Weston in Space

Elite Monitoring won the PDQ (Police Dispatch Quality) Award in 2020 . The company continues to move forward with zero false alarms to law enforcement and taking advantage of new technologies. Jonathan Kozak, the “brains” behind the company’s strategy, joins the conversation to provide updates, further insights and a vision for the future. What do you do at Elite Interactive Solutions? KOZAK: I manage our corporate network infrastructure as well as being primarily responsible for our industry-specific R&D department. In other words, I oversee which technologies we use, and how they fit in to our operations. You’ll never solve things just by installing equipment. The tech does not equal success. We’re daily reevaluating and reinventing. What does Elite do when it comes to cybersecurity in the central station? From the start, cybersecurity was at the top of our list. How could we claim specialization in crime prevention while unable to take responsibility in this crucial area?...

The most popular stories on  SSI in July primarily centered on security companies and their employees. The 2022 Installer and Installation of the Year winners rightfully earned a lot of attention this past month. Acadian Total Security earned Installer of the Year honors for the second consecutive year. Executives from the company laid out its approach for success. Custom Alarm won this year’s Installation of the Year award after being named a runner-up last year . The company was able to jump several hurdles to deliver a high-tech and effective security system during the pandemic for a new apartment building that supplies living spaces for the less fortunate. The most read story of July was news that Securitas would be on the hook for $517 million as part of the Surfside condo collapse settlement. The tragedy, which took place on June 24, 2021, saw 98 people die after the oceanfront tower condominium partially collapsed in the middle of the night. On a related note, SSI ...

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rapid Response Monitoring Services announces Peter Kirk has returned to the company as vice president of software engineering. During his initial seven-year career with the company, Kirk held various roles within the programming department. He worked on several key projects including the company’s migration from the outdated and inefficient PICK/jBASE based alarm processing software to the robust SQL/Linux based stagesTM monitoring platform and the launch of the original RapidMobile app, according to the announcement. Kirk left Rapid Response in 2014 to start his own business. For the past eight years, he owned a successful consulting company with a focus on system architecture and design, as well as a broad spectrum of development projects and codebases. Several of Kirks’s engagements were in the alarm industry, and he was said to have earned a positive reputation based on the quality of work and innovative design. Kirk graduated from Villanova University in 2003 ...

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans city council approved an ordinance last week that restores use of facial recognition technology tools to aid criminal investigations by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), though under new “guardrails” and subject to a comprehensive use policy approved by the state and federal government. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell expressed support  for the measure, which reverses a ban in effect since 2020, and is expected to approve it when it reaches her desk. New Orleans, which  led the nation in murders halfway through the year, is the latest jurisdiction where lawmakers are rethinking blanket bans and seeking to establish rules instead. Against a backdrop of rising crime, the real-world impact of sweeping bans on facial recognition technology was highlighted in the debates and testimony in New Orleans. At last Thursday’s hearing, NOPD’s Sgt. David Barnes provided an example of a case he worked on during the ban, in which use of the technolo...

MINNEAPOLIS — LVC Companies is celebrating 40 years of protecting and connecting customers with state-of-the-art technologies and exceptional service this year. Founded July 26, 1982, the company is headquartered here with regional offices in outstate Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Arizona, along with a national footprint offering targeted security solutions. Over the years, LVC has grown to a full-service technology provider with more than 250 employees. LVC’s offerings include fire protection, fire alarms and life-safety, security solutions, structured cabling/infrastructure, A/V , distributed antenna systems (DAS) and emergency communications. “Our success over the past four decades is first and foremost due to our dedicated staff,” says LVC President and CEO Bert Bongard. “Their loyalty to LVC and commitment to excellence helped us stand the test of time as a trusted partner and service provider. Our continued growth is driven by their support of our mission to be an ind...

JUPITER, Fla. —The safety equipment supplier ASR Alert Systems, along with the security company HAVEN, and ZeroEyes, a provider of AI-based gun detection, are partnering to provide safer community buildings. The new Joint Active Shooter Protection and Response Program is currently implemented in a school located in Houston, Texas, and the trio of companies point out their collective solution is designed to positively impact the outcome of tragic events such as an active shooter. “Veterans have a unique ability to solve some of our nation’s toughest problems. Lessons learned from combat coupled with technology can help in preventing active shooter events in the future,” states Alex Bertelli, founder and CEO, HAVEN. According to ASR Alert Systems, HAVEN and ZeroEyes, school systems are now searching for ways to combat active shooter situations, and a recently released report from the FBI says there has been more than a 50% increase active shooter incidents from 2020 to 2021. ASR Al...

