​BUSINESS NEWS

Because the price of copper and other metals remains high, metal theft continues to be a serious problem in the United States and around the globe. In addition to the financial loss to the victim, public safety may be threatened when a thief steals, for example, wiring for an airport’s runway lights or an intersection’s traffic lights. Here are two ways that private companies are helping to curtail the extent of these thefts.

Raleigh Metal Recycling studied crime deterrent technologies from other industries and settled on a system used by banks. NCR bank ATMs take and store digital photos of scrap sellers as they collect their money. Additional photos of the seller, the material sold, and the seller’s driver’s license are electronically linked to the ATM photos. One electronic file links all data about the seller to the metal sold, so that in the event of a theft, the information is in a neat package for law enforcement teams to use in apprehending thieves.

Another approach to protecting metal resources is taken by United Kingdom company Selectamark Security Systems plc, which sells patented DNA security solutions. Customers mark the property with SelectaDNA so that it can be identified via a UV lamp if it is stolen. Police-backed crime-reduction initiatives are using the product, and Network Rail is protecting copper cable with it.

Search Dogs UK has trained a dog to sniff out the SelectaDNA markings on a range of metals. The dog, named Jazz, has been successful in finding stolen metal in places like scrap yards, where metal is often piled and forensic markings may be difficult to see.

PARTNERSHIPS AND DEALS

Amika Mobile has joined the CiscoDeveloper Network within the Unified Communications technology category.

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International and The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are partnering to promote use of the National Crime Information Computer system for finding missing children.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., and the Textile Center of Excellence have collaborated on a new platform for protecting textile brands from counterfeiting by impregnating and marking threads, yarns, and fabrics.

Arecont Vision cameras monitor the King Soopers Distribution Center. The system was integrated by United Systems of Denver.

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., was chosen by Tesco to implement a global EAS program across the United Kingdom, North America, and Asia.

Christie is supplying its MicroTiles for display and monitoring at FishNet Security’s reception area and control room.

CNL Software is partnering with Kratos|HBE to offer its PSIM solutions to Kratos customers.

Concurrent has teamed with AuthenTec to protect content viewed on mobile devices from piracy.

Covenant Security Services has been named the preferred national security provider for W.L. Gore, manufacturer of Gore-Tex fabrics and other technological, medical, and consumer products.

Digital Defense, Inc., is working with Austin-Travis County Integral Care to protect personal healthcare information for government compliance.

The European Network for Cyber Security and Elster are collaborating with Alliander to pilot privacy-enhancing technologies for smart metering networks in the Netherlands.

Experian’s 192 business unit has been chosen by the Law Society as its preferred supplier of electronic identity verification tools for antimony laundering purposes.

Health Centre Kork in Germany commissioned IndigoVision to incorporate surveillance technology into its medical diagnosis system to help evaluate patients. IndigoVision partner Deininger Elektronik GmbH also worked on the project.

Ingersoll Rand announced that Sielox Pinnacle server customers can seamlessly integrate Schlage wireless electronic locks.

Innovative Signal Analysis, Inc., provided WAVcam systems as part of the security efforts at last summer’s Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Intransa has made 3VR’s video management software available in its products.

Elkerliek Hospital in the Netherlands is using cameras from IQinVision in a video surveillance system. Xserius is the distributor for the project, and Flexposure is the integrator.

Danske Bank Group has selected video management software and recorders from March Networks to protect its Copenhagen facilities.

Middle Atlantic Products has provided workstations and mounting systems for General Dynamics Information Technology’s Global Security Operations Center and Customer Integration Lab.

OnSSI has appointed Ascend Group as a manufacturer’s representative for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and Security Products Marketing to provide representation in parts of Illinois and Indiana.

Opgal Optronic Industries has signed a partnership agreement with Distrame of France to offer its cameras and systems to the European market.

Raptor Identification Systems and Integrated Biometrics have collaborated to produce a small Appendix F-certified fingerprint scanner, the Watson-Mini.

Movianto has selected LED technology from Raytec as part of a security upgrade for its United Kingdom headquarters. RAYMAX 300 infrared illuminators are installed alongside AXIS dome cameras on 8-meter-high lamp posts.

Pelco by Schneider Electric thermal camera systems have been installed in Bulldog Stadium at California State University, Fresno.

Red Hawk Fire & Security U.S. is teaming with Next Level Security Systems to offer a portfolio of remotely accessible video management, access control, and video analytics in a single solution.

TeleEye Europe has formed a strategic partnership with Midwich Security to distribute TeleEye products in the United Kingdom.

TKH Security Solutions USA has chosen Network Products Inc. to represent its products.

