CCTV Systems

Schools across the United States are continuously evaluating their safety and security policies and procedures . Changes made to those policies and procedures are often influenced by school incidents, both those that directly and indirectly impact them. For some, that means enhancing security technology, such as doors and locks and video surveillance. For others, that means increased security personnel or investments in student well-being initiatives. Here’s a roundup of recent school security upgrades made by various U.S. schools and districts, many of which were influenced by events that directly impact them. Pickens County Schools Add Additional Security Protocols In Alabama, Pickens County Schools announced all seven schools would see additional metal detectors and security personnel just days after a Gordo High School student was caught with a loaded pistol in his waistband,  WBRC  reports. “A lot of new things coming. We want people to have peace of mind when people...

Tariffs have become a reality. Price increases are inevitable. The alarm industry gets much of its equipment form China, particularly the cameras.  My guess is that most of the equipment is from other countries. Price increases are also evitable. You are probably wondering what you can do about price increases affecting contracts you have already signed and contracts you’re about to sign. First, the price increase is not a Force Majeure event. You can argue it, but I doubt you win in the end. And Force Majeure would only allow you to cancel your performance; you won’t get paid. It’s not the issue or the answer. If you use updated Kirschenbaum contracts , you are covered. The contracts contain a provision: “Should ALARM COMPANY be required by existing or hereafter enacted law to perform any service or furnish any material not specifically covered by the terms of this agreement Subscriber agrees to pay ALARM COMPANY for such service or material. The pricing to be paid by Subscrib...

When you stepped onto the bustling floor at PSA TEC 2025 , it was easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer array of technology demonstrations, training sessions and panel discussions. Amid this vibrant environment, four students from Pickens Technical College, in Aurora, Colo., managed to stand out — not just because they were among the youngest attendees but also because of the passion and potential they brought with them. The Next Generation of Security Pros The following list of Cyber Technician Program students, each one with distinct ambitions, represents the next generation of security professionals: Nico Gable (Program: Cyber Technician; Desired Roles: Cybersecurity and Networking – Infrastructure); Mohammed Gelan (Program: Cyber Technician; Desired Roles: Network Admin and Cybersecurity / Government Infrastructure); Miguel Lobatos (Program: Cyber Technician; Desired Roles: Cybersecurity and Networking / Computer Forensics); and Alberto Grimm (Program: Cyber Technician; Desire...

BOCA RATON, Fla.—ADT Inc., a provider of smart home security solutions, in collaboration with Yale and the  Z-Wave Alliance , have announced the launch of the ​Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Z-Wave ​​​​for ADT+​. The Z-Wave 800 Series smart lock is said to be the only lock on the market with fingerprint control​ ​and a smart lock that leverages the newly introduced Z-Wave User Credential Command Class. These features allow users to unlock and disarm their ADT+ security system—or lock and rearm it—using just their fingerprint. In addition to this hardware, ADT is rolling out a major update to the ADT+ app, introducing Home | Away functionality, which leverages geofencing to provide real-time household awareness and automate security settings based on user presence. “ ADT, alongside ​our partners at Yale and ​the Z-Wave Alliance​, is setting a new standard for smart home security,” says Omar Khan, EVP and chief business officer at ADT. “With the introduction of th...

ST. LOUIS — Family-owned fast-food chain owner-operator Madan-Russo Organization recently deployed Interface Systems ‘ Virtual Security Guard solution, significantly improving safety and reducing security costs by up to $12,000 monthly at one of its most at-risk locations. For nearly 50 years, the Madan-Russo Organization “has faced persistent security challenges, including loitering, drug-related activity and occasional violence,” according to the company announcement. “Traditional security cameras proved ineffective in actively deterring incidents and the cost of employing on-site armed guards was unsustainable,” the announcement says. Why Madan-Russo Chose Interface Systems By deploying Interface’s Virtual Security Guard solution, Madan-Russo transitioned to 24/7 real-time monitoring with bilingual voice-down commands and security escort services for employees. This approach “has created a safer and more welcoming environment for staff and customers while delivering significant...