WEYMOUTH, Mass. — American Alarm has opened its newly renovated security operations branch south of Boston, which the company says is designed to accommodate growth and provide employees with an exceptional working environment. Weymouth Mayor Robert Hedlund and other community leaders joined the celebration on July 14, helping the American Alarm team cut the ribbon on a $3 million renovation of its 14,500 square-foot building on Washington Street. American Alarm bought the building in 2016 through the acquisition of Atlas Alarm Corp . which had operated in Weymouth since 1945. “This building was really showing its age. We considered downsizing to a different, newer building, perhaps even moving to another community, but we preferred to stay rooted in Weymouth,” says Wells Sampson, president of American Alarm. “So, we decided to go all-in for our largest ever building investment, and the results speak for themselves. This is a first-class space for our team, and for the customers the...

A homeowner’s insurance carrier recently sued ADT for $700,000 for water damage to their home caused by freezing pipes. According to the complaint, ADT agreed to install and monitor low temperature in the home. It’s alleged that ADT failed to notify anyone of the low temperature. As I read this the tail of “Three Blind Mice” kept coming to mind. The judge eventually got around to an acceptable decision, though this case is likely to come back to haunt the alarm industry for a long time to come. Thanks ADT; and yes, it’s your fault. Why? Three reasons, at least. First, ADT either didn’t have a written contract (unusual for ADT) or lost it. ADT claimed it couldn’t find the contract and tried an end run, unconvincingly apparently. But the failings of the plaintiff subrogation counsel saved ADT, somewhat, because the complaint did not separate the allegations supporting the complaint’s three causes of action: breach of contract, negligence and gross negligence. Related: Conn.-Based...

The smart residence starts at the front door. Smart door locks, smart access control systems, networked cameras, video doorbells, smart garage door openers, parking access solutions, and other IoT devices represent a new generation of access control and monitoring solutions. Parks Associates’ new whitepaper “ Smart Locks and Access Control Supply Chain: Scaling Innovation ,” developed in partnership with PassiveBolt, highlights the rise in demand for secured smart spaces, the growing ecosystem of competitors and the need for manufacturers to establish partnerships with suppliers who can help them adapt quickly to new opportunities. The research firm reports that 15% of MDU owners/operators report having a secure access system for common property areas, including IoT devices that they can access and control remotely; a similar percentage have connected access solutions for individual units. Related: Security Dealers: Look to Vacation Homeowners to Secure More Smart Lock Sales...

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Prosegur Security, a global security technology leader, has launched a new Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy in an effort to proactively decrease risks associated with AI use. The company states this new policy will serve as a guideline for the ethical, moral, regulatory and security values applied to technological solutions that incorporate AI. Prosegur claims that it is the first security company to establish a policy of this kind, and the policy will be adopted wherever Prosegur operates. “Setting a framework for Responsible AI is not just ideal, but it is necessary for today’s security landscape,” states  John Navarro , global president of technology solutions at Prosegur Security . “Prosegur is leading the charge by ensuring Responsible AI through our new policy, and by setting expectations for our employees and partners to uphold a defined set of standards.” The company notes that as artificial intelligence continues to gain popularit...

The time is now to protect your company and your clients from cybersecurity scams. The sophistication of hackers and their schemes is growing more elaborate every day, and every moment that integrators wait to secure their own business and their customers is time wasted. How timely is it? Very. Just last month, an integrator graciously shared his cautionary tale of cybersecurity woe with SSI sister publication CE Pro so that others will learn from it. Sophisticated Cybersecurity Scam Begins with Email Hack Like many cybersecurity scams, this one began back when the integrator got a phishing email that asked for his Microsoft Outlook365 password back in May. “I get phishing emails all the time, but I remember this particular one because I didn’t even know what my Outlook password was. I had to ask my wife,” he recalls. After inputting his password, he was migrated to a web page that wasn’t even related to the original subject. “I didn’t think anything about it at the time. I just...

