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Back to School Planning is a Year-Round Commitment

With summer underway, K-12 and college students, faculty, and staff are taking a well-earned break to recharge and gear up for the fall. It’s also the season when security professionals can get in and get busy installing upgrades and retrofits before the new school year starts. It’s a brief window, but, thanks to diligent planning throughout the year, the pros are always ready to hit the ground running at the last bell of spring term to make the most out of the limited time available.

The "I Love U Guys Foundation" to Host National School Safety Briefings Symposium Verkada HQ

The "I Love U Guys" Foundation, a national non-profit organization that operates programs and trainings to standardize crisis response programs across schools, districts, departments, agencies and organizations, will host its upcoming National School Safety Briefings Symposium on September 5-6, 2024 at Verkada's San Mateo, California headquarters.



ZeroEyes, Aegix Global Partner to Bolster Security Across Over 200 Utah Schools

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security Safety Act Designation, and Aegix Global, a Utah-based provider of industry-leading safety and personal protection resources technology, today announced that they have successfully deployed ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and situational awareness software in more than 200 Utah schools.

Garrett Installs More Than 160 Paragons in Memphis Schools

Texas-based Garrett Metal Detectors – in partnership with DVS Solutions – announced that its new Paragon walk-through metal detector (released 2023) attained a significant competitive victory in a bid for security upgrades for Memphis Shelby County Schools. More than 160 Paragons were installed across 100 or more ISD locations over the last month.

Miami-Dade County Public School District Selects CRG's Critical Incident Mapping Technology

Critical Response Group (CRG), a provider of critical incident mapping data, announced recently that it has partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), the nation’s third-largest school district, to implement cutting-edge critical incident mapping technology across the District’s 573 schools

Texas High School Selects Knightscope Emergency Communication Devices

Knightscope Inc. recently announces a new contract for its K1 Emergency Communication Devices (“ECDs”) in Texas in addition to a renewal of its full service maintenance agreement with the city of Mountain View, California, Knightscope’s hometown, for their network of emergency phones.

Help With the Push of a Button

It was the second day of this school year, when an administrator in Montgomery County, TX, found herself needing to manage a student’s medical emergency on the football field after hours. A junior high school student was experiencing chest pains and needed immediate care.

Case Study: Mishkan Learning Center Upgrades Intercom System to Better Manage Flow of Visitors

The Mishkan Learning Center is steeped in history, first starting in 1945 to provide educational and recreational opportunities to young people regardless of the financial situation of their families. Today, the facility has grown to offer a variety of services, including a summer day camp, hands-on job training, and on demand housing for low-income earners to individuals in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area.

From Traditional Hardware to Access Control and Beyond

There has been an increase in the types of available access control solutions. There has also, unfortunately, been an increase in the number of school shootings. Therefore, more campuses are turning to new and improved safeguards.

Motorola Solutions Announces Acquisition of IPVideo

Motorola Solutions recently announced that it has acquired New-York-based IPVideo, the creator of the HALO Smart Sensor, according to a news release. Though the details of the transaction were not disclosed, the release notes that the acquisition marks Motorola’s commitment to improving safety and security in spaces like schools, hospitals, hotels, and businesses.

Improving the Patient Experience

To remain competitive, today's hospitals are becoming “smarter”, applying analytics and artificial intelligence to deliver a superior patient experience. Leveraging the latest generation of technology to optimize clinical processes, communications systems, facility operations, resource management, and – of course – security has become the norm.

High Schools Need Additional Security for Basketball Games

Now that football season has ended, it is time to move indoors and watch your favorite basketball teams compete. The presence of a large number of enthusiastic fans alone can create a variety of security challenges, but factor in drugs, alcohol, weapons, and gangs at the gymnasiums, and you could be looking at a recipe for disaster.

An Annual Security Check-up

Just like going to the doctor for your annual health check-ups; the same holds true for schools who need to go through an extensive security check-up annually. The main reason is to ensure they are fully prepared for any type of emergency that arises on school grounds.

Three Killed in Shooting at UNLV, Suspect Also Dead

Three people were killed and another injured in a shooting at UNLV Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas. The suspected gunman was killed in a shootout with law enforcement.

Robotic Assistance Devices Announces New Position of Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, a provider in AI-driven security and productivity solutions along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is pleased to announce the promotion of Troy McCanna from Vice President of Business Development to Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations. In this newly created and expanded role, McCanna will oversee all business development activities while continuing to serve as the RAD’s Chief Security Officer (CSO).

Student Centered Solutions

In early 2023, John Diemer Elementary School, located in an east Kansas suburb, was transformed into a facility that embodies the idea that learning happens everywhere. The new facilities feature innovative classroom designs that balance flexibility and security—a plan that had been developed collaboratively between the architects and project owners.

