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Suspect Used Drone to Spy on Walla Walla University Dorm Rooms

WALLA WALLA, Wash.  – A year-long investigation by authorities has led to the arrest of a man accused of using a drone to record images through windows of a women’s dormitory at Walla Walla University and nearby residences. Ira Ross Wright, 60, was taken into custody last month and booked into the Walla Walla Corrections Facility on two counts of first-degree voyeurism, according to a statement released by the College Place Police Department. Drone Activity Reported Near Walla Walla University The investigation initially began in early 2024 when reports were received about a drone flying around the women’s  dormitories  on the Walla Walla University campus, reports the  Tri-City Herald . Authorities opened a formal inquiry shortly after receiving these reports, which also referenced drone sightings in the surrounding residential areas. Campus security recently recovered a downed drone near the college campus, which turned out to be a key breakthrough in the inve...

Security Technology Hits the Right Note at Summer Festivals

Summer brings the height of festival season, and with it comes a unique set of security challenges. From concerts in parks and stadiums to massive multi-day events like Denmark’s Jelling Festival, which draws 45,000 mainly young attendees to a field outside the famous village, we’re tasked with keeping everyone safe without dampening the vibe that makes live music so special. Concert security has evolved well beyond bag checks and metal detectors. Today’s threats range from crowd surges to severe weather to targeted attacks and they all demand real-time coordination between multiple agencies. The encouraging news is that open platform video management systems are fundamentally changing how we tackle these challenges, creating safer experiences while preserving the energy and excitement that the fans expect. Security Analytics That Save Lives at Summer Festivals A significant technology shift happening in our industry right now, is the move from reactive to proactive security throug...

NFPA, Joey Gase Spotlight Fire Prevention Week at Daytona Race

QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is returning to Daytona International Speedway this week with NASCAR driver Joey Gase to raise awareness for Fire Prevention Week 2025, which carries the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Gase will be behind the wheel for two Daytona races with cars emblazoned with the NFPA mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET: the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola (NASCAR Xfinity Series), driving the 53 car. Saturday, Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET: the Coke Zero Sugar 400 (NASCAR Cup Series), driving the 44 car. “Daytona is one of racing’s biggest stages, and we’re using that visibility to highlight a growing fire safety challenge in every household,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, in the association announcement. “With Joey’s help on the track, we’re amplifying our efforts to promote lithium-ion battery safety and reminding people to follow safe...

COPS Monitoring Introduces ASAP Protocol

WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J.— COPS Monitoring , a provider of professional monitoring services in North America, has announced the official launch of ASAP (Automated Secure Alarm Protocol) across its network of UL-listed monitoring stations. This advanced technology enables the direct electronic transmission of alarm data to public safety answering points (PSAPs), significantly enhancing response times and accuracy. The company explains that ASAP eliminates the need for traditional phone calls to 911 centers by securely transmitting crucial alarm information, such as the type of emergency, address, and contact details, instantly. This streamlined communication COPS Monitoring asserts accelerates dispatching public safety agencies, improves accuracy, reduces call volume at 911 centers, and minimizes the potential for miscommunication. Moreover, it enables real-time status updates between COPS and participating PSAPs, promoting enhanced collaboration between monitoring professionals and first re...

SS&Si Dealer Network One of Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

DELTONA, Fla. – SS&Si Dealer Network has been recognized among the fastest-growing companies in the nation with its inclusion on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Released in August 2025, the Inc. 5000 ranks the fastest-growing privately held for-profit companies in the United States based on percentage revenue growth over the past three years. SS&Si Dealer Network achieved a 172% growth during this period, earning them the #2,459 spot and placing them in the top 50% of all companies on the list. They are joined on the 2025 Inc. 5000 by scDataCom, among others in the security industry. “We’re officially one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and that’s because of my team,” says Jake Voll, founder and president of SS&Si Dealer Network. “We’re building something special and it’s getting noticed. This isn’t just about growth. It’s about grit, consistency and believing in what we’re doing. And we’re not done.” Why SS&Si Dealer Network is on the 2025 Inc. ...

Future of Security Integration: Navigating Cloud, AI and IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based technologies continue to dominate global security discussions, making it more important than ever for security integrators to identify and navigate the disruptive potential of novel, interconnected systems. Research suggests the number of connected IoT devices in operation globally grew by 13% in 2024, rising to 18.8 billion, with as many as 98% of organizations worldwide using some form of cloud-based service and almost 80% said to be increasing investments into AI tools. The standalone benefits of each of these technologies from a security standpoint are clear, but they become even more significant when brought together through bespoke, intelligent integrations. However, increased interconnectivity can expose new, complex vulnerabilities. The freedom of communication afforded by novel cloud, AI and IoT technologies can make the work of modern security integrators uniquely challenging, but the pros of ...

Fredrik Nilsson, VP, Americas, Axis Communications: Best Advice

Today in the Best Advice Q&A series, we check in with Fredrik Nilsson, vice president, Americas, of Axis Communications. He shares the best advice he’s ever gotten, what he tells young security industry workers and who helps him understand the ever-changing sector even better. Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Fredrik Nilsson: Think big. That was my father’s advice, something he lived by. He was a university professor, and later a management consultant, who came from humble beginnings in the Swedish countryside. He had a poster in his office that simply said, “Think Big,” and fittingly, his nickname was also “Big” because of both his height and his big personality. That mindset always stayed with me: never limit what you can do and always dare to take on new challenges. It was especially helpful advice when I moved to the U.S. more than 20 years ago—not knowing anyone in the security industry and with Axis still a marginal...