Security training

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened applications for the SIA RISE Scholarship, a programme, presented by the SIA RISE community, for young security professionals and students. Through this year’s SIA RISE Scholarship, selected candidates will receive US$ 3,000 cash awards that can be used towards continuing education, student loan repayment and professional development programmes, such as training and certifications. SIA RISE Scholarship “Applying for an SIA RISE Scholarship is an important step that young professionals and students could take to expand their education and grow their skills,” said the Security Industry Association’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Don Erickson. He adds, “Individuals entering the application process should realise that they have a unique opportunity to inspire peers and be recognised for a notable accomplishment in their careers.” Scholarship to help students expand professional knowledge The SIA RISE scholarship was created to help awardees expand their professional knowledge The SIA RISE scholarship was created to help awardees expand their professional knowledge, in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing/sales, project management, security engineering and risk management. Scholarship funds can be used towards SIA training courses and events, such as SIA’s conferences, Security Project Management training and the Certified Security Project Manager and Security Industry Cyber Security Certification credentials, along with other education or events that are related to IT or cyber security, relevant courses offered by associations, colleges, universities and private education firms, and/or repayment of student loans. Criteria for the scholarship funding applications Each applicant for the SIA RISE Scholarship must be either, 1) an SIA student member or 2) a member of the SIA RISE community, and an employee of an SIA member company, with at least one year of professional experience in the security industry. The 2021 deadline to apply for the SIA RISE Scholarship is Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. The SIA RISE Scholarship is made possible, in part by the generous support of the Security Industry Association’s donors.

Air Partner plc (Air Partner), the global aviation services group, is seeing momentum build in its Safety & Security Division, with both Baines Simmons and Redline continuing to secure new business wins. Aviation safety and fatigue risk management consultancy company, Baines Simmons has been awarded a contract by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the UK's largest ferry operator, in terms of ships and destinations served, to implement a ‘Just Culture’ programme, to build on its excellent safety record, ensuring open and honest safety reporting and increased staff engagement. ‘Just Culture’ diagnostic, workshop and bespoke training The consultancy work is contracted to be delivered over a 12-month period and follows on from Baines Simmons’ previous appointment by CalMac, in 2019, to deliver a ‘Just Culture’ diagnostic, workshop and bespoke training. Meanwhile, Redline, a global provider of global security solutions, has won a new contract with London Gatwick Airport and agreed a 12-month contract extension with Manchester Airports Group, for the provision of a quality assurance covert testing programme. Increased demand for Baines Simmons and Redline services Redline is seeing good demand from airports, as they continue to ramp up activity, having already secured business wins with Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Teesside International Airport, in the current financial year. The work with CalMac highlights the demand for Baines Simmons’ expertise, beyond the aviation industry" Mark Briffa, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Partner plc, said “The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted our Safety & Security activities and we are delighted that the division is now experiencing continued recovery, and growing momentum, as evidenced by these new business wins, for both - Baines Simmons and Redline.” Mark Briffa adds, “The work with CalMac highlights the demand for Baines Simmons’ expertise, beyond the aviation industry, demonstrating the reach of our offering.” High quality of product offerings Paul Mason, the Managing Director of Air Partner's Safety & Security Division, stated “We are very pleased to see that Baines Simmons and Redline’s services are increasingly in demand. It is an indication of the quality of our offering and customer service that we have been able to secure a contract with the UK’s largest ferry operator, as well as a significant number of international airports.” Paul Mason adds, “We are confident this demand will continue to grow and we look forward to working with our new and existing customers, to support their safety, and security requirements.”

Pyronix is delighted to announce that the ‘Enforcer on Tour’ is back to talk to UK and Ireland professional installers, about its latest all-in-one security solution, the new Enforcer V11, with AndroidTablet, HomeControlHUB app and SmartPlug, as well as its extensive support services. Hosted at various distribution centres across the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I), throughout October and November 2021, alongside online meetings, Pyronix Account Managers will be highlighting all the innovative new features, added value and up-sell opportunities that the brand-new solution delivers, with attending professional installers also able to claim a FREE £20 voucher (subject to terms and conditions). Enforcer V11 system “We can’t wait to bring the ‘Enforcer on Tour’ back, with our award-winning Enforcer system and the full capabilities that the Enforcer V11 brings, alongside the extensive full-package support that we offer installers through GAP. With the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to do this and we’re really excited to bring it back, with such a solution,” said Laurence Kenny, Marketing Director at Pyronix. With Account Managers not only on-hand at selected distributor outlets, across the United Kingdom and Ireland, but also available for one-on-one sessions and Zoom presentations, this is the most accessible ‘Enforcer on Tour’ yet, giving professional security installers unprecedented access to see the latest evolution of the multi-award-winning ‘installer’s choice’ Enforcer system. Security, automation and video in one platform The Enforcer V11 system takes security and control to new heights for homes and businesses Incorporating security, automation and video in one platform, which is conveniently accessed via the tablet interface, the Enforcer V11 system takes security and control to new heights for homes and businesses. Featuring a range of new innovative features, including enhanced installation, Wi-Fi built onboard its PCB, unsupervised zones and occupancy timers on zones, the Enforcer V11 practically covers any installation requirement. The AndroidTablet enables users to surf the web, as well as open the dedicated HomeControlHUB app, for complete control of the Enforcer V11. The installer can also use the interface, as a portable keypad on maintenance visits, while existing ProControl+ and Hik-Connect accounts can be connected, to pull other Pyronix/Hikvision cameras on the property into view via HomeControlHUB. SmartPlug addition for value-added integration Meanwhile, the addition of the new SmartPlug provides value-added integration, thereby enabling users to manage any plug-in appliance, via HomeControlHUB on the AndroidTablet, where they can also access their cameras and security. Laurence Kenny stated, “The Enforcer V11 marks a significant milestone in the development of the Enforcer system, a complete one-platform solution that protects the property, its occupants, the perimeter, vans, elderly relatives and much more, while providing access to camera streams and the controlling of smart devices, around the home.” ‘Enforcer on Tour’ He adds, “The capabilities aren’t going to stop here either, as we’re already working on new innovations that will continue to add value and longevity to the Enforcer V11 system, for both the professional installer and their customers.” By registering and attending one of the tour dates, professional installers can also claim a free £20 All4One voucher (Terms & Conditions apply). The demand to attend and learn about the Enforcer V11 system and claim a voucher will be high, so installers should look to book early, at the ‘Enforcer on Tour’ page, on Pyronix’s official website, in order to avoid the disappointment of missing out.

Allied Universal a global security and facility Services Company announced the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire New York-based MSA Security (MSA) from GreyLion, a middle-market private equity firm focused on investing in leading high-growth businesses. MSA is a provider of comprehensive threat protection solutions to clients nationwide including K9 security services. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Security resources “The acquisition of MSA Security will not only expand our K9 program on a local and national level but will also increase our security resources around the world,” said Steve Jones, Global Chairman & CEO of Allied Universal. “For more than 30 years, MSA Security has achieved success through its strong customer relationships, expertise, and reliable service. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goals for identifying strong and high performing companies that offer vast services and are continuing to grow.” Explosive detection canine teams MSA's services include specialised armed and unarmed security operatives, 24/7 strategic threat monitoring Founded in 1987, MSA Security mitigates threats with world-class solutions and unrivaled expertise to protect personnel and property offering peace of mind. With revenue approaching $200 million, MSA leads the security industry in explosive mitigation utilising nearly 700 Explosive Detection Canine teams deployed around the world. MSA's full suite of services goes on to include specialised armed and unarmed security operatives, 24/7 strategic threat monitoring, specialised investigations, security training, and security consulting.  Explosive detection canine business “MSA Security has experienced incredible growth in the last five years. During our partnership with GreyLion, we nearly quadrupled our revenue,” said Glen Kucera, MSA Security’s CEO. “We are excited to further recognise our full potential by combining with another industry leader and I look forward to partnering with Steve Jones and his team. Becoming part of an organisation with the resources, technology focus, and depth of service that Allied Universal offers will allow MSA to expand on its success as the preeminent explosive detection canine business worldwide." Baird acted as financial advisor to MSA Security on the transaction. Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to MSA Security. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP acted as legal advisor to AlliedUniversal.

