavilion Representatives from the City of Atlanta and the City of San Diego will demonstrate how they have deployed Genetec technology to create scalable smart cities at the USA pavilion, booth D491. In the Atlanta and San Diego sections, Genetec solutions on display will include Clearance and SaaS Cloud with Shotspotter.

For over a century, IEEE's mission has been to advance technology for the benefit of humanity. As the world’s largest technical professional organisation, IEEE’s global community includes over 420,000 members in engineering, computing and technology, collaborating on communications, consumer electronics, robotics, sustainable energy, aerospace, life sciences, and many other critical initiatives. Dave George felicitated with IEEE Life Membership Dave George has been an active IEEE member for over 40 years As the Chief Technologist behind Pryme Radio’s communications innovations, Dave George has been an active IEEE member for over 40 years. Recently, Mr. George was honoured with IEEE Life Membership, a top echelon designation reserved only for those individuals demonstrating long-standing leadership, dedication, and who have made a significant impact on the development of technology. “I’m grateful for IEEE’s recognition, but it’s my job to find ways to better the lives and professions of Pryme’s customers through communications,” said George. “The fact that technologies have become ever more exotic and exciting is a bonus.” Never comfortable tooting his own horn, George’s demure demeanor belies the important role he’s played in moving the communication industry forward. In fact, George credits IEEE as being his primary source for leading edge electronic science data, which often help lead him to develop ground-breaking new products at Pryme. Pryme's future product line in sync with IoT George is a regional member of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), Robotics & Automation Society (RAS), Intelligent Transportation Systems Society (ITS), and the Vehicular Technology Society (VTS.) His involvement has given rise to future product developments at Pryme that support emerging networks such as IoT, mesh, 5G, soon to be 6G, as well as intelligent vehicle to vehicle communications. George may shy away from the spotlight, but he is fearless when it comes to entering unexplored technological territories. The reward Dave George reveres most is creating products that make a difference.  George’s philosophy mirrors the IEEE’s mission and is also reflected in Pryme’s guiding principle — Invent communications technologies that benefit public safety, security, government, education, transit, utilities, construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, field services, facilities, healthcare, professionals and humanity as a whole.

Artificial Intelligence will play an important role in the Middle East commercial security market’s future, as interconnected video surveillance systems and autonomous IP-based solutions become the norm, said the boss of a global video surveillance manufacturer. Gaurav Khemka, the Director of CP PLUS, said mining scores of data to find answers and facilitate prompt decision making has become simpler with the help of video analytics and digital surveillance, solving multiple problems across a range of applications, from small retail outlets to high-level government intelligence agencies. Video analytics to benefit multiple sectors CP PLUS is one of more than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries at the upcoming Intersec 2019 exhibition in Dubai“There are countless opportunities and problems waiting to be solved by video analytics, as the computing power of IP cameras continues to improve,” said Khemka. “Benefits will be seen across multiple sectors, from assisting intelligence agencies to local retail outlets, and perhaps, in the future, a fully predictive surveillance system may be a reality.” CP PLUS is one of more than 1,300 exhibitors from 59 countries at the upcoming Intersec 2019 exhibition in Dubai, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection. Khemka said the company has completed numerous projects in the Middle East, last year, highlighting the UAE’s Landmark Group as one of its flagship references. IP Cameras for Landmark’s retail outlets “The Landmark Group is a multinational conglomerate involved in consumer retail while it also has interests in hospitality and leisure, healthcare and mall management,” added Khemka. Round the clock surveillance was a major requirement for Landmark Group’s vast network of retail outlets, and CP PLUS provided more than 1,500 IP cameras for this purpose.  While retail is one industry vertical that has benefitted from the value-added offerings of integrated security systems and video analytics, Khemka said almost all other industry verticals are now catching on: “Today security has transcended from a need for safety to that of value addition and an enabler for people and processes,” Khemka said. Integration with fire and alarm systems CP PLUS will put the spotlight on its Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things based technologies at Intersec 2019“When integrated with other aspects of security such as fire and alarm systems, it can not only create a complete security ecosystem but also a huge support for managing operations and manpower. As such, all verticals, be it banking, education, hospitality, law enforcement, real estate, retail, or transportation, have identified with the need and adopted it wholeheartedly.” CP PLUS will put the spotlight on its Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things based technologies at the 21st edition of Intersec, which takes place from 20-22 January at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will line-up alongside more than 500 global solutions providers in the three-day event’s Commercial Security section, the largest of seven dedicated show sections that include Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, Physical & Perimeter Security, Information Security, and Smart Home & Building Automation. GESAB at Intersec 2019 Spanish company GESAB is another international player in the Commercial Security section looking to build its network with key regional decision makers of security and defence-related projects. EC3 is one of the world’s largest and most modern control centres, tasked with monitoring Dubai’s mass transit network  A returning exhibitor to Intersec in 2019, GESAB specialises in technical solutions for the design, manufacture and installation of both control centre and data processing centre projects. The Madrid-based company was involved in the Dubai RTA’s (Roads and Transport Authority) new Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3). Opened in 2017, EC3 is one of the world’s largest and most modern control centres, tasked with monitoring Dubai’s mass transit network, including the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, taxis and marine transit systems.  