Tri-Ed/Northern Video Distribution will offer products from comCables to its customers.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

DRS Technologies, Inc., was awarded a contract to develop a thermal sight by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division.

The U.S. Department of Justice has chosen Local Initiatives Support Corporation to guide the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, which brings law enforcement, civic, and economic leaders together with communities to combat crime.

Loews Hotels & Resorts is working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to offer its loyalty rewards members complimentary enrollment in the Global Entry program that expedites clearance for international travelers arriving in the United States.

Nasatka Security provided barriers, guard booths, and other force protection equipment to Rapiscan Systems Inc. for use by the U.S. Army.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas has added more than 900 Pelco cameras and integrated the video system with an access control system.

The Council of Mayors of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area, RTI International, Tigo, and Qualcomm Incorporated are expanding the wireless security project in collaboration with National Civilian Police, Corps of Metropolitan Agents, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Leamington Fire Services Department of Ontario, Canada, is implementing Command Scope All Hazard Pre-Incident Plan program from RealView LLC.

Integrator Checkmate Security has installed a fire alarm control panel from Silent Knight in the training facility of West Islip Fire Department.

Smith Protective was selected to provide uniformed security officers to the Birdville Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas.

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS

The Security Industry Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have awarded the Michael Shanahan Award for Excellence in Public-Private Cooperation to the Albuquerque Police Department and the Albuquerque Retail Assets Protection Association for their cooperation in sharing information leading to the arrest of property criminals.

AlliedBarton Security Services has received the Brandon Hall Silver Award for Excellence in Compliance Training.

American Science and Engineering, Inc., was awarded the U.S. Department of State Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award for enabling the detection of contraband at the United States-Mexico border.

Winners of the ASIS Accolades competition for new products were honored at the ASIS 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits. Winning companies included AlertEnterprise, ASSA ABLOY Americas, Axis Communications, CAST Lighting, D3 Security Management Systems, Gamma Two Robotics, HID Global, iView Systems, and SpotterRF.

The SCS-VR central station software program from DMP has been approved by Underwriters Laboratories for both commercial fire and commercial burglar alarm monitoring.

Instrument Business Outlook awarded its Bronze Award for portable instrumentation to the Fido NXT portable explosives detector from FLIR.

The German Federal Office for Information Security awarded Giesecke & Devrient a security certificate for its EU-compliant contactless signature card operating system.

Visual Fusion from IDV Solutions has been awarded SAFETY Act designation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

International SOS received an EMMA award in thought leadership for Best Survey or Research Study of the Year from the Forum for Expatriate Management. The award-winning study is Duty of Care and Travel Risk Management Global Benchmarking Study.

2012 New Product of the Year Awards from Security Products magazine were conferred at the ASIS 2012 Seminar. Winners included products from Lenel Systems International Inc., HID Global, AlertEnterprise Inc., Talk-A-Phone, Garvin Industries, Intransa, Compulan Center Inc., Bosch Security Systems Inc., Honeywell, SDi, Silent Knight, Access Hardware Supply, Security Door Controls, FLIR Systems Inc., Milestone Systems, Tyco Integrated Security, and Firetide Inc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Adams Rite has launched the new RITE Door Web site (www.RiteDoor.com) with improved navigation, information, and online tools.

ADI has opened new branch locations in North Houston, Texas, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Affinion Security Center has become a premier sponsor of the new BusinessIDTheft.org resource Web site, which is maintained by the Identity Theft Protection Association.

Agiliance, Inc., has formed the Agiliance Security Risk Management Advisory Council to encourage collaboration among public and private organizations.

AMAG Technology set aside a day for employees to help Habitat for Humanity build two homes in Lynwood, California. The company also made a financial donation to the cause.

AMID Strategies is a new company representing leading industry manufacturers to security consultants, architects, and engineers.

ARES Security Corporation is a new company established to serve security markets with 3D modeling and simulation technologies.

Basler AG has expanded its production facilities in Ahrensburg, Germany.

Brown Safe has opened a new manufacturing facility in Vista, California.

Federal Signal Corporation has sold its Federal Signal Technologies Group to 3M Company.

Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell has launched an online series of fire alarm training sessions.

Foregenix has opened an office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

G4S International Training, Inc., has launched an improved Web site at www.G4SITI.com with easier navigation and more features and information.

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies has created a cloud-based database of federal and state grant funding information to help schools find money for projects.

A group of company executives has purchased Levy Security Corporation and its affiliate Premier Security Corporation.

Milestone Systems has started a new international business unit, Incubation and Ventures, to develop new products and services.

Perceptics has introduced a money-back guarantee for all its license plate and DOT number reader systems.

Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International Ltd. has a new Web site that includes social media and easy access to reports and toolkits.