To mark the start of Fire Door Safety Week 2021, Abloy UK calls for greater awareness and education of fire door compliance, highlighting the additional challenges that the adoption of flexible working has placed on managing access control and occupant life-safety in commercial buildings. Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, explains: “The commercial working environment has changed drastically over the last year, with many organisations adopting a more flexible way of working with a mix of on-site and working from home.” Life-safety perspective “This means many commercial buildings will potentially have significantly reduced occupancy, but just because a building has fewer people in it, doesn’t mean fire safety can be overlooked or underestimated.” There needs to be a reliable exit route that allows a quick and easy escape" “In the event of an emergency such as a fire, there needs to be a reliable exit route that allows a quick and easy escape, so it’s vital the correct locking solutions are installed at access points. As well as the importance from a life-safety perspective, this will also help to control the flow of people.” It’s positive news that UK fire statistics show a reduction in incidents, with 153,314 fires in the 2019/2020 period - a six per cent decrease compared with the previous year – but one fire or fatality is one too many. Fire door compliance With this is mind, the Abloy Academy has been educating delegates on fire door compliance for over a decade, offering a free-of-charge electrical locking fire and escape doors CPD course. This RIBA approved CPD covers the fundamental requirements when incorporating access control systems in commercial buildings, including the electric locking options available, and how to design standard compliant access control systems. It also explains how to ensure that electric locking specifications meet the requirements of both fire door and escape door legislation. This includes BS EN 179 emergency escape (for when the building occupants are aware of the building environment), BS EN 1125 panic escape (for environments used by the general public) and BS EN 13637 electronically controlled escape systems (for use on escape routes). Providing fire protection Abloy UK also offers a range of products that are specifically designed for panic and escape doors These standards state that even if a door is electronically controlled for access there must be a compliant mechanical means of escape in an emergency. In the case of fire doors this is essential to provide fire protection, compartmentalise a building and protect the escape routes. As well as providing free courses on fire door compliance, Abloy UK also offers a range of compliant security product packages that are specifically designed for panic and escape doors. Its range of electric locks includes motor and solenoid locks, which are the most effective forms of electric locking and adhere to the mandatory fire and escape standards. Correct locking solution Pat adds: “When it comes to access control in public and commercial buildings, there is no greater responsibility than specifying and installing the correct locking solution on emergency escape and fire doors.” “Although Fire Door Safety Week gives us a relevant platform to highlight these issues, fire door safety should be front of mind all year round – especially when the ultimate cost from non-compliance can be the loss of life.”

The 2021 International Security Conference is set to host an impressive line-up of security experts from the British Transport Police, Global Secure Accreditation Ltd, City of London Police and more, when it makes its debut at the International Security Expo 2021, taking place from September 28 - 29, 2021. Split across two days, the new CPD-certified conference will cover important sector-specific challenges and practical case studies looking at Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), aviation and transport, night-time economy, public sector and major events/stadiums. Day 1: CNI, transport and aviation Sponsored by Adani, day one of the conference will be dedicated to CNI, transport and aviation. With significant changes, such as the rapid expansion of healthcare facilities and the changes in the volume of traffic through airports, and along the rail networks, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many might argue that the security landscape has shifted too. The conference aims to examine where things have changed and the shifting priorities, which are challenging security decision-makers. Robert (Bob) Quick, Founder and Director of Global Secure Accreditation Ltd will kick off the first session, taking a deep dive into the proposed travel risk standard, ISO 31030 certification and how it can help drive improvements in safety and security, in fields of travel and hospitality. In this session, he will discuss how these sectors should respond to emerging travel risks and create a best practice approach. Use of behavioural detection Regardless of whether it’s aviation or rail, a key aspect of transport security is the ability to recognise unusual behaviour Regardless of whether it’s aviation or rail, a key aspect of transport security is the ability to recognise unusual behaviour, among passengers and staff. In a session on operational deployment and use of behavioural detection, Darren Stanton, The Human Lie Detector, will be joined by Richard Foreman, Director of Profile Aware Ltd, to outline the importance of behavioural detection and how the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) developed their behavioural detection model. Promising a fun and interactive discussion, they will carry out a series of practical exercises, so as to offer tips and teach attendees, some basic techniques in protective security. Session on cyber-crime and the railway industry Other highlights on day one of the conference include Richard Gentile, Detective Constable at British Transport Police, delivering a session on cyber-crime and the railway industry. In this presentation, Richard will use examples to discuss domestic and international cyber threats, the impact on the railway and its supply chain, as well as the solutions and preventative measures that can protect organisations. Day 2: Night-time economy, public sector, events/stadiums Crowded places are the most challenging areas to protect and the new Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) brings a mandated responsibility to those in charge, for the first time. Set to have an immense impact on the physical security community, the second day of the conference, sponsored by Patriot One, will aim to help security professionals prepare for this legislation and understand their strengths, and weaknesses, when combined with other current legislative requirements.  A session on protecting complex public spaces from vehicle ramming attacks (VRA), delivered by Christian Schneider, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Advisor at IniBsp / Germany, HVM Advisors, will open the second day of the conference. Ultimately improving protection, his session will explore the increasing role and flexibility of contemporary security from thoroughly elaborated HVM-Schemes, and how multi-purpose driven progress is positively affecting the global application of HVM measures. Introduction to hostile reconnaissance Bill Nelson, Managing Partner at Rose Associates, will take a closer look at the key components of the night-time economy Referencing recent case studies, Sergeant Peter Lucas, Community and Business Engagement, National Project Servator Team, at the City of London Police, will focus on how operations, community engagement and communications can be used to disrupt hostile activity at major events, with an introduction to hostile reconnaissance. Elsewhere, Bill Nelson, Managing Partner at Rose Associates International Ltd, will take a closer look at the key components of the night-time economy, the risk-generating threats these components face and how these risks can be mitigated. Night-time economy Speaking about what attendees can expect from his upcoming session, Bill Nelson stated, “I’ll start by defining exactly what we mean by the night-time economy, looking at the various components that make up the night-time economy, and the threats which generate risk. We’ll also look at what’s being done today to mitigate these risks and what we can do going forward to enhance this process.” Bill Nelson adds, “What we shouldn’t forget is that the night-time economy is estimated to generate some six per cent of the UK GDP. In pre-pandemic terms, that’s around £123 billion, so surely that is something we should be looking after.” Session on integrated security concepts of operations Other highlights from the second and final day of the conference include Pete Dalton, Protective Security & Major Event Consultant at PAD Command Consultancy, who will deliver a session on integrated security concepts of operations for major events. Through this session, attendees will be able to gain a better understanding of the threats to major events, as well as how to develop an integrated command, control, communication and coordination structure, for event management and incident response.