Developing technical furniture for EC3 project Fernando Cajal, International Sales Manager for GESAB in the Middle East, said GESAB’s role in EC3, which came through a contact made at Intersec, was to develop the technical furniture for the Main Control Room, Security OCC, Tram back up room, IT SOC Room, Lecture Room, and Gold and Silver Rooms. “EC3 is an unparalleled project for facilities where the future becomes a reality today,” said Cajal. “It’s also an example of why the security industry contributes the greatest number of projects to GESAB, and why the Middle East is a reference market due to its capacity to generate constant business and large-scale projects.” GESAB will showcase at Intersec 2019 its own custom designed and manufactured range of technical furniture and control consoles, along with its Dynamic IP-based KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) system called DeskWall. Importance of video and analysis systems GESAB will showcase at Intersec 2019 its Dynamic IP-based KVM system called DeskWall Cajal said CCTV platforms and control centres are used for the control and management of security, both in the private sphere and in public spaces, adding: “It’s in this sense that video and analysis systems are of vital importance.   “The future related to digital surveillance and video analytics, in regards to our expertise, is of control rooms where the tasks are developed in a collaborative integrated way but in individual ergonomic work positions that have the capacity to operate with technologies such as big format screens and high-efficiency digital KVM solutions like DeskWall.” Many more of the world’s leading security solutions providers have also confirmed their participation at the 21st edition of Intersec, including 18 of the global top 20, such as Hikvision, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, Flir Systems, Hanwha Techwin, Avigilon, Infinova, Nedap, IDIS, and Milestone Systems. Commercial security market growth All of these have also enjoyed considerable success in the Middle East commercial security market that, according to analysts 6Wresearch, will grow by nearly 17 percent annually over the next six years, valuing US$7.4 billion in 2024, compared to an estimated US$2.9 billion in 2018. With 75 percent of the regional market in 2017 (US$1.87 billion), video surveillance is by far the largest product segment, followed by access control (US$367 million), and intrusion detection (US$262 million). The two Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest contributors to the Middle East commercial security market  Retail and banking currently hold the lion’s share of the regional market by industry verticals according to 6Wresearch, with an 8.6 percent (US$249 million) and 7.5 percent (US$217 million) share respectively. Meanwhile, the two Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest contributors to the Middle East commercial security market, with Saudi Arabia holding a 31 percent stake (US$899 million), and the UAE 24 percent (US$696 million). Showcasing AI and automation technologies Andreas Rex, Intersec’s Show Director, said: “The Middle East commercial security market has evolved significantly over the years and Intersec exhibitors in this area have always stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to presenting new technologies and innovations for varied end-user verticals, from retail and hospitality, to banking, transport, government, aviation, and smart city concepts. “New-age solutions are all about automation, AI, and resource efficiency, and Intersec 2019 will showcase a wide spectrum of the latest developments in the commercial security sector.” Intersec 2019 returns early next year with a revamped conference line-up, including a three-day Intersec Future Security Summit raising key issues on Artificial Intelligence, security integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, IoT and much more. Return of SIRA and Drone Zone Returning popular features in 2019 include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion Returning is the SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Agency) Forum, with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai, while a one-day Fire Safety and Protection Conference will involve authorities, fire chiefs, engineers, fire fighters and emergency response professionals. Returning popular features in 2019 include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. More than 150 exhibitors will be participating for the first time, while Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA comprise the 15 country pavilions. Intersec 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Civil Defence, SIRA, and the Dubai Municipality.

According to the reports of not-for-profit organisation Gun Violence Archive, the year 2018 has seen 323 mass shooting incidents as of November 28 in the United States. This number is 346 for the year 2017 and 382 for 2016 (more statistics are available here), with “mass shooting” defined as cases where four or more people are shot or killed in the same time period and location. While definitions of mass shooting vary with organisations in the US, the count of over 300 incidents per year, or about once per day on average, is simply alarming. It raises public safety concerns, ignites debates and protests, which in turn lead to public unrest and potentially more violence, and increases costs for governments from the regional to federal level. Most importantly, the loss of lives demands not only improvement in post-incident handling and investigation, but also new prevention technologies. Gunshot detection solutions AI weapon detection offers a more efficient alternative to prevent active shooting There are several gunshot detection solutions in the security market, commonly used by law enforcement agencies to detect and locate gun fires. These systems function based on acoustic recordings and analyses and often in combination with signals detected by sensors of the optical flash and shockwave when a gun is fired. However, gunshot detection by nature dictates that the law enforcement can only react to a shooting incident that has occurred. With fast action, law enforcement can prevent the incident from escalating, but lives that are lost cannot be recovered. With the development of artificial intelligence in object recognition, AI weapon detection offers a more efficient alternative to prevent active shooting: AI can visually detect guns based on their shapes before they are fired. The AI is trained to recognise firearms in different shapes, sizes, colours, and at different angles in videos, so that the AI weapon detector can be deployed with existing cameras systems, analyse the video feeds, and instantly notify security staff when a gun is spotted. Comparison of the advantages for law enforcement and public security agencies Legacy gunshot detection using sensors AI weapon detection Reactive measure: detect after guns have been fired Proactive measure: detect before guns are fired Time to action: within 1 second Time to action: within 1 second Unable to provide visual data about shooter(s) Can provide data about shooter(s) based on the camera recording: clothing, luggage (backpack, handbag, etc.), facial features, vehicle Unable to track the location of the shooter(s) before and after shooting because of the lack of sound Can track the shooter(s) using AI Person & Vehicle Tracking, AI Face Recognition, and AI License Plate Recognition False detection caused by similar sound such as fireworks and cars backfiring Minimal to no false detection, as AI can distinguish different types of handguns and rifles from normal objects (umbrella, cellphone, etc.) Require physical deployment of gunshot detection sensors Can be used with existing camera systems, do not require special hardware Complicated to deploy, require highly trained professional Easy to deploy as an add-on to existing video surveillance system - Can integrate with gun-shot detection to create a “double knock” audio and video active shooter alert system Gun-shot detection advantages In addition to advantages for law enforcement and public security agencies, this type of visual-based pre-incident detector has three-fold advantages for the public: Save lives by spotting the shooter before the shooting event. Minimise the chaos entailing an incident: panic and chaos caused by a shooting incident often adds to injury, as people run, fall, trample on others… With an AI weapon detector, when a gun is spotted, the system sends an alert to security staff, who can quickly control the situation in an organised manner and apprehend the intending shooter. Can be added as a SaaS (Security as a Service) component to small business and home surveillance systems, e.g., intrusion detection alerts (home invasion incidents with firearms number over 2500 per year nationwide). For a complete active shooter detection system, video-based AI detector can operate in conjunction with gunshot detectors for enhanced security. Traditional X-ray based weapon detection or metal detection entrance systems are complicated and expensive; with AI video technology, active shooter detection system can be cost-effective, and after all, what price tag can one put on a life? Written by Paul Sun and Mai Truong, IronYun

Timely and important issues in the security marketplace dominated our list of most-clicked-upon articles in 2018. Looking back at the top articles of the year provides a decent summary of how our industry evolved this year, and even offers clues to where we’re headed in 2019. In the world of digital publishing, it’s easy to know what content resonates with the security market: Our readers tell us with their actions; i.e., where they click. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles we posted in 2018 that generated the most page views. They are listed in order here with a brief excerpt. 1. U.S. President Signs Government Ban on Hikvision and Dahua Video Surveillance The ban on government uses, which takes effect ‘not later than one year after … enactment,’ applies not only to future uses of Dahua and Hikvision equipment but also to legacy installations. The bill calls for an assessment of the current presence of the banned technologies and development of a ‘phase-out plan’ to eliminate the equipment from government uses. 2. Motorola Makes a Splash with Avigilon Video Surveillance Acquisition Early clues point to Motorola positioning Avigilon as part of a broader solution, especially in the municipal/safe cities market. The company says the acquisition will enable more safe cities projects and more public-private partnerships between local communities and law enforcement. Motorola sees Avigilon as ‘a natural extension to global public safety and U.S. federal and military’ applications, according to the company. 3. Impact of Data-Driven Smart Cities on Video Surveillance One of the major areas of technology that is going to shift how we interact with our cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). One benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on large crowds at sporting events The IoT already accounts for swaths of technology and devices operating in the background. However, we’re increasingly seeing these come to the forefront of everyday life, as data becomes increasingly critical. Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency 4. CES 2018: Security Technologies Influencing the Consumer Electronics Market Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? 5. SIA Predicts Top Physical Security Trends for 2018 Traditional security providers will focus more on deepening the customer experience and enhancing convenience and service. The rise of IoT also places an emphasis on cybersecurity, and security dealers will react by seeking manufacturers and technology partners with cyber-hardened network-connected devices. 6. High-Speed Visitor Screening Systems Will Improve Soft Target Security The system is more expensive than a metal detector, but about a third the cost of familiar airport body scanners. Labor reduction (because of faster throughput) can help offset the system costs, but “it’s difficult to quantify the improvement in the visitor experience,” says Mike Ellenbogen, CEO of Evolv Technology. 7. How to Prevent ATM Jackpotting with Physical and Cyber Security A new crime wave is hitting automated teller machines (ATMs); the common banking appliances are being rigged to spit out their entire cash supplies into a criminal’s waiting hands. The crime is called “ATM jackpotting” and has targeted banking machines located in grocery shops, pharmacies and other locations in Taiwan, Europe, Latin America and, in the last several months, the United States. Rough estimates place the total amount of global losses at up to $60 million. The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve- how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest 8. Why We Need to Look Beyond Technology for Smart City Security Solutions Although technology is necessary for an urban area to transition in to a safe and smart city, technology alone isn’t sufficient. Truly smart cities are savvy cities and that includes how they employ software, sensing, communications and other technologies to meet their needs. 9. How New Video Surveillance Technology Boosts Airport Security and Operations Employing airport security solutions is a complex situation with myriad government, state and local rules and regulations that need to be addressed while ensuring the comfort needs of passengers. Airport security is further challenged with improving and increasing operational efficiencies, as budgets are always an issue. As an example, security and operational data must be easily shared with other airport departments and local agencies such as police, customs, emergency response and airport operations to drive a more proactive approach across the organisation. 10. The Evolution of Facial Recognition from Body-Cams to Video Surveillance The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve.