Controlling the Campus

Controlling access into your facility is vital in keeping your employees and patrons safe. Allowing unauthorized vehicles onto your premises can be a recipe for disaster. A vehicle can be used to cause mass casualties by sheer speed and force or exploding at a crowded location. It is crucial to only allow vehicles that are considered ‘safe’ to enter your premises. How do you go about this and make sure everyone is protected? Let’s talk about some best practices to help keep your perimeter secure.

Better Today

Physical security software and hardware have come a long way in recent years. Yet while systems like access control, intrusion monitoring, and video management are powerful tools, it is how we use them that matters.

Understanding the Differences

When it comes to video security systems in schools, there are many misconceptions about how AI, analytics, and facial recognition intersect and overlap. Where does one technology end and the next begin? Which ones raise more privacy concerns on campuses? In this article, we will examine the differences between these technologies and address privacy issues as we aim to protect students, staff and property.

Business Owners Rest Easy

For decades, overnight security problems have been a major source of stress for business owners. Lone security guards, static surveillance cameras and outdated alarm systems are some examples of ineffective security solutions companies have used to combat property crimes like trespassing, theft and vandalism. However, a newer security solution called remote guarding is now giving business owners the peace of mind they deserve when thinking about their overnight security concerns.

LenelS2 Launches “On the Safe Side” School Safety Program

Physical security solutions provider LenelS2 recently announced the launch of a new program that will assist families, schools, and communities in having productive conversations about school security. The company partnered with actor Chad Michael Murray and National PTA to create “On the Safe Side,” a series of resources intended to spur conversations about physical security and safety in schools.

Expanding Mobile Access Credentials

The new academic year is now kicking into high gear at colleges and universities, and on many campuses, students were welcomed this fall with the added convenience and security of mobile access credentials. It is a trend that has become more of an expectation than a surprise in the world of higher education as the demand for advancements in electronic access control (EAC) like mobile credentials continues to grow.

New York School District Selects AtlasIED’s IPX Technology for Modernization Initiative

The North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD), a K-12 public school district in Central New York state, serves the communities of North Syracuse, Clay, Cicero, Bridgeport, and Mattydale. With 11 elementary, middle, and high schools, the district covers almost 90 square miles and has 7,792 students and approximately 700 teachers. With some of its school buildings over 60 years old, the district needed to renovate many of them, some more urgently than others. As part of the process, district administrators and staff reevaluated all infrastructure elements and their approach to campus safety, selecting AtlasIED IPX technology to modernize their intercom, audio announcements, and emergency communications systems.

Shootings in Maine Leave at Least 18 Dead, 13 Injured

National news reports that a multistate manhunt is underway for a suspect who killed 18 people and injured 13 more at a bowling alley and bar in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night.

Tulsa Public Schools Adopts Metrasens Advanced Detection Technology

Tulsa Public Schools in Tulsa, Okla., recently announced that it has adopted Metrasens’ advanced detection technology across its district, according to a news release. The installation is part of the district’s 2023–24 academic year safety initiative to update and enhance safety and security measures on its campuses.

AeroDefense Deploys AirWarden Remote ID Receiver at Two NCAA Division I College Stadiums

Today AeroDefense announced the University of Washington (Husky Stadium) and Fresno State (Valley Children’s Stadium) have deployed their AirWarden receiver to safeguard events against unauthorized drone flights.

Maryland School District to Deploy Omnilert AI Active Shooter Solution

Baltimore County Public Schools in Baltimore, Md., recently announced that it will be installing a new active shooter solution across the district, according to a news release. The district will be partnering with active shooter and emergency notification solutions provider Omnilert to install the Omnilert Gun Detect platform across its 7,000 cameras.

Smart Cards and ID Cards Go Sustainable as Part of Security Industry’s Overall Push into Environmental Stewardship

Smart cards and ID Cards have become ubiquitous and will likely remain a fixture in the access-control landscape even as mobile IDs reach their tipping point. The convenience of mobile IDs continues to make them an increasingly attractive option, but the physical card will still be required in many applications. This is why their transition to more sustainable card materials is a key element of the security industry’s broader focus on environmental stewardship.

New York Lifts Ban on Biometric Technologies in K-12 Schools

New York Lifts Ban on Biometric Technologies in K-12 Schools

On Sept. 27, 2023, New York State Department of Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa issued a determination that lifted the nearly three-year ban on use of biometric technologies in both public and private K-12 schools in effect from December 2020

Milestone Launches Grant Program for Security Projects Funding

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Milestone Launches Grant Program for Security Projects Funding

Milestone Systems is offering a new grant program to help education, healthcare, and non-profit organizations in the United States secure grants for purchasing security software and systems that they likely otherwise would not be able to afford. In addition, the program supports end customers throughout the entire grant process – from application to funding to management – assisting with a potentially overwhelming experience.

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now