In the past decade, we’ve seen an unfortunate increase in gun-related incidents on school campuses, making security and policy efforts a top priority for educational facilities nationwide. While the causes for this increase are hotly debated in and around the education community, the facts remain that specific steps can be taken to mitigate risks. To tackle this issue, officials from campus stakeholders, law enforcement officials, architects, and security personnel, have met to find solutions for protecting educational facilities. Further complicating matters, educational campuses are again tasked with mitigating health risks associated with COVID-19, as we head into the third pandemic school year. Video communication tools To safely reopen, new technologies and policies in many K-12 and higher education institutions have been released, with many searching for a way to leverage existing security infrastructure. Achieving both health safety and physical security requires an integrated approach—from all-around best practices, to video communication tools and enhanced security infrastructure. The simple intercom has been a security staple in the education market for many years A holistic approach is best to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The simple intercom has been a security staple in the education market for many years, but now in a pandemic-centric world, these devices provide a new set of required capabilities. Intercoms, once thought to be a basic security tool, can now be combined with video, offering users the ability to solve multiple pain points associated with COVID-19. Controlled access points In this article, we’ll discuss some best practices for educational decision-makers, as well as how video intercoms can enhance overall security architecture. A school’s first opportunity to mitigate threats lies in its ability to deter threats entering in the first place. This begins with ensuring policies, procedures, and equipment are all up to standard. Most campus shootings and other violent acts occur once the individual has made it through the front door of a building; putting the emphasis on controlled access points at key entries to add an extra barrier of safety between threats and students. While written policies help staff understand how visitors are approved for entry, they should also be informed of more simple items, such as why doors can’t be left propped open, when to lockdown, or how to evacuate during an emergency. Physical security solutions The security industry has also created effective physical security solutions for protecting a campus Another best practice would be training staff to spot signs of distressed and potentially violent students, while providing ways to get help for them. When it comes to campus security, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why security integrators should also be included in planning processes to tailor a custom solution for each campus to address its unique security needs. While best practices, including mental health screenings, stricter discipline codes, and faster law enforcement responses are all crucial to campus safety, the security industry has also created effective physical security solutions for protecting a campus—which includes enhanced two-way video and audio/visual communication solutions such as a video intercom. For years educational facilities have utilised intercoms to manage access, but now, it’s more important than ever to ensure the safety of students and staff by thoroughly vetting all those who enter a building. Providing visual verification Long gone are the days of asking visitors to check in manually using a sign-in book, or simply walking into a school. Best practices now require the presence of a visitor management system (VMS), which is a more accurate and seamless way to manage access. Using a VMS, a campus could add its own custom watch list, which when properly implemented, can provide protection from abuse orders, custodial issues, and offer names and pictures of disgruntled former employees and students. Using a VMS, a campus could add its own custom watch list, which when properly implemented As security technology has become more sophisticated, so have intercom capabilities—extending far beyond what they used to be. Going further than a simple button and speaker system, when used in conjunction with an IP video system, intercoms provide visual verification that the person requesting access into a school building does indeed belong there. Contact tracing solutions Whether it’s a student, parent, or staff member, verifying a person’s identity and ensuring that the individual has proper credentials is key. Pairing an intercom with a camera allows for this important, real-time visual and audio communication between the front office and those requesting access. Additionally, intercoms can be used as contact tracing solutions by leveraging an audit trail in case of an outbreak. For example, if a number of students at a college or university all use a mobile app to gain access to a dormitory through an intercom system, in the event that someone tests positive for COVID-19, they are able to contact all students, staff, or visitors who frequent that building. IP video intercoms can assist in pandemic related and security use cases by limiting unnecessary human-to-human interaction and replacing that with remote management capabilities. Remote monitoring station Remote monitoring allows for eyes on a facility while personnel are not physically present There is increased flexibility when working from a mobile app, or remote monitoring station, especially for security directors or officers on educational campuses. For example, if a campus is not able to staff a lobby of a building or a dormitory, they can remotely manage access from a mobile device. This enables security personnel to access video feeds and directly communicate with students or staff requesting access into a building. Remote monitoring allows for eyes on a facility while personnel are not physically present, thus increasing overall security. It can also give the appearance of the building being occupied at all times, even when it’s not. Another way an educational facility can leverage their video intercom system is to shift to mobile applications that offer a touchless way to gain access. Mobile application credential A mobile application removes the need for a physical key card and eliminates the potential of loss or theft of that access credential. It also allows for easy updating to credential status. For example, if a student, staff member or visitor is added to an ‘access denied’ list, security personnel can simply revoke a mobile application credential, versus having to track down a physical key and run the risk of copies or other issues. The importance of visual confirmation cannot be stressed enough when it comes to educational campuses The importance of visual confirmation cannot be stressed enough when it comes to educational campuses. Not only for security purposes to visually confirm identity, or screen for suspicious behaviours or other anomalies, simply having the ability to have a conversation with someone requesting access is vital. Better audio feedback There’s been a shift in recent years, in some cases spurred by the pandemic, to focus on how existing technologies can meet the unique needs of students, staff and visitors. For example, intercoms allow for two-way video which is crucial for an individual who is deaf, or hearing impaired, who needs to communicate using sign language. Additionally, intercoms can be integrated with t-coil features, to allow for better audio feedback for those with hearing aids. The past few years have taught us that while best practices, attention to the mental wellbeing of students, enhanced security at main entry points, and exits are all important focuses, educational security needs to be holistic and comprehensive. From physical security risks, to potential pandemic-related outbreaks, to the regular day-to-day communication needs of all individuals, decision-makers recognise intercom systems easily address each unique need.

Travel and tourism are a colossus of a global industry. From backpackers to private jets, people from all backgrounds can explore the world in a variety of different ways for several different purposes. Many may associate the mention of travel with leisure – holidays, cruises, or other pastimes. However, a significant proportion of the industry is driven by travel for business-related means. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel expenditure exceeded $1.4 trillion in 2018 – accounting for roughly 21.4% of the global travel and hospitality sector. Effect of COVID-19 on travel and tourism  For companies, travel is vital. Aviation, in particular, has opened up near-unlimited opportunities for firms to establish a presence in countries worldwide, while the ease in which individuals can move across borders has become key in many client-customer relationships. However, travel and tourism have been hit hard by various lockdowns, containment measures, border closures, and travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19. That said, the return of business travel is critical for many organisations. While video conferencing technologies have transformed industries and helped to facilitate remote working opportunities for some, many sectors still rely heavily on trade shows, conferences, events, in-person meetings, and face-to-face conversations as the bedrock of business relations. According to a September 2020 survey from Globetrender, more than 75% of business travellers said that they would choose face-to-face meetings for sales and pitching over remote working, while over 60% of respondents agreed that the majority of deals and decisions cannot be made virtually. Travel centric concerns As vaccination efforts continue to ramp up, travel and tourism are expected to experience something of a revival It is clear, therefore, that an appetite for business travel remains. And as vaccination efforts continue to ramp up around the world, travel and tourism are expected to experience something of a revival. But companies must proceed with caution. When it comes to business travel, organisations have a duty of care, making them responsible for the protection, security, and wellbeing of their employees. Any possible risks that could jeopardise the health and/or safety of their staff must be scrutinised thoroughly, from extreme events to common disruptive risks. Previously, many travel-centric concerns were focused on three key areas – operational risks, security risks, and political risks. Operational, political, and security risks The former relates to the supply of crucial goods and services such as food and raw materials, hard infrastructure like roads and rail networks, and soft infrastructures such as telecommunications and the internet. These things are vital to the day-to-day functioning of countries, and the businesses operating within them. Security risks are related to more direct physical threats – dangers such as kidnapping, crime, external conflict, and general unrest – while political risks refer to political cohesion, public agitation, judicial risks, and the overall stability of the political structures that the country has in place. For companies with assets, operations, or interests in any territory, adverse changes in any one of these key risk areas can create a domino effect with severe consequences. If a new political regime is established and the regulatory environment is changed, this can have a major impact on how a firm has to conduct business, for example. Equally, if the infrastructure is poor and telecommunications and the internet are unreliable with frequent downtime, productivity can be significantly hampered. COVID-19 risks  For security and peace of mind, global risk management can help to protect people and companies alike from both the everyday and extreme risks, allowing employees to travel in safety and with confidence. In today’s environment, however, there is a fourth risk that firms need to consider, not only to avoid disruption but equally to prioritise the health and safety of their employees. This is, of course, COVID-19. More complex security considerations For maximum safety and security of employees, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work First, let’s consider the travel-related implications of the pandemic. Potential restrictions need to be considered – is the entrance into the country permitted at present? And could this change shortly? If the entrance is permitted, what are the medical requirements? Is a negative COVID-19 test needed, or a period of quarantine? And once you get there, are there any curfews that need to be considered? Or locations with different restrictions? Even if the answers to many of these questions pose little by way of potential disruption, this does not paint the full picture. Because of COVID-19, risks are high in parts of the world that have historically been considered the safest for the first time in a generation. With this in mind, companies need to consider the viability of travel on a case-by-case basis. It’s one thing saying that it is safe to go to a specific country, but for maximum safety and security of employees, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Unique circumstances need to be accounted for so that no person is put in a position where their health or safety is placed at unreasonable risk. At the same time, these circumstances must be tied in with more typical security considerations. Balancing risks with concerns Consider Myanmar where there has recently been a military coup, Germany where there has been devastating flash flooding or South Africa where there is significant upheaval and riots. While a country might have low virus cases, that is not to say that there are no other risks. This is where the travel risk environment has changed – organisations now need to balance the evaluation of virus cases with more traditional operational, security, and political risks. Advice on responding quickly and appropriately COVID-19 has shown businesses to have processes and policies in place to be proactive rather than reactive In this sense, the pandemic has added complexity to business travel – yet this is not necessarily a bad thing. Many companies previously treated crisis management as a box-ticking exercise. There was a perception that crisis management was usually a case of preparing for the things that were never going to happen. Yet in the past 18 months, companies found themselves in a situation where they simply weren’t equipped to appropriately deal with the consequences of the pandemic. In this sense, COVID-19 has been instrumental in instigating long-lasting change within the industry. It has shown that businesses need to have processes and policies in place, so that if there is a major, unexpected incident – be it a global terror attack or pandemic – then they are ahead of the curve, and able to be proactive rather than reactive.  Risk management Having a risk management partner can pay dividends. Risk management service providers can help to empower companies with key insights and critical advice, enabling them to react quickly and appropriately to developments in their regions of interest, and keep employees safe and secure. Situations can be assessed in terms of severity, and advice can be provided in terms of the potential implications, or necessary actions to take.  Breaking security situations need to be analysed, to ensure any impacted assets or employees are advised on the appropriate course of action.  Combine this context with planned processes, and companies become well placed to react both quickly and appropriately to global developments.