There’s only so much a corporation can do to counteract the threat of a major incident. You can ask everyone to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious, but you cannot stop someone intent on deliberately starting a fire, threatening a work colleague with a knife or something much worse. And of course, most businesses recognise that even routine events – such as burst pipes, IT system failures, extreme weather event or power outages – can have significant consequences unless they are quickly brought under control. Training security officers Governments and organisations across the world are increasingly encouraging businesses to re-assess risks and to plan for and conduct drills for major emergencies. This is driving different agencies and companies to invest in new skills, resources and systems, and encouraging businesses to routinely re-evaluate their emergency response strategies. UK police forces are increasingly training security officers in the public and private sectors on how best to react to potential terrorist incidents For example: UK police forces are increasingly training security officers in the public and private sectors on how best to react to potential terrorist incidents, as part of the UK government’s Action Counter Terrorism programme. And organisations including the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) and Higher Education Business Continuity Network (HEBCoN) are developing customised training for their members to improve their own response and business continuity plans. Mass notifications systems Whether an organisation is facing a terrorist attack or a severe weather event, follow up reports consistently identify that the same types of challenges are common to all crisis situations, with similar errors often occurring again and again. Typically, these are centred on three key areas: poor communications, fractured command and control structures, and delayed deployment of resources. Communications skills and technologies clearly play a pivotal role in how effective an organisation is in responding to major incidents, particularly when it comes to assessing the situation and its implications, moving people towards safety and providing updates as an incident unfolds. However, when an organisation is considering its technology options, emergency response and mass notification systems (MNS) are often touted as the ideal platform to deliver all the required critical communications and ongoing updates. UK police forces are increasingly training security officers in the public and private sectors on how best to react to potential terrorist incidents Emergency notification system All the incident reporting, command and control, and communications functions have been brought together on a single platform But, if an organisation does not know exactly where all its staff or students are, and it cannot see the location and availability of its first responders and other emergency coordinators relative to them and the incident, then how useful is it to send a top-down alert to everyone? And what about fast moving or multi-centre incidents, where previously agreed evacuation procedures, recommended actions or mustering points may need to change if an incident takes an unexpected turn? Many organisations may have been lulled into believing that an emergency notification system will allow them to confidently handle all the communications aspects of virtually any crisis. In reality, too many businesses are still unaware that there are now much more sophisticated and proven technologies where all the incident reporting, command and control, and communications functions have been brought together on a single platform. Using live map tracking The benefit of using these advanced and more integrated approaches – often categorised as mobile distributed command and control systems – is that they enable faster and better decision making in a crisis using real-time feedback and two-way dialogue with those closest to the emergency. And they avoid the risks of any potential delays, miscommunications or mistakes that can happen when an organisation is under pressure to respond and often switching between multiple systems. Leading universities and multi-national corporations are already using new mobile/web-enabled platforms to improve their incident response These next generation emergency management platforms have been specifically designed to enable real-time mapping of an organisation’s security assets and its users on a single screen and to fully integrate it with a highly targeted geo-fenced notification capability. The mass notification aspect of the system can then be used to advise specific groups on the best actions to take at their location as an incident develops. The use of live map tracking enables real time mapping of an organisation's security assets  Segmented messaging Many leading universities and multi-national corporations are already using these new mobile/web-enabled platforms to plan, manage and improve their incident response, leading to 50% faster reactions and more positive outcomes.During a crisis, users can receive push notifications so the security centre can immediately see their exact location and advise them accordingly The systems have been widely adopted within the higher-education sector, but they are equally applicable to any large company with multiple international sites or those situated in research or corporate campuses where the bulk of assets and people are based in one or more key locations.  Typically, systems provide users with a smartphone app that they can use to call for immediate emergency or first aid support when at work, or to report something suspicious which could prevent an apparently minor incident from escalating into a full-scale emergency. During a crisis, users can receive push notifications, SMS and E-mails asking them to open the app if they are not already logged in, so the security centre can immediately see their exact location and advise them accordingly. Supporting dispersed mustering Now that communications can be more nimble, responsive and flexible this can support the increasing numbers of planners are recognising the advantages of dispersed mustering. This is a strategy that has been developed to reduce the risk of secondary attacks on unprotected people complying with instructions to evacuate from premises and gather in what are, effectively, exposed locations. It is now acknowledged that evacuees waiting outside for any length of time are more vulnerable to targeted attacks or to injury, from flying glass for example. With dispersed mustering – a strategy made more effective by these new mobile distributed command and control systems - a building’s occupants can be advised not to go outside, but to move to known safe internal locations. People in each specific area can then be kept regularly updated. Many corporations are now using new mobile/web-enabled platforms to improve their incident response Coordination between response agencies The software platforms can be integrated with an organisation’s fixed security infrastructure to take real-time sharing of information First responders are permanently logged in, so the emergency operations centre can see their exact locations in real-time and can advise what actions to take in mustering people or in setting up and protecting security cordons. Bringing everything together on one platform, with real-time feedback and in a fully integrated system also removes what is often seen as the weakest communication link in managing any major incident: the need to rely on conventional two-way radio as the sole means of communication between the command and control centre and its first responders and other team members on the ground. The software platforms can be integrated with an organisation’s fixed security infrastructure to take real-time sharing of information to a new level for improved collaboration, coordination and communications between users, the incident management team and external agencies. Improving emergency response strategies One of the most powerful features of some of these new systems is the ability to record and view all alerts, responses and the detailed conversations between first responders, emergency coordinators and other parties. This allows the systems to be used to simulate major incidents involving inputs from the emergency services and other key agencies and to ensure the organisation’s crisis management plans have been fully tested against a range of possible incident scenarios.

