November 2007


Features

Welcome, Visitors

By Patrick V. Fiel Sr.

Go to the Department of Justice’s online national sex offender public registry, pick a major city and select an urban—or even suburban—neighborhood. Most likely, there will be anywhere from a few to 40 or more registered sex offenders within walking distance of the neighborhood’s public elementary school.


In It to Wynn It

In addition to becoming one of the most luxurious resort destinations in the world, Wynn Macau hosts what is widely believed to be one of the largest, most fully integrated video surveillance and security systems ever implemented. The facility’s infrastructure is awe inspiring for anyone even remotely interested in technology; for example, the resort features a fully integrated video surveillance and security system that employs a unique networked digital/analog hybrid configuration, including close to 4,000 cameras and 100 displays that makes impressive seem like an understatement.


On The Road to Recovery

By Pat O'Day

Earthquake. Fire. Hurricane. Blackout. Virus. Terror attack. Any of these natural or manmade events can cause the obliteration of business data. And if that isn’t frightening enough, Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA and Securities and Exchange Commission requirements will really scare you. Face it, data needs to be kept alive and accounted for to survive and thrive in the testing conditions of modern-day business.


You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide

By Bob Levine

Maintaining the security of any large residential institution housing hundreds or thousands of people can be a daunting task. The problems faced by those in charge of preserving the peace in these facilities can mirror those of any urban police department. As in any diverse population, there are those who will remain lawful and those who look to circumvent the rules that serve to regulate the peace.


Security's Changing Face

By Matthew Bogart

Facial recognition technology has entered a new dimension. It has left the flat world of machine-readable 2-D photographs and entered the world of 3-D.


Pick a Card, Any Card

By Kathryn Lodato

Retail operations large and small have a need for single- or multi-purpose ID cards for employees. Consumer loyalty or gift cards with stored balances also are growing in popularity as revenue drivers. Traditionally, this card-printing function has been outsourced, but affordable and efficient card printers make it possible to bring identification and loyalty card printing back onsite.


Second Time Around

By Carol Enman

School security directors often keep a keen eye on the latest security technologies that come to market, and then deploy these solutions to ensure their schools have the best technology to protect students and employees, deter and catch vandals and keep the bad guys out.


Departments

America Responds

By Karina Sanchez

Cyberspace has infused the lives of people across the country. Its latest victim: Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.


Family Disaster Planning for the Office

By Ralph C Jensen

The federal government is a master at applying pressure to get what it wants. It is doing just that to Washington, D.C., and its suburbs in preparation for developing extensive evacuation plans. Nothing like this has taken place since the Cold War, but officials are mapping escape routes, stockpiling bedding for shelters and designating pickup points for those without a car.


Questions & Answers From the Top

By Security Products Staff

Reducing the cost of desktop card issuance is a constant challenge for issuers and resellers alike. We sat down with Fred Ketcho, Americas’ vice president of sales and service for Datacard Group, to talk about all the factors that can affect this critical metric.


Response. Recovery. Resumption

By Deven Kichline

Since the unprecedented destruction of hurricanes Wilma, Rita and Katrina two years ago, the spotlight shines on the need for strong business continuity plans.


Question & Answers From the Product Manager's POV

By Security Products Staff

American Fibertek Inc.’s V’nes stands for Video Network Enterprise Solution. It is an integrated and standardized network transmission solution designed specifically for professional security applications with a specialized open path to truly integrate IP and analog systems operation.


Taking Stock

By Megan Weadock

Thieves know how to spot weaknesses, even when a business has a security system in place. This is exactly what made the Nick Whale BMW dealership in Warwick, England, such a susceptible target.


Holding Down the Fort

By Col. Timothy D. Ringgold

Last May, the White House issued Homeland Security Presidential Directive 20, HSPD-20, which mandates government agencies to appoint a senior official at the assistant secretary level as their continuity of government coordinator to prepare plans, budgets and exercises to test continuity planning, preparation and capability.


Companies meet the threat of online fraud head-on

High-Tech Hackers

By Mike Paquette

Driven by the age-old lure of easy money, many of today’s criminals are using high-tech cyber crimes and sophisticated building entry methods to commit crimes.


Ask the Expert

By Mike Painter