Industry News: Ontario Entertainment Group Streamlines Security Stance and Improves Partnerships
Ontario Entertainment Group Streamlines Security Stance and Improves Partnerships
The Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) in Ontario, Canada, owns and operates the Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park. Founded in 1881, they welcome more than 7 million visitors every year. WEG’s security team handles the organization’s physical security technologies—including video, access control, and more. During an expansion to add a new casino and entertainment venue, the team decided to update and consolidate its security technologies to improve response and investigation times. WEG’s security team selected Genetec’s Security Center and Clearance solutions to support its security operations center (SOC) and other security efforts. The team will use the Security Center platform to manage more than 800 cameras, access control units, and intrusion detection systems. The open-architecture platform allows WEG to keep its existing cameras, and real-time visibility confirms emerging event and alarm notifications.
Beyond its physical security duties, the security team also responds to information and evidence requests from insurance adjusters, law enforcement agencies, lawyers, and regulatory agencies, specifically the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. WEG investigators use the new platforms to retrieve video and export it to fulfill requests. As a result, partnerships with law enforcement have improved and the time it takes to close investigations has decreased.
Mergers & Moves
Pinkerton//Verifact Investigations
Pinkerton announced its acquisition of Verifact Investigations, an Australian investigations company. This allows the global risk management services and solutions firm to expand its offerings across Australia.
Great Range Capital//Citadel Security Holdings, Inc.
Private equity firm Great Range Capital (GRC) acquired manned guarding, event security, and patrol services company Citadel. As part of the acquisition, GRC provided funds for Citadel to purchase Metropolitan Protective Services, LLC, a Denver-based security patrol services business.
Adarga//J2X Solutions
Adarga, which specializes in AI-driven information intelligence, announced its acquisition of J2X Solutions, a U.S. strategic risk intelligence firm, bolstering Adarga’s product and service portfolio.
Pye-Barker Fire & Safety//Bates Security
U.S. full-service fire protection, life safety, and security services provider Pye-Barker Fire & Safety bought Bates Security, a U.S. Southeast-based security and alarms provider. The move expands Pye-Barker’s presence in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky.
Incode Technologies Inc.//MetaMap
Incode, an identity verification and trust solutions provider, announced its acquisition of MetaMap. The purchase enables Incode to deliver identification verification services more reliably and safely.
Milestone Systems//Arcules
The merger of video technology company Milestone and cloud-based video surveillance solutions provider Arcules will give clients a more complete video technology offering, combining video management with cloud functions and a chance to leverage AI.
Awards
L.L. Bean won the 2024 MEMIC Award for Excellence in Safety. The company was recognized for its participation and partnership in safety workshops, on-site safety assessments, and training programs. The Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company (MEMIC) has provided workers’ compensation insurance to employers emphasizing workplace safety since 1993. The MEMIC Group includes MEMIC, MEMIC Indemnity Company, and MEMIC Casualty Company.
Contracts
UK defense contractor NP Aerospace Limited selected 3DX-Ray’s ThreatScan portable X-Ray system. The approximately £3 million ($3.85 million) contract will last 36 months. The portable system supports bomb technicians as they conduct threat assessments.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Transportation Command (USTANSCOM) selected Crowley—a private maritime, energy, and logistics solutions company—for a seven-year, $2.3 billion contract to support the Defense Freight Transportation Services program.
Dutch Ridge Consulting Group, LLC, announced an eight-year contract with the FBI’s Information Technology Supplies and Support Services. Dutch Ridge, a veteran-owned business, will provide the FBI with critical IT service needs, including expertise in cyber threat intelligence, cybersecurity engineering and operations, and more.
Announcements
Bitget, a cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is launching a social project in Vietnam to educate the public on how to securely use cryptocurrency and prevent fraud. Educational materials, including posters and banners in public spaces, will provide tips on detecting and avoiding cryptocurrency scams.
Partnerships
Airport Security. Partnering with CIS Seguridad, 19 of Texas-based Garrett Metal Detectors’ units will be installed in 15 locations throughout Colombia.
Identity Verification. Veratad Technologies, an age and identity verification solutions provider, announced a strategic partnership with secure identity company CLEAR. The agreement will expand features in Veratad’s VX platform.
Firearm Safety. A new effort—led by a partnership of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Casanova//McCann, and the Ad Council—will be the first U.S. national Spanish language public education campaign on safe firearm storage. The campaign seeks to reach Hispanic gun owners, which are among the fastest-growing demographic group purchasing firearms in the United States.
Human Trafficking. Collective Liberty, an organization focused on combatting human trafficking through data collection and intelligence analysis, has collaborated with Trakr, a vendor of customized software solutions for government agencies and the private sector. The partnership will launch the Human Trafficking Fusion Center, which will provide law enforcement and stakeholders with identifying, tracking, and dismantling capabilities.
Extreme Heat. Thanks to a partnership between Maricopa County, Clear Channel Outdoor, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and the City of Phoenix, more than 100 digital billboards around Phoenix, Arizona, displayed critical local heat relief resources. The billboards directed anyone at risk of heat illnesses to one of more than 230 local heat relief sites open during the late spring and summer.