EAST LANSING, Mich. — More than two years have passed since the mass shooting at Michigan State University (MSU), where a gunman killed three students and injured five others. Since the Feb. 13, 2023, mass shooting , MSU has implemented significant security measures aimed at enhancing campus safety and preventing future violence. MSU has adopted 78 recommendations outlined in an  after-action review  assessing the response from the university and law enforcement. According to MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS), 52 of the recommendations have been completed, 27 are ongoing or in process, and one remains incomplete. Key Security Upgrades at MSU The university has made sweeping updates to classroom security, including installing: Thumb locks  in 520 classrooms, Electronic locks in 150 classrooms, and Lockdown buttons in 56 classrooms. Additionally, approximately 5,600 students have participated in active shooter or violence response training ...

LAS VEGAS—Nanodems, a provider of physical security information management (PSIM) software, recently presented its latest product innovations at the ISC West 2025. According to the company, interest in its PSIM solutions during ISC West 2025 drew strong interest from security professionals, integrators, and enterprise customers. “Visitors were especially impressed with how easily they could identify issues with thousands of devices using our Health Check module, and how naturally they could navigate complex infrastructure with our 3D interface,” says Asli Citak, marketing manager at Nanodems . “These features align with our mission to make PSIM not just powerful, but also user-friendly and highly visual.” A Closer Look at Nanodems’ New PSIM Platform Features At this year’s event, Nanodems showcased two features it calls game-changing additions to its critical event management PSIM platform: AI-Powered Health Check and security-focused digital twins. The company states that both o...

In this webinar, “Remote Supervision Communications Beyond POTS,” sponsored by Telguard , we will discuss the underlying problems with POTS connectivity at all levels of communication, the current alternatives that are being used and how cellular communications have impacted the industry. In the session, scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 2 p.m. ET, Daniel Rosales, Telguard senior director of marketing, PLM and technical services, will also explain the technology developed for it. To further the understanding of how NFPA 72 applies to alternative communication paths, such as cellular, we will refer to specific codes and point out how UL Listed communicators can achieve compliance. This presentation also compares concepts such as redundancy and supervision to highlight the benefits of cellular communication and the pros and cons of other technologies in fire alarm systems. Finally, we will discuss new developments that make equipment installation easier and that provide extra layers o...

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Security services and technology solutions provider Prosegur Security recently announced a leadership transition “to support the company’s next phase of growth and innovation.” Ty Stafford has assumed the role of executive chairman, while former chief operating officer Daren Lopez has become the company’s chief executive officer, according to the company announcement. Inside Prosegur Security’s Leadership Transition Stafford, who has served as CEO since 2022, has “played a pivotal role in transforming Prosegur Security’s U.S. operations through strategic growth, a people-first culture and client-centric innovation,” the announcement says. As executive chairman, Stafford “will remain deeply involved in steering long-term strategy and mentoring the next generation of leadership,” according to the company announcement. “Leading Prosegur has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Stafford. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished together. As I tr...

This article is the third part of my discussion on the key changes made to the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. In this column, I will cover Chapters 17 and 18. If you missed the first two parts of my review, you can see them here and here . NFPA 72 Chapter 17 – Initiating Devices Within the section that covers the spacing of heat and smoke detectors, there is a new 17.5.3.1.4. This paragraph allows that, if concealed space is entirely filled with noncombustible installation in solid joist construction, the installation need only fill the space from the celling to the bottom edge of the joist of the roof or floor deck. In past editions, there were descriptions of joists and beams. In the 2025 edition, section 17.6.3.3.3 was added for girders. The standard now states that a girder shall be considered a beam where the girder is within four inches of the ceiling. Further, a girder shall not be considered a factor for detector location when the top of t...