In this week’s Top Surveillance Videos… When you think of the type of business that is most frequently robbed, gas stations or convenience stores are probably the first that come to mind. Perhaps surprisingly, beauty stores are another one. In fact, as far as surveillance videos go, it’s probably the type of business we’ve seen robbed the most aside from the aforementioned ones. One beauty store chain in particular that seems to be an attractive target for thieves is Ulta Beauty. You can check out the time a trio of crooks stole more than $11K worth of products from a store here . However, thieves targeting a particular Ulta in Pennsylvania wouldn’t be as lucky. Surveillance video from the store shows a suspect go into the store and make a small purchase. Two other suspects then go in the store and quickly start filling bags with perfume. After triggering an alarm, police quickly move into the store and apprehend the suspects. The police were already at the location due to a tip t...

AAA might be known for assisting automobile owners, but when it comes to custom technology integration AAA Electronic Services in Queens, N.Y., also knows how to deliver top-notch service. For this homeowner situated in a Metro New York neighborhood, AAA Electronic Services partnered with interior designers, engineers and builders to make visions of today’s state-of-the-art smart home and home entertainment their new reality. While the design aesthetic is a blend of modern amenities and traditional farmhouse visual cues, the technology demands of a contemporary family fueled this client’s hopes. Gaming, streaming video, home office, security and automation created a need for next-generation technology. With decades of experience delivering on such requests, director of operations Yash Momaya and the AAA Electronic Services team designed a system that presents a luxury lifestyle with the amenities of a resort and the functionality of a sophisticated home office. Related: Could S...

HARRISBURG, N.C. — KEYper Systems, an ASSA ABLOY Company and global provider of key and asset control management solutions, announces a new strategic partnership with iDter. San Mateo, Calif.-based iDter is a developer and manufacturer of a unique commercial security solution that are said to put an end to loitering and crime on properties. iDter, which stands for intelligent and immediate deterrence of crime, uses artificial intelligence (AI) embedded in Niō Guardian nodes located around a property to detect intrusion and take immediate and programmable deterrence actions against the intrusion. The strategic partnership provides KEYper Systems and its network of agents full access to iDter’s security solution and services, which have been proven to thwart 98% of crime without the delays or high costs associated with human intervention, according to the company. Related: iDter Systems Announces Multi-Feature Detection Solution Through the alliance, KEYper has the rights to e...

COLUMBUS, Ohio — CertaSite, a commercial fire protection and life-safety company, announces it has acquired Hamrick Fire Systems, a fire protection company that serves Columbus and the surrounding areas. The acquisition is CertaSite’s sixth in Ohio. CertaSite says it provides the highest levels of customer service, responsiveness, building safety and code compliance to customers across the Midwest by going beyond compliance and focusing on partnerships and professionalism while providing customers a simplified and dependable solution to managing all of the fire protection and life-safety systems in commercial buildings. A family business with more than 10 years rooted in Columbus, Hamrick has extensive experience in providing services for fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, suppression systems and emergency lighting solutions to their customers, according to the company. Hamrick says its reputation in the region will allow the company to grow its customer base and expand in...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Snap One announces that the ClareOne Security and Smart Home Platform is now available in Canada following recent certification and integration achievements. The security and surveillance solution is now available via ecommerce on both the Control4 Dealer Portal and Staub Partner Portal, and physically in local Staub Electronics branches. “Traditional security systems are a relic of the past; Clare gives partners an easy-to-use, 128-zone open platform smart home security system and surveillance line that helps them grow remote monitoring revenue, RMR, and revolutionize the way they do business,” says Snap One Sr. Security Market Director Clint Choate. “Following much success in the U.S., we’re looking forward to supporting dealers by providing them with expanded project opportunities thanks to Clare’s versatility.” Following Snap One’s acquisition of Canada-based distributor Staub Electronics in 2021, partners can benefit from faster turnaround times on orders fo...

FRISCO, Texas — A new study by a professor at the UNC-Charlotte, Criminal Justice & Criminology Department shows that most electronic security systems in the communities studied protect life and property without generating calls for police services. The study examined four communities that had adopted the Model Alarm Ordinance, developed by the industry and leaders in law enforcement to reduce unnecessary calls for service while maintaining police response to alarms. The four communities included Charlotte-Mecklenburg, N.C.; Atlanta and Marietta, Ga.; and Montgomery County, Md. These communities represented two large agencies, one smaller suburban agency and one county agency managing more than 570,000 permitted alarm systems. “A key finding of the study is that the vast majority of alarm systems in these four locations were effective at protecting lives and property while generating zero calls for service in a given year, and only a tiny percentage are problematic systems that...