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

The U.S. Congress has voted on, and the President has signed, a ban on government uses of video surveillance equipment produced by two of the world’s top manufacturers – Hikvision and Dahua. The provision is buried in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 26 and the Senate on August 1. The President signed the NDAA into law on August 13. The provision was originally introduced as an amendment to the House version of the bill but was not included in the Senate version. However, the provision survived in the final version, negotiated by a conference committee and passed by both houses. The President had previously voiced support for the bill, which authorises U.S. military spending, and signed it into law two weeks later. Scope of the ban The President has previously voiced support for the bill, which authorises U.S. military spending, and signed it into law two weeks later The ban covers “public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes.” It bans “video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital technology Company, [and] Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).” Hytera Communications is a Chinese digital mobile radio manufacturer. The final bill eliminates specific mention of “white label” technology, which refers to cameras manufactured by Hikvision and/or Dahua but rebranded and labelled by other companies such as Honeywell, Stanley or UTC. However, interpretation of the word “affiliate” could include OEM partners. The ban, which takes effect “not later than one year after … enactment,” applies not only to future uses of Dahua and Hikvision equipment but also to legacy installations. The bill calls for an assessment of the current presence of the banned technologies and development of a "phase-out plan" to eliminate the equipment from government uses. The requirement suggests an opportunity of additional government business for non-Chinese manufacturers and integrators involved in switching out the equipment. Mention of the words “critical infrastructure” in the final bill points to inclusion of another whole category of installations in the ban; that is, facilities operated by non-government entities that are judged to be essential to the functioning of society and the economy. The Security Industry Association (SIA) declined to comment on the bill, citing its complexity and the need to research the potential impact. Both Hikvision and Dahua have issued corporate statements in reaction to the ban. The bill can be viewed in the context of a broader U.S. political backlash against China in general Broader context of the bill The bill’s passage is a setback to the growing profile of Chinese companies in the video surveillance market. It can also be viewed in the context of a broader U.S. political backlash against China in general, as evidenced by the recent acceleration of import tariffs and simmering trade war. The NDAA also targets China in another way: it strengthens the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which reviews the impact of proposed foreign investments on national security.The NDAA is an annual act passed by Congress that authorises U.S. military spending Another view is that Chinese companies invest heavily in research and development, can operate at greater scale and with lower costs, and therefore provide good overall value. For these reasons, many had expected Chinese camera products to increase their presence in the US market. The government ban, at the very least, slows down that transition. The potential is there for it to totally change the face of the industry. The NDAA is an annual act passed by Congress that authorises U.S. military spending and is used as a vehicle for a variety of policy matters. It has been passed annually for more than 50 years. The August 1 Senate vote marks the earliest Congress has passed the defence spending bill since 1978. Ironically, the final bill softened restrictions on China’s ZTE Corp. and Huawei Technologies, two telecommunications companies, because of national security concerns. These restrictions are weaker than in earlier versions of the bill. This article was updated on the 14th August 2018.

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 351-61 to ban federal agencies from buying Chinese-made surveillance cameras. The measure was passed May 24 as an amendment to House Bill 5515, the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the funding plan for the military that also maps out a variety of policy priorities. The bill is at least several months away from becoming law, and it must still be considered by the Senate and then by a House-Senate conference committee before final passage. Changes can be made at each stage. It would also have to be signed by President Trump. The amendment targeting video surveillance cameras was offered by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, a Missouri Republican. “Video surveillance and security equipment sold by Chinese companies exposes the U.S. government to significant vulnerabilities and my amendment will ensure that China cannot create a video surveillance network within federal agencies,” says Hartzler in a press release. Companies affected by the ban The proposed ban appears to lump our industry’s familiar video surveillance players together with other companies that the U.S. government has targeted for security concerns. Also mentioned in the amendment are Hytera Communications, a Chinese digital mobile radio manufacturer previously charged with patent infringement; and ZTE Corp., a Chinese telecommunications company accused of violating trade-sanction agreements and posing a threat to U.S. national security. The bill also mentions Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., a Chinese telecommunications manufacturer previously investigated as a national security threat.The proposed ban appears to lump our industry’s familiar video surveillance players together with other companies that the U.S. government has targeted for security concerns Two familiar companies in our industry – Hikvision and Dahua – are mentioned in the bill by their full names, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. and Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. In addition to their branded video lines, the two companies also are the largest providers of OEM/'white label' cameras and video systems that are sold under other brand names, such as Honeywell, Stanley and UTC. The bill specifically