Two Japanese airports pilot ultrasonic fingerprint scanning

Editor / Provider: Securiport | Updated: 9/5/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Airports around the world are faced with two daunting tasks—maintaining rigorous levels of security and delaying passengers as little as possible. In the years following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, airport security has been heightened, not only in the U.S. but around the world. Most officials and passengers alike agree that security is an important concern, yet many security measures end up detaining passengers, or else prove to be overly invasive. As airports seek methods for balancing these two concerns, many of them are turning to the burgeoning field of biometric scanning. Most recently, biometric scanning has been the subject of experimentation in a pair of prominent Japanese airports—prompting the attention of Securiport, a company that provides state of the art immigration control systems.

Biometric scanning refers to the identification of passengers on the basis of behavioral or physiological characteristics. Examples range from retina scanners to handprint scanners. Two major Japanese airports have begun a trial, experimenting with biometric scanning systems and seeking to determine whether this methodology might provide an accurate and efficient way of spotting potential security risks, all while expediting immigration control processes.

Securiport is a company that is passionate about the advantages offered by biometric scanning technology. Securiport's Integrated Immigration Control System (IICS) is a standard-setting immigration system, making use of advanced biometric ultrasonic fingerprint scanners. The company believes this technology to be both non-invasive and peerlessly accurate. Securiport has responded to the Japanese trials with a new statement to the press.

"Immigration control systems are being put to the test with the increasing amount of people flying around the world," says the Securiport press statement. "To keep up with passenger demand these systems have to be fast and efficient. In other words, processing times per passenger have to be reduced without compromising security."

Securiport goes on to note that ultrasonic fingerprint scanning technology is singularly effective in meeting these ambitious goals. "Biometric ultrasonic technology is the way to go," the company's statement affirms. "It's 99.9 percent accurate, much faster than conventional optical scanning devices, and better suited for immigration control systems. Our Integrated Immigration Control System provides exactly that—a fast, dependable, non-intrusive system, capable of dealing with increases in demand as efficiently as possible."

The purpose of the Japanese trials is to determine how accurate and effective biometric scanners can be. In the trial, passengers who agree to participate will have their photos taken and their fingerprints scanned. This information will then be compared against the biometric data stored in their passports.

Brazilian Bus Terminal Enhances Management With Axis IP Cams

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 8/30/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Mission
Approximately 5,000 people circulate daily through the bus station in Brasilia (FD), which occupies an area of 20,000m2. The management of this complex system of passenger transportation is the role of Socicam, also responsible for managing 43 other intercity bus stations and 74 urban bus terminals in Brazil, in addition to working in Chile and Peru. With its technology platform, Axis brought a solution to monitor the strategic points of revenue generation and passenger movement in the station of the federal capital - such as parking lots, shops, loading, unloading, waiting area and ticket sales - fulfilling the security requirements of the municipal government.

Solution
Designed in cooperation with Explora Tecnologia, a provider of IT services in Brasilia, the project defined the installation of 27 AXIS P1343 Network Cameras, one AXIS P3343 Network Camera and three AXIS Q6032-E Network Cameras, as well as one AXIS 295 Joystick. For local monitoring of the images, NUUO surveillance software was used, whereas Explora's global management center relied on NUUO's Central Management System. NUUO's technology is represented and distributed in the domestic market by Vault.

Result
The solution adopted has acted to improve the overall operation of the terminal, with increased security for passengers in transit, greater management control by the local management company and the guarantee of availability of the videos in a robust IP system. The images are viewed in real time in Socicam's Operational Control Center, within the bus station center, and the entire environment is managed in Explora's NOC (Network Operation Center), via an IP SNMP system.

Critical operation
By administering different terminals, ports, airports and call centers throughout the country and in two additional countries in South America, Socicam deals with the specific obligations of each point of circulation of passengers, making each surveillance and monitoring project unique. The consequence of such complexity of operation and adaptation to local needs has previously been the inability to standardize the video surveillance environment, which may vary in terms of technology. In the case of Brasilia, the obligations involved installing a video surveillance system with a sound system, control of the entry and exit of buses and ticket price management,for example.

“From the choice of Axis as a supplier technology for the project, the definition of all 32 points of installation of the cameras and the objectives to be met by the project was conducted by Socicam, together with Explora,” said the head of the operation.

Axis Releases Fixed Domes With WDR for Bad Lighting

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 8/22/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications today introduces new fixed dome network cameras offering outstanding image quality including support for wide dynamic range (WDR) with ‘dynamic capture'. AXIS P3384 Network Cameras, available in indoor and outdoor-ready models, are suitable for installations close to large windows and entrances in buildings, in tunnel passages and other areas with strong variations in light. This makes the IP cameras ideal for airports, train stations, government and bank buildings, and for city surveillance.

“After the successful introduction of AXIS Q1604, the first Axis' cameras incorporating wide dynamic range with ‘dynamic capture', we are now introducing our first fixed domes with the same level of WDR,” says Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management, Axis Communications. “The new fixed domes provide clear images in demanding light conditions, by applying WDR ‘dynamic capture' of scenes with great variation in light, and Lightfinder technology to handle extreme low light scenarios.”

