Frequently Asked Questions about PSIM

Physical Security Information Management or PSIM is the absolute best system to manage security in a well-organized and communicated manner. So what exactly is PSIM and why do you need to know about it? Here are a few frequently asked PSIM questions: Q: What is PSIM? A: PSIM is software that is designed to integrate multiple unconnected security application devices and control them through one comprehensive user interface. Basically, PSIM brings your security systems together to work as one efficient unit. Q: What does PSIM do? A: PSIM collects and correlates events from a wide variety of security devices and information systems (video, access control sensors, analytics, networks, building systems, etc.) to empower personnel to identify and proactively resolve situations. Q: What is the benefit of integrating PSIM into your organization? A: Some benefits of integrating PSIM into your organization include increased control, improved situational awareness, system management, and reporting. [...]

2017-04-26T10:22:09-05:00PSIM|

Thoughts and prayers to Newtown

OSSI would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut last Friday morning.  I know that we are not the only ones who could not stop thinking about this horrifying tragedy these last few, long days. Our philosophy and mission is to make the world a safer place so while this tragedy occurred a thousand miles away, it truly saddens us. We offer our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

2017-04-26T10:23:15-05:00School Security|

Educating teachers on school safety: Part One

This is part one of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. Many of the heroes of the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting were teachers. In a time of intense crisis, they were able to face one of the worst possible dangers to their lives and their student’s lives: a shooter while not having any kind of protection. The result could have been much worse. Many of the staff at this facility were trained and educated on how to deal with this type of situation. While the government works out ways to protect schools by discussing gun control and other tactics, schools are still potential targets for crazed shooters.  However, there are ways for teachers and school personnel to protect their school from shooters before they become targets; and while a shooting is in progress. Ways to [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:39-05:00School Security|

Educating teachers on school safety: Part Two

This is part two of a two part series on how teachers can be educated on school safety to protect the future of our country: students. View part one here.  Once you are aware of a shooting in your school, there are some specific actions you can take to protect yourself and your students: Barricade your door: Move all the desks and chairs to the door. A normal shooting lasts seven minutes, so the shooters is not going to waste time trying to push through a door if it is barricaded. Contact authorities: Text or call 911, alerting someone that there is an attack going on at your school once you and your students are secure. Turn off the lights: This prevents the shooter from being able to see clearly through the door or windows. Hide:  The best places to hide are to get on the floor against a wall out of line of sight [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:53-05:00School Security|

Using CCTV to protect your school

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security monitoring systems have become increasingly popular as schools, businesses, government building, churches and private homes look to install video surveillance systems due to terrorist attacks and school/workplace shootings. As you can imagine, this technology can become outdated over the years; this is not necessarily a bad thing as companies come out with better technology that protects our loved ones. CCTV can help save lives because information on a suspect can easily be distributed to law enforcement and specific rooms of buildings. With the increase of school shootings, it is especially important for school districts to look into this technology. CCTV that allows access to law enforcement enables the police to know exactly where the suspects are inside the building. This knowledge also allows for medical aid to be distributed to isolated and secure areas of a school building. Saving lives comes down to seconds, not minutes [...]

2017-04-26T10:21:06-05:00School Security|

Government PSIM Solutions

Even with todays technology, it's impossible to completely prevent a potential terror attack. However, that is not to say that your local government cannot prepare for these situations when they do take place. Many cities are now looking into implementing local government PSIM solutions to improve on their current security systems, which goes beyond simple video surveillance. Local Government PSIM Solutions Physical Security Information Management, known as PSIM, is a software solution that combines multiple security, communication, detection, and alerting systems into a single command and control interface. The surveillance system for most cities is broken up into sub systems. The city has a video surveillance system, DOT transit has their own video surveillance system, and private enterprises provide yet another group of video surveillance. Because of these multiple systems, the odds of a terror attack being caught on surveillance video is high. However, the odds of the operator having [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:04-05:00PSIM|

Using Video Surveillance to Catch the Boston Bombers

Two men, now widely-known as the Boston Bombers, shook the nation on April 15, 2013. One man was subsequently arrested, and the other died during a gunfire exchange a few days later. Recently, three additional men have been arrested in connection with the attack. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents worked quickly to locate the suspects, and they relied heavily on video surveillance evidence to do so. Caught in the Act Immediately after the blasts, the FBI requested video surveillance footage from all surrounding stores and businesses. According to The Washington Post, the nearby Lord & Taylor camera directly across the street from where the bombings occurred was a key piece in determining suspects. The video allegedly shows someone dropping the black backpack at the scene. Most retail stores in the area have closed-circuit cameras that pan and tilt, much like the one that captured clear images of the suspects. These [...]

2017-04-26T10:20:45-05:00PSIM|

Google Glass and Casinos Don’t Go Hand in Hand

A new type of eyewear introduced by Google has recently sparked intense conversation— not only for it’s innovation and technology, but also for its use in casinos. That’s right. The new Google Glass eyewear is already being banned in casinos across the nation. What is Google Glass? The concept for Google Glass was introduced in April 2012 as a wearable computer device. Google Glass has not yet been introduced to the public, but some lucky users have had the opportunity to test the mini computer. It displays information like a hands-free smartphone would, but it’s worn as a pair of eyeglasses. Google Glass capabilities include snapping photos, surfing the web, checking for directions and catching video— all without even pushing a button. Why the restriction? In an effort to remove any suspicion or occurrences of cheating, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement ordered 12 casinos in the state to [...]

2017-04-26T10:21:00-05:00Casino security|

Video Surveillance Solutions for Government Facilities

Government-owned and/or public buildings like post offices or city halls are often equipped with monitoring surveillance cameras. In fact, it would be rare to see public buildings not equipped with security cameras. Undoubtedly, video surveillance offers a great security solution for government facilities, buildings, and operations. Installing such systems can implement comprehensive security solutions or enhance existing systems that will keep your employees, buildings, and records safe.  Uses of Video Surveillance: Federal and National Government The use of surveillance cameras by government spans different uses. Besides establishing a secure environment at government facilities and buildings, video surveillance is used to provide temporary security at government events such as inaugural balls, speeches, and parades. In fact, one of the very first uses of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) was to monitor crowds during public events that featured foreign dignitaries. Presently, with concerns about assassinations and terrorism at an all-time high, advanced video [...]

2017-04-26T10:21:52-05:00PSIM|

Staying Safe in a Lockdown

It seems like every time I turn on the news, there is a story about a city hall, school, or hospital in a lockdown situation. In more extreme cases, entire cities in danger have shut down. Unfortunately lockdowns are becoming a semi-common occurrence, and it is important to be prepared. With adequate preparation, you can ensure that you and other building occupants will stay safe in an emergency situation.  Steps to Staying Safe Participate in Drills If your school or company participates in drills for lockdowns (or any other emergency), always fully partake. Treating drills seriously now will ensure you feel more prepared in the future. Follow Instructions Even if a procedure feels counterintuitive, follow emergency personnel and/or your supervisor's instructions. By acting impulsively, you could put yourself in a dangerous or even deadly situation. Most schools, airports, hospitals, and other public facilities have created strategic plans to follow in [...]

2017-01-17T20:09:09-06:00Uncategorized|
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