mentions the inclusion of white label technology in the ban. Addressing concerns In the case of Hikvision, one concern is whether the company is owned by the Chinese government. Hikvision has previously addressed this issue, emphasising its ownership by “a diverse set of private and public entities” with the largest share belonging to a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE). Hikvision declined to comment for this article. However, the company has published a statement (“Special Bulletin”): “We are actively working to assure our North American stakeholders that Hikvision strictly abides by the laws and regulations of each country in which it operates. We also affirm the fact that we hold our products to the industry’s global cybersecurity standards, including North America.” The Hikvision statement continues: “As we continue to monitor and further deploy the necessary resources to address this matter over the coming weeks and months, please know that we will vigorously defend Hikvision from dangerous and unproven accusations about the cybersecurity of our products and solutions.” If SIA decides to take a position based on member feedback, it will occur during the normal legislative process" Commitment to compliance Dahua answered our requests for a comment with the following official response: “Dahua Technology is a commercial enterprise with a high level of business integrity. The international company [is] committed to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which it does business.” The company’s response continues: “Dahua Technology dedicates 10 percent of its revenue to research and development annually. Dahua has designated cybersecurity as a top priority and takes a comprehensive and systemic approach, with complementary and redundant safeguards built into its technology, services and organisational practices. Dahua Technology is positioning itself as a cybersecurity leader within the video surveillance industry.” The Security Industry Association (SIA) has submitted the House amendment to its government relations committee for review and consideration. “Any recommended position by the government relations committee will be referred to the SIA Executive Committee for their consideration and approval,” says Don Erickson, CEO of SIA. “If SIA decides to take a position based on member feedback, it will occur during the normal legislative process as the bill is considered by the Senate, and then ultimately by a House-Senate conference committee.” Impact on global video camera supply Congresswoman Hartzler’s amendment is aimed at “ensur[ing] federal agencies do not purchase Chinese-made surveillance cameras,” according to the press release from her office. Obviously, there are more than just the two mentioned companies manufacturing surveillance cameras in China, so the question becomes whether the intent is to ban all Chinese cameras from government use. Such a proposal would create an even larger issue, given that 60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, according to one industry source.60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, according to one industry source The bill does not address the possible use of Chinese-made components in cameras that are assembled elsewhere in the world (but technically are not 'made in China'). “Those types of issues are commonly explained in implementation guidelines that would be created afterwards if the proposed language becomes law,” says Erickson. The NDAA is unlikely to become law for several months. A version previously passed by the Senate Armed Services committee must be presented to the full Senate, where it can also be amended. Then the House and Senate bills must be reconciled.

Edesix, a provider of Body Worn Cameras (BWC), announces that it has teamed up with retailer Asda to enhance in-store security. After a successful trial, which began in 2016, there are now over 900 Edesix VideoBadges being utilised in over 250 sites nationwide, with more growth expected in the near future. Edesix collaborated with CBES, Asda's preferred security installer, to design and install a tailored wearable CCTV deployment system perfectly suited to the retail giant's needs. Edesix and CBES worked closely at Asda's national security centre and across four store deployments to provide them with the knowledge and expertise so the cameras could be rolled out in the remaining stores with minimum impact on store efficiency. Improved colleague security Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time This system, which is intuitive to use and requires minimum training, has enabled staff to integrate the cameras into their daily working processes with minimal fuss. As a result of this partnering strategy, which relied on both the innovative nature of Edesix's technology and communication between all parties, Asda has been able to improve colleague security, diffuse aggressive and volatile situations and reduce valued investigation time, thus reducing costs. Since the deployment, Asda has proven the viability of these cameras by securing numerous convictions relating to theft and violence against staff. Confrontation preventer Richie McBride, managing director of Edesix, explains: "Asda, along with CBES, identified the need to re-think its key security policy around challenging aggressive behaviour towards staff. In searching for a technology partner, CBES chose Edesix as their BWC provider, to deploy initially to the most affected stores, eventually rolling out to over 250 sites across the UK. The aim was to improve the safety of colleagues in public facing roles and shoppers within the stores, whilst producing compelling evidence when needed." The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members" McBride adds: "The Body Worn Cameras act as a confrontation preventer, as it is proven that members of the public are far less aggressive to staff members if they know they are being filmed." Winning major contracts Edesix, which was recently acquired by US-based security specialists Vigilant Solutions, has enjoyed a great deal of success lately, ranging from winning some major contracts with the likes of UK prisons, Scotrail and South Australian Police, to being named in the Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 league table. Edesix currently supplies markets across the globe, through direct sales and international partners, to geographies including the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, the Middle East and Australasia.