LAS VEGAS— Altronix , a manufacturer of power and data transmission products for the professional security industry displayed its latest products at ISC West 2025. These new products features include integrated power and access control solutions that are designed to streamline installation, reduce labor costs, and these products are said to be Altronix’s latest solutions to deploy IP devices utilizing coax, fiber or Ethernet infrastructure. “Altronix continues to deliver new and innovative ways to streamline the deployment of advanced IP devices with greater cost-efficiency, versatility and reliability to ensure heightened security and safety,” says Alan Forman, president of Altronix . “We look forward to demonstrating the numerous advantages and benefits our latest product line-up delivers to our installation partners and customers at ISC West 2025.” Recapping The Altronix ISC West 2025 Exhibit Taking a look at the company’s show activities, here were some of the new Altronix pro...

MIAMI — Security industry nonprofit organization Mission 500 ended ISC West 2025 with its annual awards ceremony , which “celebrated individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact through service and philanthropy,” according to the organization announcement. This year’s Mission 500 Humanitarian Award was presented to Allie Copeland, chief transformation officer at ADI Global Distribution. The Humanitarian Award “recognizes individuals in the security industry who make meaningful contributions to those in need, something Copeland exemplifies through her passionate support of charitable causes like St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Mission 500 and her extensive commitment to volunteerism.” The Mission 500 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is “designed to honor companies in the security industry that make important contributions to those in need,” according to the organization announcement. Holmes Security Systems was recognized this year for “its deep-rooted co...

OMAHA, Neb. — ADI | Snap One recently added another store, with plans to open several more in the near future. The latest addition hosted a grand opening event for its new store showcasing product offerings from the combined business for the first time under one roof. Sponsored by Episode and Samsung, the event took place on Thursday, April 10 and gave attendees a chance to meet the team, check out the new brick-and-mortar store design concept, spend time with suppliers, and enjoy the expanded inventory and array of ADI and Snap One brands. ADI and Snap One teams worked together to develop the modern store design, which the companies describe as blending a retail storefront with a state-of-the-art warehouse, featuring products across key categories including security, networking, AV, smart home, fire safety, and more. The Omaha location replaces the previous ADI store, offering Snap One customers a convenient shopping option that wasn’t available before, the co...

Your team members’ competence in their roles is a significant factor in your profitability and, more importantly, in protecting your brand and its reputation. Competence in multiple areas enables flexibility in pursuing more complex projects with fewer people. Have you ever had to slow down the completion of a project because your most competent technician was working on another project? What if a great new project opportunity arises but your ace salesperson isn’t available to bring that project home? Will you send in your “B Team”? If so, how might that turn out? Make Competence A Key Growth Goal Make demonstrated competence (DC) and active learning (AL) key growth goals for associates. Make these a part of your company culture. It can have an amazing impact on morale and create financial opportunities for associates. I reflect on my military experience in the Marines. If I wanted to make more money , I needed to add a stripe to my arm. To acquire that next enlisted promotion (pa...

LAS VEGAS—Quanergy Solutions, Inc., a global developer of high-performance 3D LiDAR security and smart space solutions, highlighted its expanded integrations with partners Hanwha Vision and Avigilon at ISC West 2025. The integration of Quanergy ’s advanced 3D LiDAR solutions with Hanwha’s Wisenet WAVE 6.0 VMS and Motorola’s Avigilon Unity On-Premise Video Security Platform deliver enhanced perimeter security, intrusion detection, and object classification capabilities for enterprise and critical infrastructure customers. “Quanergy’s integration with Hanwha ’s Wisenet WAVE 6.0 VMS and Motorola’s Avigilon Unity platform establishes new benchmarks in intelligent security and business intelligence performance,” says Gerald Becker, vice president of market development and alliances at Quanergy . “We’re delivering a unified 3D LiDAR and video solution that empowers enterprise and critical infrastructure customers with unparalleled situational awareness, enabling proactive threat detection...

In an era where security threats are evolving rapidly, traditional security measures alone are no longer sufficient. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics into security operations has become essential for providing proactive, efficient and effective protection. Remote guarding services are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance surveillance capabilities. By harnessing AI-driven analytics, security providers can ensure safety, rapid response, and optimized security management. As integrators, installers, and dealers enter the remote guarding industry as service providers or channel partners, it is crucial that they understand the significance of AI and advanced analytics. The Role of AI in Remote Guarding AI is revolutionizing the security industry by enabling systems to process vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying threats more accurately than ever before. AI-driven video analytics can detect unusual activity, recognize patterns, a...

