Security improvements for organizations should always be made with consideration for the particular space, in its particular place, with its unique vulnerabilities. However, it is worth noting what other organizations are doing and  new technologies that are available. Secure Community Network recently convened a working group with some independent security directors to identify, research, and establish best practices for these new tools. As those are developed, refined, and published,  share them with you all.

One of the technologies getting the most attention these days is license plate readers (LPR). These are cameras designed to identify vehicle license plates within a designated area and run them through a database to identify possible threats. Several challenges exist, however. These include the potential for A LOT of data to review, and that the cameras cannot be paid for with FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funds. They are explicitly prohibited from funding, along with facial recognition and body-worn cameras. The issues are privacy and civil liberty concerns, and the potential misuse of data, including tracking individual movements of identified people. Jurisdictionally, some places also have laws limiting LPR use.

At the annual national meeting of community security directors, we host corporate sponsors who highlight their products and technologies. I always take time to check out the tables to see what’s new in the realm of security technology, and thought I would share a few of them with you:

I first want to highlight Knox as I think this is something that nearly every standalone organization should have. The KnoxBox is a small, metal box that is affixed outside the entrance. The box is locked to everyone except first responders (particularly the Fire Department) who might need emergency access at all hours. Many organizations have hardened their external doors and windows such that it’s very difficult for responders to force their way in. The KnoxBox allows access, quickly and easily.

BluePoint Solutions was there with panic/alerting technology. Their systems look like traditional fire alarms but are positioned around an organization, and when activated, notify police, medical, or hazardous materials response personnel.

Flock Safety specializes in cameras, devices, and software, including license plate readers and drone-equipped cameras. It’s relatively high-end equipment and is likely beyond the needs of most small organizations. However, as mentioned above, this technology is increasingly being used at large campuses and community centers, so many organizations are becoming more interested.

A company called CEIA makes metal detectors, including a portable version. The cost (coverable by NSGP funds) was a not-outrageous $25,000, and the portable quality means organizations could opt to use it or not based on event needs. I also wondered if the community could collectively purchase a set and make it available to all. Issues around training and use would have to be ironed out, but I thought it was an interesting option.

EAGL Response Integration highlighted their gunshot detection technology. Specially attuned microphones are set up around an organization and are linked to emergency response technology. It analyzes the sounds and makes a direct notification if police are needed.

My overall take on the review was that generally, there are no critical technologies that our community is missing out on. The basics of access control and building security still hold as the most important elements. You can be sure that if we see that changing, you and your organizational leaders will be the first to know.