COVID-19 impacted nearly every industry virtually overnight, and the security sector was no different. It challenged us, as a society, to rethink how we view security entirely, and expanded the scope of security from protecting physical and digital assets to promoting safer, healthier, and more efficient environments in every context. Now, as we progress through 2021, keeping people safe has become even more of a priority as workers begin heading back to the office. Businesses are evaluating how they can prioritise the security, health, and safety of their people as they invite employees, visitors, and customers back inside. Technology is the solution The solution to this problem, as it is to many others, is technology. Innovations in tech can help businesses address threats and stay ahead of the curve in a world in which we’ve come to expect a higher standard of safety. The use of technologies such as touchless doors, workflow management systems and health screenings will continue to be essential in the post-COVID workplace. There’s also contact tracing, environmental monitoring and advanced visitor management, which are all useful tools that can be implemented to help protect and reassure employees ahead of their return to work. With these, and even more advances in development, technology will continue to be central to security. This industry isn’t just locks on doors – it’s about integrated and innovative tech.Essentially, we need tech-savvy people in every part of the businessOf course, these new security solutions need tech talent in the form of innovators, engineers, installers and many more roles. Essentially, we need tech-savvy people in every part of the business. They are the ones developing new, intelligent solutions and they’re also the ones out in the field, making our work, home, and public environments safer, healthier, and more efficient. For us, the tech transformation has already happened, but it’s an ongoing challenge, across our industry and others, to find tech talent at the rate of innovation. Once you start a tech transformation, the need for talent snowballs. The tech talent shortfall is real, and it’s not going away soon The problem is, while the demand for security tech has never been greater, tech talent is increasingly scarce. This was the case even before COVID-19. We’ve known for a while now that the talent population is shrinking. There’s clear evidence to back this up too: There are millions of jobs around the world that remain unfilled because people lack the relevant skills, and a lot of these jobs are in tech. In the latest CIO Survey by KPMG, more than half surveyed said that hiring challenges were harming the industry. The tech talent shortage is real, and there’s no imminent solution in sight.As remote work became commonplace, industries were suddenly forced to compete for tech talent with top firms worldwideCOVID-19 has only widened the talent gap. Many companies had to rapidly accelerate their digitisation efforts to function during lockdown, so the tech talent on the market was quickly snapped up. Additionally, while waves of furloughs and layoffs flooded the market with skilled talent throughout 2020, this led to a unique challenge: fierce competition across the globe to attract talent that was, in many cases, no longer bound by their geographic location. So, as remote work became commonplace and opened new doors for potential job candidates, it also further exacerbated the talent shortage for industries that were suddenly forced to compete for tech talent with top firms worldwide. When businesses can’t find the skills they need readily available, the only option is to train existing staff and new, under-skilled recruits. At a time when we couldn’t meet face-to-face, this became much more difficult. Companies had to work out how to train, recruit, and onboard employees remotely and many simply didn’t have a process in place for this. As a result, the tech talent shortfall continued to grow. Mapping the solution to the tech talent shortage So, what can we do? Ultimately, the private sector needs to become actively involved in developing solutions to address the problem. There are many ways of doing this too. First, businesses can create more entry-level positions that offer employees the opportunity to gain the hands-on training and education needed to grow. Implementing a high-quality training programme is critical to employees’ professional development, especially in remote environments that don’t offer the same amount of face-to-face experience that often helps during the onboarding process.At STANLEY Security, we have launched international scholarships to provide opportunities for young people to develop the vocational and trade skills Second, partnering with schools, associations, and governments to develop scholarship and apprenticeship programs is key to creating a sustainable pipeline of talent. It’s not just about finding talent, but creating it too. At STANLEY Security, we have launched international scholarships to provide opportunities for young people to develop the vocational and trade skills needed both today as well as in the future. Our apprenticeship programme also offers invaluable opportunities for technicians to collaborate with mentors and gain hands-on experience with security technologies. Both of these programs are key initiatives STANLEY Security has implemented to help address the talent shortage. Then there’s upskilling of your current workforce. We found that plenty of our existing employees in non-tech roles were eager to learn new tech skills, meaning they could be retrained while continuing to work, taking on more of a tech role as we nurtured their skills. This has been invaluable in enabling our own tech transformation and has helped get us to where we are today. There’s certainly a tech talent shortage, but there’s no shortage of people who are open to training opportunities if they have the chance. It’s up to businesses now to provide that training, for the benefit of the company and its employees.Like many others, the security industry has rapidly evolved, and we’ve seen new challenges and opportunities arise. Technology – and the talent that develops and implements it – is our best resource to help make environments safer, healthier, and more efficient in a post-pandemic world. Demand for tech talent isn’t going to go away, nor can we ignore the problem. As businesses, we need to face the challenge head on and quickly work to find solutions. That could mean creating more entry-level positions, offering scholarships and apprenticeships, and upskilling our most valuable asset – our people. At the end of the day, we need to empower people with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to design solutions that can help us face the challenges of the future.

An impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to accelerate change. In 2020, the security industry was among many others that sought to adapt to shifting norms. In the process, we grabbed onto new opportunities for change and, in many cases, re-evaluated how we have done business for decades. If necessity is the mother of invention, perhaps crisis is the mother of acceleration. This article will reflect on how these themes impacted the physical security industry in 2020, based on content we published throughout the year, and with links back to the original articles. Sensitive data leakage Since the lockdown came into effect, organisations globally have undergone years' worth of transformations in a matter of months. Whether it has been to transition their operations online or moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud, there’s no denying that the face of business has changed permanently, experiencing a seismic shift, both operationally and culturally. As we enter the ‘next normal’ there remains a great deal of uncertainty around what the next 12 months holds and how organisations can navigate turbulence in the face of a possible recession. One of the most notable and widely reported trends has been the switch to remote methods of work, or home working. With so many employees logging on from residential networks, through personal devices that may be more easily compromised, the overall attack surface has greatly increased, raising the risk of potential corporate and sensitive data leakage in their new home office settings. Security and data protection are larger issues than ever. Good cybersecurity hygiene Criminals will use the crisis to scam people for money, account information and more" With a majority of the world working from home, businesses had to respond to this changing landscape. While it used to be that in-person networking events and sales pitches secured new projects or opportunities, the current landscape pushes businesses to be more creative in how they reach their customers. For example, with ISC West being postponed, many companies have turned to online resources to share new product demonstrations and other company news. Others are hosting webinars as a way to discuss the current climate and what it means for the industry. Without the proper precautions, working from home could become a cybersecurity nightmare, says Purdue University professor Marcus Rogers. “Criminals will use the crisis to scam people for money, account information and more,” he says. “With more people working from home, people need to make sure they are practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, just like they would at work. There is also a big risk that infrastructures will become overwhelmed, resulting in communication outages, both internet and cell.” Work-life balance In a typical office with an on-premise data centre, the IT department has complete control over network access, internal networks, data, and applications. The remote worker, on the other hand, is mobile. He or she can work from anywhere using a VPN. Until just recently this will have been from somewhere like a local coffee shop, possibly using a wireless network to access the company network and essential applications. There are many benefits of working remotely with productivity right up the top of the list There are many benefits of working remotely with productivity right up the top of the list. By reducing the unproductive time spent commuting and travelling to meetings, we are able to get much more done in a day. Add to this the reduction in stress and improved work-life balance and it makes for an impressive formula of happier, healthier and more motivated colleagues. And it’s still easy to measure results no matter where someone is working. Video conferencing platforms Trade shows have always been a basic element of how the security industry does business - until the year 2020, that is. This year has seen the total collapse of the trade show model as a means of bringing buyers and sellers face to face. The COVID-19 pandemic has effectively made the idea of a large trade show out of the question. The good news is that the industry has adapted well without the shows. A series of ‘on-line shows’ has emerged, driven by the business world’s increasing dependence on Zoom and other video conferencing platforms. The fact is, 2020 has provided plenty of opportunities for sellers to connect with buyers. Some of these sessions have been incredibly informative – and conveniently accessible from the comfort of a home office. Online training courses Online training has grown in popularity this year, and the change may become permanent Online training has grown in popularity this year, and the change may become permanent. “We have seen unprecedented international demand for our portfolio of online training courses ranging from small installation companies to the largest organisations, across a wide range of sectors,” says Jerry Alfandari, Group Marketing Manager of Linx International Group, a UK training firm. “More than ever, businesses are looking to ensure they have the skills in-house to coordinate their response to the changing situation. Individuals are also taking this time to upskill themselves for when we return to ‘normal’ by bringing something with them they didn’t have before. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people are still seeking to better themselves for what will be, eventually, a competitive market.” Virtual trade show ‘Crisis and the Everyday’ was part of Genetec’s Connect’DX virtual trade show last spring. The virtual conversation – emphasising both in form and content the topsy-turvy state of the world – included interesting insights on the current pandemic and its near- and long-term impact on the industry. In the middle of this pandemic, there is an opportunity to help security reinvent itself “In the middle of this pandemic, there is an opportunity to help security reinvent itself,” said Brad Brekke, Principal, The Brekke Group, one of the panelists. “Amid the business disruption, we should ask ‘what’s the new playbook?’ It’s an opportunity for security to look at ourselves now and look at a business plan of what the future might look like. We need to align with the business model of the corporation and define our role more around business and not so much around security.” Cloud-based platform As a cloud-based platform for service providers in the security, smart home and smart business markets, Alarm.com adapted quickly to changing conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. In the recent dynamic environment, Alarm.com has kept focus on supporting their service provider partners so they can keep local communities protected. “We moved quickly to establish work-from-home protocols to protect our employees and minimise impact on our partners,” says Anne Ferguson, VP of Marketing at Alarm.com. The Customer Operations and Reseller Education (CORE) team has operated without interruption to provide support to partners. Sales teams are utilising webinars and training resources to inform and educate partners about the latest products, tools, and solutions. Alarm.com’s partner tools are essential for remote installations and support of partner accounts.

The drive for learning doesn’t diminish, even in times of a global pandemic. To accommodate the demands of social distancing, more training today happens online. “We have seen unprecedented international demand for our portfolio of online training courses ranging from small installation companies to the largest organisations, across a wide range of sectors,” says Jerry Alfandari, Group Marketing Manager of Linx International Group, a U.K. training firm. “More than ever, businesses are looking to ensure they have the skills in-house to coordinate their response to the changing situation. Individuals are also taking this time to upskill themselves for when we return to ‘normal’ by bringing something with them they didn’t have before. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people are still seeking to better themselves for what will be, eventually, a competitive market.” Expert security training Topics such as CCTV, Access Control, Intruder and Fire Tavcom Training, part of the Linx International Group, provides technical security training delivered by expert tutors on topics such as CCTV, Access Control, Intruder and Fire and also CCTV Control Room and Security Management. Given the practical nature of the courses, the majority have historically been delivered in a state-of-the-art training centre through interactive workshops. However, in order to best protect their staff and learners, and following government guidelines, Tavcom have closed their training centre for the time being. Learners are still able to book into classroom courses for later in the year with a choice of two learning centres now being offered: Hampshire or the recently established training centre in Shipley. For those who prefer to learn online, Tavcom delivers accredited online security training. “Given the situation we are all in at the moment, our online courses have seen an 86% increase in demand over the last several months,” says Alfandari. All online courses offer the same level of support as the classroom courses, with many accredited to BTEC level 3 and 5, catering to professionals of varying skill levels and experience. Improve your professional development “Our online courses remain as accessible as ever, with huge numbers of security systems engineers and professionals seeking to use this [quarantine] time to improve their professional development,” Alfandari says. “We encourage all people to consider the benefits of eLearning and, if they need any advice, to reach out to the Tavcom training team.” It’s more important now than ever before that learners are able to access Tavcom’s online learning programmes and continue in their professional development, he says. To help facilitate learning, the company has discounted 25% off the portfolio of eLearning courses, many of which are BTEC accredited and come with expert tutor support. We are also introducing new interactive ways of teaching traditionally classroom-based courses" “We are also introducing new interactive ways of teaching traditionally classroom-based courses with the aid of Zoom virtual classroom courses, led by our tutors,” says Alfandari. “From the learner’s own home, they will be able to undertake their chosen training course and return to the training centre later in the year to complete the practical assessment.” Skillsets remain in demand Even the most well-prepared organisations with extensive contingency plans have been stunned by the scale and speed of the current situation. Alfandari says: “We are finding especially our Intruder Alarms courses for repair and maintenance engineers have been exceptionally popular; those skill sets remain as in demand as ever in these troubled times.” A sister company, PerpetuityARC Training, offers Security Management BTEC Level 4 and Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management BTEC Level 4 courses that are purposely designed to help businesses and those responsible for security learn how to identify threats, risks and vulnerabilities, and create a comprehensive plan that will enable practical measures to be applied to mitigate the impact. Both courses run via two media: classroom or online and are tutor-supported so learners have a choice according to what best suits their needs and requirements. An online Essential Security Practices course is comprised of 12 modules designed to introduce the essentials of corporate security. Modules can be bought individually or as a whole course and will establish fundamental knowledge of best security practice. “It’s a great starting place if you’re new to security or want to brush up on your expertise,” says Alfandari. Maintaining a security presence is a challenge during a global pandemic. “With people following guidelines by staying at home, we’ve been working hard to drive the message that learning doesn’t stop just because you can’t go out,” says Alfandari. “People may think that because they can’t get to the training centre then they can’t train, but that’s just not the case.” Learning in these unprecedented times Our training centres may be closed for now, but our courses are still very much running" Between Tavcom Training and PerpetuityARC Training, there are more than 20 distance learning courses including ASIS International and The Security Institute, all of which can be accessed at home, at a learner’s own pace. “It’s important that people understand that we’re still here, still available and that we haven’t ‘gone away’,” says Alfandari. “Our training centres may be closed for now, but our courses are still very much running. “ “These are, without doubt, extremely difficult times,” he adds. “We are here for our learners. Our team are working hard behind the scenes to facilitate the best possible learning experience during this time, and we encourage all potential learners to really use this and make the most of it. Whether you want a refresher in security basics or finally to start on that qualification you’ve been putting off, we are here to help you in your professional development.” Rhiannon Limbert, Marketing Coordinator for Linx International Group, contributed to this content.