Newmarket, Canada—Solutions360 has announced a new in-depth integration with Inspect Point, uniting the two platforms to simplify operations and deliver more value to fire protection companies. According to the Canadian company, this new collaboration connects Q360—Solutions360’s fully integrated ERP system—with Inspect Point’s mobile inspection and field service platform. The result, Solutions360 continues, provides integrators the ability to manage everything from inspections and deficiencies to invoicing with one seamless bi-directional workflow, eliminating duplicate data entry and enabling real-time data sharing between the field and the back office. “At Solutions360, our mission is to become our customers’ most valued business partner,” says Brad Dempsey, CEO of Solutions360 . “This integration is a natural extension of that commitment. We’re helping fire protection companies reduce friction between departments, improve profitability, and create a more connected business—withou...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Crisis24 , a global AI-enhanced platform in travel risk management, mass communications, critical event management, crisis security consulting and personal protection solutions including a global medical concierge practice, recently published its 2025 Global Risk Forecast. The Crisis24 report, a GardaWorld company, represents “an in-depth, intelligence analysis of key trends and events most likely to impact organizations in the coming year,” according to the company announcement. “Organizations must prepare for concurrent large-scale crises throughout 2025, with the wider ramifications of the  Middle East  and  Ukraine conflicts, increasing geostrategic competition, extreme weather and public health challenges, economic volatility, and the proliferation of mass unvalidated information, misinformation and the increasingly unfettered use of AI creating a multiplier effect,” says  Mick Sharp , senior vice president, global operations and intelligen...

Editor’s Note:  Register today  for this informational webinar from  Commercial Integrator, Security Sales & Integration  and NSCA leadership to  learn how improving your contract T&Cs can protect your company amid ongoing market uncertainty. Both in the integration industry and in society broadly, the word “uncertainty” is ubiquitous these days. Whether it’s  shifting tariff policy , elevated recession risk, endemic industry factors or shrinking profit margins, there are lots of stressors that integration business owners must contend with. And profitability anxiety is completely legitimate — but that’s no reason for integrators to feel powerless. Informative Webinar Featuring NSCA Leadership “Improving Your T&Cs to Mitigate Risk,” a  Commercial Integrator  and  Security Sales & Integration  webinar, produced in close partnership with NSCA, will focus on how integration business leaders can take all the available logic...

This, thankfully, isn’t an alarm case. A homeowner sued an architect and a contractor for failing to cure a continuing water damage issue in her residence. What follows are the facts from the case. [ Editor’s Note: Parties’ names redacted. ] The Facts “[Plaintiff] has owned a residence in Put-in-Bay, Ottawa County, Ohio, since 1991. Put-in-Bay is located on an island, and it required all parties to take ferries to access the residence. During the time [Plaintiff] has owned the property, she has had multiple instances of water intrusion into the residence, resulting in damage to the residence and her personal property. The facts relevant to the water intrusion giving rise to the present case began in 2012, when [Plaintiff] entered into an agreement with [Roofer] for the replacement of her roof. That work was performed in 2012.” “Three years later, [Plaintiff] again discovered water intrusion into her residence. Believing that the issue was related to a first-floor window, [Plaintif...

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) has formally appealed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, requesting relief from tariffs on critical security products. The letter , sent on Tuesday, also calls on the Trump administration to establish a process that allows companies to apply for product-specific exemptions. The security industry generates more than $430 billion in economic impact and supports more than 2.1 million jobs in the U.S. However, SIA claims manufacturers and integrators in this sector are facing mounting challenges due to a volatile and uncertain trading environment caused by the tariffs. SIA expressed concern over the financial strain these tariffs are placing on businesses that produce essential life safety and security products for Americans. The organization highlighted the broader implications of the tariffs, noting that the increased costs are not only impacting manufacturers but ar...