March 2008
Features
By Bob Cutting
Whenever a casino looks at video analytics, the discussion often leads down the path of far-fetched concepts and applications for catching and tracking cheats.
By Shawn Mahoney
They may not be as cutting edge as video analytics and other new security breakthroughs— but every building has them.
By Lior Frenkel
In the hit movie “Ocean’s 11,” Daniel Ocean and his crew succeed in robbing $160 million from the Bellagio casino. Ocean’s crew carries out that task by using a wide range of swindling skills and top-notch technological capabilities, not the least of which involves breaking into the casino’s video surveillance system. In the movie, the crew’s computer wiz physically taps into the system from the casino’s own server room.
By John Monti
Mention border security, and you might imagine the intersection of two countries, or perhaps the border separating government facilities from private land. But border security also can be defined as perimeter security, which expands the concept to encompass walls, fences, roads and other perimeters around businesses, schools, prisons, utilities, research facilities, and other properties and buildings.
By Matt Barnette, Adam Shane
Video management systems have evolved considerably since the analog tape-based VCRs that were prevalent nearly 10 years ago. Then, analog CCTV cameras with coaxial cable typically were connected to a multiplexer so multiple video images could be displayed on a video monitor simultaneously. These signals then were recorded for review and archiving.
By Jeffrey Lynn
If you don’t think the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, continues to have strong repercussions throughout the world, then you haven’t traveled much in the last six years. Security is still the word du jour—perhaps even more so as time goes on. Transportation venues continue to protect themselves from terrorist threats.
By Barry Willingham
One of the first reactionary attempts to bolster security after 9/11 occurred at airports. Immediately after air service was reinstated, the public saw uniformed Marines armed with M-16s at every security checkpoint, concrete barriers at each entry point, security guards ransacking passengers’ luggage and, of course, taller fences going up around airfield perimeters. As with most things in life, an unexpected event usually generates an unexpected— and sometimes irrational— response. Such was the case with the nation’s aviation facilities.
By Jon Mooney
Construction sites are fiercely regulated environments in the United Kingdom, under a program called the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. At these sites, CSCS accreditation is tied to employee biometric details. At many construction sites, only workers with a CSCS card can be employed. The Olympic venues in London fall into this group.
By Ken Hertzler
Building security has moved beyond locks and dependable security guards. Today’s threats require sophisticated security. The next generation of access control will converge physical and network security into one manageable entity.
Departments
By Ralph C Jensen
We’re moving. That’s right, the offices of Security Products magazine and several other company publications are moving from their current location just down the street. Our new offices are much nicer, they seem to fit the staff better and, best of all, we’ll be using multiple security measures to keep us safe.
By Col. Timothy D. Ringgold
This marks my final column as the Homeland Security Insider. Demands on my time have become so great that I need to pass this responsibility on to someone else. Over the past several years, we have witnessed many changes in how we secure our safety, freedoms and rights. Now is a good time to think about where we are and how we move forward.
By Paul Dawes
Monitored security is a $30 billion industry with approximately 24 percent household penetration and consistent year-over-year revenue growth.
By Security Products Staff
By Megan Weadock
The effects and innovations of globalization seem to be appearing in an astounding number of ways, from Internet penetration into the world’s most remote areas and American products being built abroad to the outsourcing of pregnancies to surrogate mothers in India—believe it or not, a real service. While some globalization trends border on the absurd, the security industry can only benefit from the worldwide sharing of products and ideas. Those in the industry should take advantage of globalization trends—and ISC West is the perfect place to reach out to the international security community. This year, the tradeshow will be held April 2-4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.