In addition to providing the Northeast’s largest security trade show, ISC East will include free conference sessions and keynote speeches right on the show floor and several paid workshops. The Nov. 20-21 event at New York’s Javits Center will also include vendor solution sessions from Axis Communications, Hikvision and NAPCO. Wide variety of paid workshops An advantage of the International Security Conference & Exposition in New York is that much of the programming is complimentary to registered attendees, and location of the sessions on the show floor means attendees don’t have to leave the exhibition to take in a session. The paid workshops include technology sessions about cyber terminology for physical security integratorsThe paid workshops include an Active Shooter Workshop and technology sessions about cyber terminology for physical security integrators; and basic installation and configuration of video surveillance solutions. An OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) Boot Camp Short Course will also be offered. As a smaller show, the topics of ISC East conference sessions are broader and of more general interest, rather than organised into focused “tracks” as at ISC West. Attendance at sessions can provide continuing education (CE) credits with organisations that partner with ISC East – one credit for each hour-long session. Attendees can use their Certificate of Attendance from any session to self-report their education hours to relevant industry bodies: ALOA (AEU education credits), ASIS (CPE continuing professional education credits) and NICET (CPD Continuing Professional Development points). An advantage of the International Security Conference & Exposition in New York is that much of the programming is complimentary to registered attendees Keynote sessions at the Main Stage The Main Stage will be the venue for keynote sessions delivered by Deanne Criswell, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management (on Day 1 – Nov. 20); and Angela Stubblefield, Chief of Staff at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (on Day 2 – Nov. 21). The two SIA Education@ISC East educational theaters on the show floor will be booked up both days with a variety of interesting topics. A new session covers penetration testing for physical security, presented by Michael Glasser of Glasser Security Group. A session on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors will be presented by Frank Bertini, UAV and Robotics Business Manager, Velodyne LiDAR. Another popular topic is Safe Cities, and FLIR will present a session on moving from secured to smart cities with intelligent, connected systems. New addition is Active Shooter Workshop  The Active Shooter Workshop is a new addition to the ISC East programme. It has been a popular session at ISC West for three years now. At ISC East, presenters of the workshop will be David LaRose, System Director Public Health, Lee Health; and Ben Scaglione, Director of Healthcare and Security Programming, Lowers and Associates. At the end of the workshop, an additional hour of programming will be the “Stop the Bleed/Save a Life” session presented by Jerry Wilkins, Co-Owner of Active Risk Survival. The Main Stage will be the venue for keynote sessions delivered by Deanne Criswell, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management, and Angela Stubblefield, Chief of Staff at the Federal Aviation Administration Woman in Security event A Women in Security Forum breakfast event will be held on Nov. 21 (Thursday). It’s the second annual event and this year will focus on diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace of the future. Valerie Anderson, President of Boon Edam, will lead a discussion on “Diversity 2.0: Next Steps for Creating an Empowered Workforce”Moderator Valerie Anderson, President of Boon Edam, will lead a discussion on “Diversity 2.0: Next Steps for Creating an Empowered Workforce”. Panelists are Lisa Terry of Allied Universal, Andrew Lanning of Integrated Security Technologies, Elaine Palome of Axis Communications and Dawne Hanks of Milestone. The Women in Security event is likely to attract up to 100 attendees. SIA’s Women in Security is an active organisation, with monthly meetings and a newsletter that recognises prominent women in the security industry. “It’s really a group for both men and women,” says Mary Beth Shaughnessy, Event Director, ISC Events at Reed Exhibitions. “There are many programmes, recruiting efforts, and professional and networking opportunities. They are a robust group of people who are active in making a difference. It’s important to support women in the security industry, which is 95% male, and to develop a new generation of women to be a part of the industry’s future.” The keynote addresses at ISC East will also highlight two high-profile women.

Cumbria Police have refreshed their fleet of frontline TETRA radios, deploying Sepura SC21 hand-portable radios to police officer roles and SCG22 mobile radios in vehicles. In total over 1,400 radios have been deployed to enable the force to upgrade to the latest standard of TETRA radio capability. Enhanced mobile communication Aware of the need to refresh their radio fleet, the force organised field trials for new radios. Feedback from officers using the new Sepura SC21 TETRA radio was overwhelmingly positive. A vital advantage for the SC21 over the previous Airwave estate being the powerful TETRA engine and receive sensitivity. These combine to allow Cumbria Police officers to maintain Airwave coverage and keep communicating in the county’s many rural locations, where less powerful handsets frequently lose coverage. This deployment was further supported by the ability of the SCG22 to act as a Gateway, extending Airwave coverage where it might not otherwise reach and further enhancing the overall critical communications solution. Minimised training required The radios were programmed with a bespoke user interface designed to offer officers a familiar user experience The mobile radio was chosen as it has comprehensive deployment options, including car, van, motorcycle, and desk mount options, and shares a common interface to the SC21 meaning officer training is minimised. The transition to the new Sepura devices was undertaken during the COVID pandemic in the UK, with the Sepura team working with Cumbria Police to identify safe and effective ways to support an accelerated transition. This included Sepura supporting the force with a provisioning service, meaning the radios were pre-programmed and delivered to force headquarters ready to deploy. In addition, the radios were programmed with a bespoke user interface designed to offer Cumbria Police officers a familiar user experience, minimising officer training. Secure communication solution Adrian Johnson, ICT Operational Change Business Lead at Cumbria Police said, “Our officers require reliable secure communications with the easy-to-handle, reliable kit. Our old terminals were no longer supported by the manufacturer and were starting to fail. Our officers have been providing Policing services to our citizens and visitors to Cumbria throughout the COVID pandemic.” “The Sepura rollout has occurred during this global pandemic, during which the team had to learn new ways of doing things safely. The project team worked effectively with Sepura’s support teams to successfully deliver this new equipment to our teams.” “It is imperative in a mission-critical environment that we have excellent relationships with suppliers and immediate access to subject matter experts when our technicians need help or advice. Sepura understands Cumbria Police’ requirements and willingness to work together was key to achieving the agreed solution.” Providing effective solutions Dawn Griffiths, Business Development Manager for Sepura said, “We are delighted to support Cumbria Police in upgrading their hand-portable radios to the SC21.” “The expectation for modern radios is much greater than it was previously, and Sepura’s SC range can support these demands with powerful data applications, intelligent connectivity, and advanced features such as wireless Over The Air Programming which will enable the force to keep evolving their TETRA solution for many years to come.”