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — PSA, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announces the addition of Visual Plan to its Business Solutions Providers group. Visual Plan is a turnkey reality capture services and 3D visualization provider offering data capture and processing, and Digital Twin consulting, software, support and training. “Visual Plan will be offering a service that can greatly increase the competitive edge of PSA integrators,” says Matt Barnette, CEO of PSA . “Our integrators will be able to approach their customers with these additional resources during every phase of their projects. We are thrilled to add this unique product to our line up.” Founded in 2018, Visual Plan services the U.S., Canada and Mexico with a direct and partner network of 3D data capture technicians skilled in 3D LiDAR, SLAM, 360° imagery/video (360 tours) and drone capture deliverables. Related: Live From PSA TEC 2022: PSA Execs Talk Show, Provide Industry Insights Visual...

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Rapid Response Monitoring Services announces Chad Wright has been promoted to chief technology officer (CTO). He was previously serving as vice president of technical services. As CTO, Wright will oversee initiatives in information technology and software development and will plan the future of technical development at Rapid Response, the company says. Wright joined Rapid Response in 2017 as vice president of technical services and was responsible for the management of the information technology, programming and project management teams. Rapid Response says he managed the 99.999% uptime SLA across two data centers and led development for commercial applications. He has held the position of CTO previously at MicroAutomation and at Salesblade. Upon joining Rapid Response Wright almost immediately faced challenges, the company notes in its announcement. As the company’s headquarters and monitoring center expanded in Syracuse, N.Y., the COVID pandemic made evident the...

ATLANTA — Pye-Barker Fire & Safety announces the acquisition of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Bender & Modlin Fire Sprinkler. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is said to further strengthen Pye-Barker’s presence in Jacksonville and the surrounding markets of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Bender & Modlin will retain its name, leadership and employees. Bender & Modlin Fire Sprinkler is a full-service fire sprinkler company specializing in commercial and industrial fire sprinkler and protection systems. Allen Bender and Terry Modlin founded Bender & Modlin together in 1999 after a combined 50-year career as sprinkler contracting managers. Bender & Modlin is an active member of the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ), and supporter of the F.A.S.T. Apprenticeship Program and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Related: Pye-Barker Acquires B Safe Security to Bolster Mid-Atlantic Prese...

SAN FRANCISCO — Sciens Building Solutions announces the addition of Lodi, Calif.-based Cen-Cal Fire Systems to its national portfolio of companies. Sciens says this acquisition adds to the company’s footprint in the important and strategic Northern/Central California market, where it already has an established presence through its Bay Area Division, Sabah Int’l, which it acquired in 2017 . Cen-Cal will partner closely with Sabah in this region to deliver more value for their customers through cross-collaboration, according to the company. “We chose to partner with Sciens to continue the success and growth of Cen-Cal by working alongside its experienced leadership team and leveraging the investment that they will provide to help our business grow while building on our great success,” says Wayne Weisz, vice president, Cen-Cal Fire Systems. Byron Weisz, vice president of Cen-Cal, adds, “Sciens’ growing national presence, combined with Cen-Cal’s established reputation in the Central Va...

SAN FRANCISCO — Dedrone, a designer and manufacturer of counter-drone systems, announces it has closed $30 million in an oversubscribed Series C-1 financing round. Led by public safety technology company Axon, this latest funding comes on the heels of the company’s $30.5 million Series C in December 2021. Aqton Partners, Menlo Ventures, Felicis Ventures, Target Partners and individual Silicon Valley entrepreneurs also participated in the round. Dedrone says it will use the funding to continue to grow its team globally, including a second office in California, while also expanding its multisensor fusion airspace security solution which offers comprehensive capabilities to detect, identify, track and mitigate drones , whether fixed site, mobile or on-the-move. As part of its growth strategy, Dedrone emphasizes it is committed to engaging the engineering expertise of Silicon Valley to solve critical, national security issues. Related: Dedrone Appoints New CTO, General Counsel Amid...