Teleste Corporation reveals that its S-AWARE platform has been selected by Helsinki City Transport to drive improved situational awareness and safer travelling across the Helsinki metro system. The deployment of the platform will be started in 2019 and the project will be carried out in several phases and be completed at the end of the year 2020. The total value of the deployment will be more than two million euros. “We are delighted to expand our long-term cooperation with Helsinki City Transport on developing smart and safe public transport in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The rapidly growing urbanisation challenges public transport operators throughout the world to find solutions that can provide enhanced operational control and tools to increase safety in public places. Adding situational awareness through intelligent public transport systems is one of the key methods the operators can use to reach the target,” stated Esa Harju, Head of Teleste’s Video Security and Information Business unit. Prioritizing passenger safety Every year, over 80 million passengers and commuters enjoy travelling in the system, which forms the northernmost metro in the world During recent years, the Helsinki Metro has undergone several upgrades and major extensions. Today, it includes more than 20 stations in Helsinki and its neighbouring cities and serves the capital region of Finland with hundreds of thousands of daily rides. Every year, over 80 million passengers and commuters enjoy travelling in the system, which forms the northernmost metro in the world. Keeping the safety and security of the passengers and the entire metro system in mind, Helsinki City Transport is adopting Teleste’s S-AWARE platform to develop their response capabilities and to ensure a high service level, e.g., during possible security failures, alerts and states of emergency, as well as in other complex or critical situations. Safe and attractive travelling experience “Helsinki Metro is being developed to bring seamless mobility to the growing metropolitan area. At Helsinki City Transport, our mission is to continue building an increasingly effective and highly functional metro system that provides a safe and attractive travelling experience for our customers in their everyday life,“ told Ville Lehmuskoski, CEO, Helsinki City Transport. Teleste S-AWARE platform has been designed to help enhance efficiency, safety and security in public transportation, airports, critical infrastructure The Teleste S-AWARE platform has been designed to help enhance efficiency, safety and security in public transportation, airports, critical infrastructure and in the governmental sector. The platform works by collecting real-time information from various subsystems, data sources and sensory inputs, and it displays a unified and real-time view of the whole operational infrastructure. This provides for the improved understanding of what is happening in the surroundings and creates grounds for sharp and efficient decision-making. Smart incident management In addition, the platform can be used to pre-define automated operating procedures for efficient and smart incident management, hence ensuring that corrective action is immediately taken when unexpected incidents occur. The advanced reporting, debriefing and training tools ensure that the system can be used to project future events and be prepared for exceptional situations. Teleste’s deployment to Helsinki City Transport will also enable efficient use of the system for multiple other operators, including the police, fire and rescue forces, Helsinki Regional Transport Authority, and the cities of Helsinki and Espoo. Delivering the right information to the right people at the right time, the system is harnessed with high information and data security that guarantees protection from any unauthorised access.

Vicon Industries Inc. (VCON: OTCQB Venture Market) ("Vicon"), designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announced today that Louisa County Public Schools, in Northern Virginia, has completed installation of a district-wide Vicon Valerus video management solution that encompasses its six school buildings and connects nearly 400 cameras. The system includes multiple application servers and NVRs running Valerus VMS software, as well as a wide range of Vicon IP megapixel camera models. The district has opted to share camera access with the Louisa County Sheriff’s Department, whose officers can use iPads and smartphones to immediately call up video through the Valerus VMS interface in case of an emergency. This allows them to visually assess any situation and locate the perpetrator before sending in officers. Vicon sponsored training class The Valerus solution was chosen by Louisa County Public Schools because of Vicon’s willingness to provide the district’s in-house electricians and technical team with as much autonomy as possible in setting up and managing the system. After participating in a Vicon sponsored training class, the district has been self-sufficient in its ability to install, program and troubleshoot Valerus. David Szalankiewicz, LCPS Facilities Director, says "Vicon’s technical team has supported our in-house guys directly with training and certification so that we feel completely in control." Ron Lapsley, Vicon’s Regional Sales Manager who worked on the project, explains, "Vicon understands that the technical capabilities and service needs are different for each customer, and we’re glad to provide the right level of support that makes sense. In many cases, the manufacturer relationship is as important as the product itself in making sure a customer is satisfied."

Genetec Inc., global technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced that its unified platform, Security Center has been integrated with Secure Store, a profit protection and exception reporting solution developed by Appriss Retail. With this integration, retailers can now immediately disprove or validate suspicious transactions by accessing the security video evidence associated with suspected fraudulent activity. Security Center and Store integration Secure Store enables retailers to significantly mitigate losses related to fraud, theft, and operational/systemic breakdowns. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Secure Store performs advanced exception modeling from multiple data sources and enables immediate corrective action. US-based retailer, DICK’s Sporting Goods, is using the Security Center platform to monitor over 18,000 cameras across 720 stores and manage 230 cameras and 130 doors at its headquarters. The organisation is now using the joint Genetec/Appriss Retail solution to provide immediate insight, reduce shrink, improve profitability and achieve rapid ROI, as Jacob Gillette, Director of Loss Prevention and Operations, DICK’s Sporting Goods explains: Genetec/Appriss Retail solution The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations" “The Genetec system, combined with the Appriss Retail Secure Store application gives us capabilities that help speed up our investigations, which has been hugely beneficial to our organisation. Our investigation team can now easily retrieve video from Security Center to validate suspicious transactions that are flagged by the Appriss Retail exception reporting system.” Thanks to the integration of Security Center and Secure Store, retailers can now simply click on the video icon within the Secure Store interface to immediately identify and review the security video related to individual transactions. This allows them to evaluate detailed evidence related to all refunds, transaction items, discrepancies between what is being scanned and what is on the bill, and quickly determine if there was indeed a problem. Importance of video evidence in fraud cases The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users" “When you investigate fraud, you need to be able to validate questionable behavior. This is why video evidence is so critical. Thanks to our partnership with Genetec, we are now able to provide our customers with immediate insights that allow them to make informed decisions and build defensible cases based on hard evidence,” said Corey Adams Vice President of Global Client Services for Appriss Retail. “We’re pleased to be able to assist retailers with integrations that help make their teams more productive and significantly reduce loss. The open architecture of Security Center allows us to work with partners like Appriss to provide comprehensive solutions that benefit our joint end users,” said Scott Thomas, Director of Retail Market Development at Genetec.

