OSSI Archives - Page 2 of 2

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 [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:04-05:00PSIM|

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 [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:20:45-05:00PSIM|

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 [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:00-05:00Casino 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 [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:21:52-05:00PSIM|

Department of Homeland Security to launch safety study of scanners

The Department of Homeland Security, after being criticized by the general public and politicians, is launching a complete safety study of the scanners that are used to screen passengers at airports all across the nation. The review of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is performed by the National Academy of Science, a nonprofit group of scientists, to study the safety of the radiation emitted by scanners. Susan Collins, a senator from Maine, says that while the amount of radiation that passengers are exposed to is small when going through the scanners once, it is concerning what that means for frequent flyers, who may be exposed several times a week. Currently TSA uses two types of full-body scanners used to look for hidden objects underneath passenger’s clothing. These two types of scanners are: Non-ionizing radio frequency energy scanners - These are your typical security scanners seen at arenas and airports for decades. Backscatters - Backscatter [...]

dave2017-04-26T10:22:23-05:00Airport Security|