Running a unified locking system for multiple municipal services may bring operational efficiencies. However, if the system is based on mechanical locks, it can also create time-consuming headaches. When keys go missing, for example, or user access requirements change, mechanical security does not have the flexibility to adapt quickly. For this reason, Vincennes city administrators sought a modern, electronic replacement for a master-key system whose lock-chart ran to 4,000 keys. Several locations around Vincennes — among them schools, nurseries, and the Town Hall elevator — relied on this complex locking solution. The costs and risk when keys went missing had become a growing logistical burden. Electronic locking system Vincennes officials tasked their city security director with finding a more responsive solution: An electronic locking system that is easy to install; does not require power to be cabled to every door or lock; and gives municipal staff the ability to tailor access rights for different people, to trace keyholder and lock interactions and to amend or revoke permissions when required. They also needed an established, trusted security partner able to offer all the necessary training and system support. An electronic locking system that is easy to install; does not require power to be cabled to every door or lock “A wired access control system was rejected because it required too much work to bring the power to each door,” says Fabrice Pain, Director at the Municipal Technical Centre. “Now eCLIQ provides us access control without wiring at all.” Interior and exterior doors at buildings including the Hôtel de Ville, 11 nurseries, 12 schools, and the Municipal Technical Centre are equipped with more than 650 programmable, electronic eCLIQ cylinders. Almost 1,000 battery-powered eCLIQ programmable keys have been issued to authorised staff. Solving the lost key problem and reducing thefts With eCLIQ, lost keys no longer threaten building security: They can simply be blacklisted by the city’s central eCLIQ management software, which saves the money spent on replacing mechanical locks. And because every key, lock, or user may be audited at any time, thefts from public property have dropped. The eCLIQ cylinder range brings almost any opening into an access system. Robust, durable eCLIQ locks can protect lifts, machines, mailboxes, cabinets, and more with the same security as sensitive doors. Robust, durable eCLIQ locks can protect lifts, machines, mailboxes, cabinets, and more with the same security as sensitive doors Certified and available in multiple sizes and formats — including the EURO format first patented by an ASSA ABLOY Group brand nearly 100 years ago — eCLIQ cylinders maintain security and regulatory compliance across the city. During installation, no wiring or cabling was needed at the doors. A standard battery inside every programmable eCLIQ key powers the electronics inside the lock. Every authorised building user brings their own power to the door. Security solution Now, the city security team issues granular access to everyone who needs it and only where they need it from a single admin point. The new solution is popular with school and municipal staff, especially since a successful implementation of Vincennes’ integrated Vigipirate plan, in which eCLIQ plays an important role. With eCLIQ, Vincennes has found a security solution to match their image as a young, dynamic, tech-savvy place to live and work. More important still, eCLIQ key-based electronic access control has simplified security management and solved their lost key problem.

Greenville Hospital has deployed UHF RFID to help track expensive surgical instruments and other medical equipment to reduce losses and the time spent locating them. As the largest health care system located in South Carolina, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center count 1,268 licenced beds, and 1,250 physicians out of 10,500 employees. The hospital has implemented EPC Gen 2 RFID tags to help identify surgical probes that are often accidentally thrown away after procedures. Because the probes are small, they are sometimes entangled in the linens after surgery. Standard trash bins Most of these linens are either disposed of outright or sent through harsh laundry and sterilisation procedures. Since the probes can cost anywhere from $17,000 to upwards of $35,000 each, losses can quickly add up. Columbia, South Carolina-based Integrated Business Systems and Services (IBSS) developed an RFID solution for the organisation’s 750-bed tertiary hospital that leveraged Greenville’s existing Cisco wireless LAN, along with Xerafy passive RFID tags, ThingMagic EPC Gen 2 Mercury5 and Astra RFID readers, and an RFID portal from Industrial Portals – a division of Jamison Door. IBSS installed a heavy-duty Mercury5 RFID portal for the OR linen cart exit to the laundry and decontamination rooms. All linens are moved through this hallway and placed in biomedical or standard trash bins, or in a holding area for cleaning. Passive RFID tags To tag the small surgical probes, IBSS selected Xerafy’s durable XS UHF tags If a probe passes by the portal in one of the laundry carts, an audible alarm sounds. Information about the event is communicated via the Wi-Fi network to the IBSS SynTrack for Healthcare application, which issues e-mail alerts to the appropriate personnel. To tag the small surgical probes, IBSS selected Xerafy’s durable XS UHF tags. The world’s smallest ruggedised passive RFID tags have a read range of 5 to 6 feet and can be embedded easily in surgical tools without interfering with their use. The XS Series is designed to comply with the most stringent FDA requirements to CPG Sec. 400.210 for RFID use and ISO-10993 for Biocompatibility and FCC compliance to Part 15.231a. The tags are rugged and will withstand 1,000 repeated autoclave sterilisation cycles. Probe-tracking application The hospital reports that no devices have been lost since the RFID system went live, and return-on-investment was expected within one year. Following the successful deployment of the probe-tracking application, the hospital began deploying ThingMagic Astra UHF RFID readers throughout its main facility to track other mobile medical devices. Ultimately, the hospital plans to track to up 5,000 mobile medical assets. In addition to providing instrument tracking, Xerafy’s RFID tags can track the progress of the decontamination, sterilisation, and staging processes. This can help staff ensure compliance with sterilisation procedures, calibration, and certification. The benefit of risk mitigation to the hospital and efficiency in locating any piece of tagged equipment makes RFID tracking inevitable for the healthcare industry.

Allied Universal®, a security and facility services company, was recently awarded a security services contract for Bernalillo County, New Mexico’s new government headquarters, Alvarado Square. Bernalillo County has relocated its headquarters to the recently renovated and expansion of Alvarado Square at 415 Silver Southwest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The building, which is scheduled to open, provides offices for over 900 County employees from over 22 County departments, many County-elected officials and the County Commission Chambers. Holiday security services “We are truly honoured to be able to provide phenomenal security services to Alvarado Square as our #1 goal to safeguard this important county property, its employees and visitors,” said Shannon Briner, Business Development Manager, New Mexico, Allied Universal. “Allied Universal’s highly-trained security professionals are ready to respond quickly and effectively in any situation.” Allied Universal will be providing evening, overnight, weekend and holiday security services Since Alvarado Square is operational every day of the year, 24-hours a day, Allied Universal will be providing evening, overnight, weekend and holiday security services. The Alvarado Square security team includes armed and unarmed officers who will be conducting patrol and security scanning duties. The highly trained and qualified security team will utilise technology to support compliance, training, incident trends, analysis, and transparency of service. Licenced security professionals Branch Manager, Todd Freiwald, who has more than 30 years of proven leadership experience in federal law enforcement and similar industries, leads Allied Universal’s operations in New Mexico. The local branch in Albuquerque has provided security services throughout New Mexico since the early 1980s. With support from the El Paso branch, Allied Universal employs more than 500 actively licenced security professionals in the state who secure nearly 300 sites and patrol accounts and approximately 35,000 service hours per week.