Located one hour outside of London, the borough of Runnymede is a local government district with over 80,000 residents in the county of Surrey. It is one of the most prosperous parts of the London commuter belt and home to some of the UK’s most expensive real estate. In order to enhance public safety, the borough council contracted service provider Safer Runnymede. Working with Nottinghamshire-based systems integrator Central Security Systems, the experts installed a platform combining public safety technology with personal safety services such as care solutions for the elderly. Bosch video security system Today, Safer Runnymede coordinates all connected solutions in a Control Room in the town of Addlestone, where a staff of three operators monitor security feeds from over 500 security cameras deployed around various boroughs within Surrey. Next to public streets in the area, the flexible system also monitors schools, hospitals and other public buildings around the clock. Every year, the team responds to 20,000 incidents from cameras, and the video security system has proven an asset in monitoring traffic, preventing crime, as well as providing evidence and following suspects after incidents. But achieving this level of integration was a challenge. Connecting the solutions via the BVMS allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure Initially, the video security system consisted of hardware from several different manufacturers including Bosch – making updates or replacements a time-consuming process – that was networked on a Bosch Video Recording Management (VRM) solution. Looking for a future-proof and scalable system built on an integrated software platform, the officials in Runnymede tasked Bosch to design a fully IP-based security camera architecture. IP video surveillance system Since the Safer Runnymede system already included a Bosch monitor wall plus encoders, cameras, VRM and storage devices, system integrators could leverage the initial investment into a full suite of Bosch solutions. The system now combines new high-resolution AUTODOME IP 4000, AUTODOME IP 7000, MIC IP 7000 moving cameras, and FLEXIDOME IP 7000 fixed cameras, plus older Bosch and third-party analog cameras paired with encoders, decoders, and DIVAR IP 3000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 recorders. Connecting these solutions via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure. The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery" As a result, Safer Runnymede has benefitted from superior image quality delivered by the added network video security cameras, without the need of replacing the complete existing analog video security infrastructure; all in a resilient, easily expandable system at a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). What’s more, the customer has used the flexibility of Bosch solutions in a deployable video surveillance camera at remote locations. Installed in a custom-built enclosure provided by Central Security Systems, it streams video data from an AUTODOME IP 4000 camera via 4G and sends alerts via SMS to the Control Room upon detecting activity such as illegal waste dumping. Bosch video management system Migrating from a fragmented, analog system to an integrated IP network managed via BVMS (Bosch Video Management System) has proven a forward-facing decision. “The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery, allowing us to make better operational decisions and become more dynamic and competitive in the video surveillance marketplace, “says Les Bygrave at Safer Runnymede.

Opengear, a provider of solutions that deliver secure, resilient network access and automation to critical IT infrastructure, today announced CSC – IT Center for Science Ltd, a Finnish center of expertise in Information and Communications Technology, has deployed Opengear Smart out-of-band appliances to streamline a major upgrade project and improve day-to-day remote management. CSC, a non-profit organisation with 70% ownership by the state of Finland and 30% controlled by Finnish higher education institutions provides services for research, education, culture, public administration and enterprises, to help them thrive and benefit society at large.  CSC's primary customers are the Ministry of Education and Culture and organisations within its field of operations, higher education and research institutes and public administration sector. Planned network upgrade As Antti Ristimaki, Senior Network Specialist for CSC explains, "Getting from our data centres to some of the sites we look after might take many hours and so having remote out-of-band access is vital for us." CSC has used a legacy out-of-band (OOB) console server solution for several years, but with a major network upgrade planned for 2018-2020 it was decided that more flexibility was needed to help the small networking team support clients at around 40 sites spread across the country. "What we liked most about Opengear was its small footprint and high-quality software along with the 4G mobile connectivity option which provides us with the option to deploy the OOB console server at site before we have any working in-band access," says Ristimaki. Setting up the devices took very little time and we are now remotely managing the process" Remotely configure networking equipment CSC has already deployed Opengear ACM7004-5-LMR - Resilience Gateway appliances at around 10 locations across the country, which were initially used to help remotely configure networking equipment at sites connecting to its newly upgraded backbone network. Having a remote access server at distant locations makes it easier to reliably commission and configure new network equipment from its main offices at Espoo and Kajaani. At the final stage, there will be around 40 Opengear Resilience Gateway appliances across the country. "Setting up the devices took very little time and we are now remotely managing the process - which has proved surprisingly simple using 4G LTE and even 3G connections," Ristimaki adds.  Built-in CLI tools The built-in CLI tools provided by the Opengear software have proven to be useful especially when commissioning the console server itself. Through this accessibility, CSC has integrated the management of its Opengear Smart OOB devices into its own internally developed network management and orchestration platform based on Ansible. CSC is also using Opengear to help record, and in the event of any problems, rollback critical firmware upgrades and configuration changes for core networking elements at remote sites.