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All Eyes on Athens
 SECURITY, the nation’s that is, is a key issue of the 2004 election. Now that
campaign season is in full swing, debates about the War on Terrorism and the War
in Iraq are seemingly endless. Regardless of your views on the merits of
particular actions of the current administration, the threats to our nation’s
security are real. The March 11 bombing of rush-hour commuter trains in Madrid,
Spain, which killed 191 people and wounded more than 1,800, has been a
frightening reminder.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has responded with some initiatives
of its own targeted at U.S. transportation hubs (see story on page 12). The
Madrid bombings — 10 in all — also have prompted concerns about the safety of
this summer’s political conventions held by the country’s Democratic and
Republican parties to nominate their candidates for president (see story on page
14). Both the conventions will be held in buildings — the Boston’s Fleet Center
and New York’s Madison Square Garden, respectively — on top of rail stations.
The Homeland Security Department has declared the conventions “national special
security events,” the department’s highest security category, according to the
Associated Press.
The designation underscores the vital nature of securing public venues, such
as convention centers, post-9/11. In particular, explosives detection (see story
on page 16) is ever more critical as is controlling access.
In addition to physical barriers, such as turnstiles (see story on page 26),
special event security staff can add an extra layer of protection to
high-profile occasions (see hiring best practices on page 32).
Facilities also can add “more eyes” by augmenting surveillance systems with
video cameras that run over broadband wireless networks based on free spectrum
proven in data networks (see story on page 20). Battery and solarpowered options
enable cameras to be up and running instantly regardless of the availability of
electricity or video cables. Other wireless systems enable guards, event or ops
personnel to view trouble spots from wherever they are, breaking the confines of
the central control room and allowing potentially faster and more appropriate
response.
While the traditional security director may express uneasiness about such a
suggestion, rest assured an IT director or experienced integrator can attest to
the viability of such an option for any given situation.
Broadband wireless transport is an example of the move toward IP and away
from analog technologies (though some make use of legacy equipment by converting
the signals). This was a predominant theme at the industry’s largest spring
trade show, ISC West (see our story on page 10 as well as new products
introduced in Las Vegas on page 34).With this movement comes increased
responsibility to provide tamper-proof digital evidence — should it be required
— that is acceptable in a court room. The Security Industry Association is
working with government agencies to develop such a standard.
See you there!
Khali Henderson
Group Editor
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