Premier Mounts has moved its worldwide headquarters to a new facility in Fullerton, California.

RSA, The Security Division of EMC, has introduced new services to help organizations defend against and respond to cyber threats.

Securadyne Systems held a companywide campaign to support Operation Gratitude, a charity that benefits U.S. service members.

SecureState is sponsoring the Social Media Security Website & Podcast, as well as the fourth version of the Facebook Privacy and Security Guide.

Sonitrol of Evansville has formed a sister company, Action Security, to specialize in video verification technology.

THRIVE Intelligence is a new national provider of video security as a service.

Tri-Ed/Northern Video Distribution supported employees who volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to build a home on John Island, South Carolina.

Universal Protection Service has acquired A&R Security Services, Inc., and United Security LLC.

Vimicro International Corporation has established a subsidiary to develop and market surveillance video and audio coding security to Shanxi province in China.

ASIS NEWS

ASIS Standards in Development
ASIS International has formed a committee for a joint American National Standard, Managing the Investigative Process—Guidance on Conducting Investigations. This standard will provide a framework for establishing and implementing an organizational investigations program including the principles of investigations, managing an organizational investigations program, and conducting internal and external investigations, as well as guidance on the evaluation of competence of individuals involved in the investigation process. Committee formation was held in November and December.

“The investigative process is resource intensive and presents the organization and persons conducting the investigation with risks that need to be managed,” says Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner, ASIS Global Standards Initiative. “This standard will help practitioners establish an investigations program and conduct individual investigations. By providing good practices for planning, executing, evaluating, and reviewing an investigation, the standard will give practitioners a tool to conduct effective, ethical, and legal investigations.”

Risk Assessment. ASIS and RIMS, the preeminent organization dedicated to advancing the practice of risk management, will collaborate on a joint Risk Assessment American National Standard that will provide a basis for the process of conducting a successful, well-organized and documented risk assessment. Using a process approach consistent with ISO 31000 and the Plan-Do-Check-Act model, the standard will include managing a risk assessment program, as well as conducting individual risk assessments. Annexes will provide examples of quantitative and qualitative methodologies for risk assessment.

“Risk assessments provide the foundation for decision making in any risk management process,” says Siegel. “Risk assessments are an ongoing process; therefore it is critical to design a risk assessment program within the overall risk management program that is reliable, repeatable, and well documented. This standard will provide guidance on the risk assessment process to support risk management decision making to better address the uncertainties in an organization achieving its objectives.”

“Risk management is a constantly evolving—and essential—discipline for organizational success, which should not be done in isolation” states Carol Fox, director of strategic and enterprise risk practice for RIMS. “Having a consistent and generally accepted American National risk assessment standard, developed by consensus, should increase efficiencies and foster a common understanding about risk taking within organizations. In working collaboratively on this standard with ASIS, RIMS stresses the importance of building alliances across associations to develop a shared understanding for assessing uncertainties that may affect future outcomes for all organizations, regardless of structure or size.”

New ASIS Publication
ASIS International has expanded its growing number of society-published works with Active Shooter: Handbook on Prevention. Active shooter incidents have become more frequent in our society—often resulting in large numbers of fatalities. In his new book, terrorism expert Joshua Sinai, Ph.D., provides law enforcement and private sector security personnel a comprehensive understanding of this threat and how to respond, manage, and, when possible, prevent it. The handbook opens with the steps active shooters take to plan their attacks and concludes with an outline detailing the response measures required to protect and evacuate those impacted by active-shooter events. An appendix provides a self-assessment checklist tool to enable public safety personnel to ensure that they are prepared to respond to such potential incidents in terms of protective procedures, systems, and training.

“Dr. Sinai’s book will serve as an innovative guide for administrators and security managers and will, hopefully, prevent another tragedy like the one at Virginia Tech,” observes Jeffrey A. Adams, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret). “This book is timely, relevant, and fills a knowledge dearth about active-shooter events and, in doing so, expels common myths and provides a model for response.”

Sinai is a senior manager, National Security Programs, at Infinity Technology, LLC, in McLean, Virginia. He specializes in terrorism, counterterrorism, and homeland security studies, including developing risk indicators on insider threats such as “homegrown” terrorists and active shooters. He has more than 25 years of experience in government, the corporate sector, and academia.

From 2006 to 2010, Sinai was a program manager on counterterrorism studies at The Analysis Corporation (TAC) (later Sotera Defense Solutions). Sinai worked as a member of a TAC team at a U.S. government counterterrorism operations center. Sinai has published more than 80 articles and book reviews on terrorism, counter terrorism, and insider threats-related topics in academic publications, magazines, and newspapers. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, with a specialization in Comparative Politics and the Middle East, from Columbia University.