The Groupama Stadium — also known as the Grand Stade de Lyon— is a sports and recreation complex and soccer stadium that is located in the eastern metropolitan area of Lyon, France. With a maximum capacity of 59,186 seats, the venue hosts approximately 30 events per year such as sports games, concerts, and performances. The stadium is the third-largest stadium in France and the twenty-seventh in Europe. Situated in a town with only 25,000 residents, the stadium hosts twice as many spectators at its events. Efficiently managing crowds Under the leadership of Xavier Pierrot, Stadium Manager at Groupama Stadium, the team pays particular attention to the safety and well-being of community members as well as business owners, fans, players, journalists and staff. Their mission is to ensure the highest levels of safety while maintaining impeccable service. The stadium’s security team wanted a security system that would help them efficiently to manage crowds To achieve these goals, the stadium’s security team wanted a security system that would help them efficiently manage crowds and ensure the safest experience for guests. The stadium also needed an effective security system to help them identify threats and pull evidence for law enforcement agencies following any incidents. Groupama Stadium entrusted the IT and security solutions selection to Orange Business Services, who recommended the Genetec™ Security Center with the Omnicast™ video surveillance solution. Unified security platform Security Center is the unified security platform that combines video surveillance, access control and licence plate recognition systems into one intuitive solution. Prosegur, a specialist in security solutions integration, handled the system installation. The Omnicast video surveillance system met the complex’s specifications and budget. The security system is both reliable and easy to use for operators who can act quickly and discreetly in the event of an incident. “We followed the theme park model. Why? Quite simply because security is of the utmost importance but it must not be intrusive or become a source of anxiety. For families with children that are attending games, for example, this experience must be one of leisure. So, we needed a solid and reliable system. The Security Center platform had all the requirements to ensure the surveillance of the stadium in this particular context,” explained Xavier Pierrot. Remotely access video Operators use the Omnicast system to monitor over 260 Axis Communications cameras Thanks to the Federation™ feature of Security Center, operators centrally monitor video from all sites in the complex, including the training centre and practice facility. The security team can view live video or remotely access video any time of the day. They can also easily go back and search through archived video, if necessary. Operators use the Omnicast system to monitor over 260 Axis Communications cameras. The system provides coverage of all entrances, concession stands, 7,000 parking spaces and traffic routes around the site. Operators can easily find the cameras using the map interface of Security Center, Plan Manager. The map module provides a comprehensive view of any area of the site in one single click. Video surveillance solution “Since its installation, the Genetec Omnicast video surveillance solution has enabled us to resolve 100% of minor incidents; the vast majority of which were cases of theft or dropping of smoke bombs, and has helped us resolve major incidents that required the involvement of law enforcement,” says Xavier Pierrot. The entire security system is fully redundant, providing the highest levels of protection in this modern complex. All monitoring is now carried out from a central control room at the stadium, helping operators save time In case servers, PCs or power supplies malfunction, the failover and redundancy features of Security Center ensure that the system continues to run smoothly. All monitoring is now carried out from a central control room at the stadium, helping operators save time and become more efficient when responding to events. Teams never have to leave the control room for intervention because all decision makers including law enforcement, the organiser, first responders, firefighters, and security operators have access to the system. Retrieve video recordings With the Security Center Omnicast system, users can easily view video, retrieve video recordings, zoom into precise details, print photos, save specific bookmarks, or manage alarms to secure various zones of the stadium environment and its perimeter. Using the Genetec Software Development Kit (SDK), the team at the POL has been able to integrate the IP video system with another third-party system to facilitate the transfer of evidence. The integration allows for secure gateways to be set up with certain public partners such as the police headquarters or the Interior Ministry, enabling the transfer of information during large-scale events such as Euro 2016. Facial recognition system Groupama Stadium would like to integrate a facial recognition system within the unified platform In accordance with privacy laws, and as a next step, Groupama Stadium would like to integrate a facial recognition system within the unified platform, so its team can automatically be alerted to banned persons as they enter the stadium. “Since Security Center is flexible and scalable, we plan to continue evolving the platform and taking full advantage of its potential in order to better protect our guests, community members, and staff,” concluded Xavier Pierrot. The Omnicast system of Security Center manages 262 Axis Communications network cameras, including various models and a few 360° domes. All seats are monitored by three different cameras, two fixed and one dome to ensure several viewpoints. The cameras record continuously.

The Spitalfields Estate in East London uses Genetec Security Centre to modernise CCTV security and build a platform for future service innovation. Business challenge The Spitalfields Estate is a 1.9m ft2, mixed-use development in East London managed by CBRE. It includes corporate offices, retail and residential units, public spaces, and a market independent of its famous neighbour, the Old Spitalfields market. The estate has 16,000 tenants and runs several cultural and entertainment events to foster a local community environment. Recently visitor numbers have increased from 165,000 to between 400,000 and 500,000 a week. Effective security management and caring for tenants and visitors is a key part of the estate’s job. The existing CCTV system was an old analogue application on a PC connected to a network of outdated cameras. Although functional, the system was difficult and costly to maintain. Image quality and storage capabilities were poor. But it could not support some of the future services and applications that the estate wanted to deliver. The Spitalfields Estate is a showcase site and the CCTV system did not fit with its image of a modern, efficient location. Addressing CCTV system challenges The aim was a dedicated CCTV system capable of supporting modern equipment for deploying new services in future The estate planned to upgrade the cameras and cabling but soon realised the whole system needed replacing. The aim was a dedicated CCTV system capable of supporting modern equipment and a springboard for deploying new services and capabilities in the future. After a detailed tendering process, the estate decided to work with Genetec and its business partner, Custom Intelligent Security. According to Justin Morgan, from CIS Security and Head of Security at The Spitalfields Estate, “The presentation and sales process by Genetec and Custom was very impressive. There was no hard sell and it felt like a breath of fresh air. All the top CCTV suppliers offer high-quality solutions, but it was a feeling of reassurance that we got from the Genetec team." "The solution suited our needs because it offered the support, training, information, and knowledge sharing to make the system professional and easy to use.” Security Centre modernises security The estate deployed a new CCTV system based on the unified IP security platform, Genetec Security Centre. It is hosted on an all-in-one Genetec Streamvault 300 Series server. Analogue feeds from the existing camera network are converted into digital data and sent to Security Centre for staff to monitor and manipulate. Genetec Clearance is a digital evidence management solution. It improves GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance by using intelligent identity-redaction features and removing the need to share image data via hard media. If there is a subject access request, staff use clearance to select relevant images, annotate, mask individuals not involved, and create a link to share the material. Data is deleted automatically after 31 days. The next phase of the solution will be a cable network survey and rolling out new cameras when old ones reach the end of life and cannot be repaired cost-effectively. Protecting existing investments and controlling future spend CCTV system delivers clear, clean images even from old cameras, and is easy to manage and use “To go from old, hard-to-use equipment to a professional, modern, and fit-for-purpose solution is a huge improvement for security management at The Spitalfields Estate. It’s an investment in technology and operations, but it’s also an investment in the team, the tenants, and the whole estate,” explained Morgan. The Spitalfields Estate now has a CCTV system that ensures the safety and security of visitors and staff professionally and efficiently. It delivers clear, clean images even from old cameras, and is easy to manage and use. Significantly, it enhances the estate’s brand reputation for providing modern, professional services backed up by an excellent delivery service from Custom. “The global security manager from one of our biggest business tenants came to see the new CCTV system and was very impressed. It proves that we are running a highly professional operation using the latest technology,” said Morgan. Morgan describes the change as going “from level 1 to level 10 without touching level 5”. Despite the major transformation, the solution has been designed and managed in phases so the estate can protect existing investment and control future spending. Scalable, modern, and efficient CCTV system One main objective was a system that could be developed to meet future needs and support more services and capabilities such as using analytics to improve security management. For example, Morgan and his team plan to use Security Centre to set up automatic detection alerts when someone enters a sensitive area, when large groups form, or suspect objects are left unattended. The estate and the new CCTV system are used as a training centre for CIS Security staff from other locations This will help to make security operations more efficient and means the staff won’t have to monitor every camera feed. The estate is also looking at how to integrate its existing, but standalone entrance access system with Security Center. “These are the kind of scalable and operational enhancements that the modern and efficient Genetec system is delivering to The Spitalfields Estate,” said Morgan. Security training The estate and the new CCTV system are used as a training centre for CIS Security staff from other locations. The site has several different security environments such as private buildings and public spaces to test skills. The Genetec system is also easy for students to set up and use. “To go from old, hard-to-use equipment to a professional, modern, and fit-for-purpose solution is a huge improvement for security management at The Spitalfields Estate. It’s an investment in technology and operations, but it’s also an investment in the team, the tenants, and the whole estate.”

In-person training sessions were mostly canceled during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the need for training continued, and in some cases increased, as the security industry sought to adapt to the changing business climate of a global emergency. So how well did we as an industry adjust? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How has security industry training changed in the last year?

During the coronavirus lockdown, employees worked from home in record numbers. But the growing trend came with a new set of security challenges. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the transition to remote working/home offices on the security market?

It has been two years or so since the last ISC West trade show, the biggest security show in the U.S. market. The coronavirus pandemic has caused a year’s worth of trade show cancellations, and the trend will continue for a while longer. The absence of trade shows has been transformative for the security marketplace, among others, as companies implemented a variety of alternative approaches, with mixed results. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What impact has the cancellation of trade shows had on the security industry?