AXIS P3384-V/-VE cameras provide HDTV 720p/1.3MP resolution based on a top-quality, 1/3" image sensor. All cameras in the AXIS P33 Series offer a modular design with quick and easy installation capabilities, including remote zoom and the pixel counter to ensure that the camera's angle of view is optimized for the area to be monitored and the required pixel resolution. Remote focus is included to eliminate the need for manual focusing at the camera. The support for standard, environment-friendly Power over Ethernet requires only one network cable to carry both power and data. This is the case even for the weatherproof models that operate in extreme temperatures from -40 °C to 55 °C (-40 °F to 131°F). The highly efficient H.264 Main Profile option reduces bandwidth and storage needs with up to 20 percent.

The indoor AXIS P3384-V and outdoor-ready AXIS P3384-VE Network Cameras both come in vandal-resistant casings.

AXIS P3384-V and AXIS P3384-VE fixed dome models are supported by the industry's largest base of video management software through the Axis Application Development Partner Program, and AXIS Camera Station. The cameras include support for AXIS Camera Application Platform, AXIS Video Hosting System and ONVIF for easy camera system integration and for application developers to provide the camera with intelligent capabilities. These cameras offer increased processing power, allowing for greatly enhanced performance in video analytics applications.

DALI Thermal Surveillance System Offers Complete Solution in Security Observation Day and Night

Editor / Provider: the Editorial Team | Updated: 8/19/2012 | Article type: China Corner

DALI provides 20 years of great experience in offering complete high-performance, cost-effective solutions of thermal surveillance systems, which are based on its in-house infrared detector, high thermal imaging technology and quality production capacity.

Why Thermal Imaging?
Due to increasing security awareness of society, industry & individuals, modern security technology is widely implemented in many different applications. There is an increased need for security systems to take protective measures against illegal entry, sabotage, theft and vandalism.

In order to achieve effective perimeter security at critical locations; airports, sea ports, electrical utilities, industry, rail facilities, data centers, etc, you need excellent detection accuracy. There are a few options for but thermal cameras become more and more the preferred solution as developments in thermal image processing take automated perimeter security to a new level with fully automated day & night surveillance systems. Dali Thermal imagers produce clearer images at larger distances, have unparalleled intruder detection capabilities, can be used day & night and overall cost is close or lower compared to traditional approaches which make thermal imaging the favorable solution. The Dali Thermal Guard has clear advantages over other security systems.

Security 24 Hours
Thermal cameras need no light whatsoever as they measure very small differences in radiation to produce high contrast thermal images in total darkness despite the harsh scenarios. More product information, please log on www.dali-tech.com.

Nigerian Mall Draws on IndigoVision Retail Expertise

Editor / Provider: IndigoVision | Updated: 8/10/2012 | Article type: Security 50

West Africa's biggest shopping mall, the 22,000 sqm Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, Nigeria has called in IndigoVision to provide a reliable surveillance system for its extensive retail operations, which include a cinema and supermarket, banks, cafes, bars, restaurants, smaller stores, and hairdressing and beauty salons. IndigoVision was chosen because of its flexible solution able to meet the different client requirements and specifications.

Steve Idornigie, Operations Manager at Broll Property Service Nigeria, states: “We needed a reliable, high-quality security system for a development of this size and importance. The IndigoVision solution makes it easy for us to monitor all areas, quickly identify incidents and review recordings whenever we need to.”

IndigoVision has built up considerable international retail surveillance experience, with clients that include John Lewis stores in the UK, IKEA France, Sears in Canada and many malls across the US. IndigoVision's retail solution integrates with electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems, giving retailers options to flag certain transactions, for example transactions over certain monetary values. In such cases video can be bookmarked or alarms can be raised to allow retailers to review transactions easily, identify individuals and analyse events at point of sale.

Working with consultants CKR Consulting Engineers and contractor Cappa d'Alberto, IndigoVision and its local partner Onesource Nigeria, the lead company for the installation and maintenance of solutions, established an integrated IP Video surveillance system, using IndigoVision's Security Management Solution SMS4, with vandal-resistant fixed dome cameras, PTZ cameras and HD fixed domes. Operators continually monitor cameras using Control Center, the user interface to IndigoVision's SMS4. Four Control Center workstations have been set up within the Mall's control room, and IndigoVision Network Video Recorders (NVRs) provide a recording capability with 14 days storage duration. A protect facility on the NVR segments removes the risk of events being recorded over at the end of the 14 day period.

IndigoVision's distributed architecture allows any system component to be located at any point on the IP network, including cameras, NVRs and video workstations. NVRs can be sited at the edge of the network to minimize bandwidth usage, which creates a fault tolerant solution. The architecture removes the need for a central server, which in turn eliminates the risk of a central point of failure. Any of the Control Center workstations can view live footage from any camera on the network as well as recorded footage from any NVR.

IndigoVision's Security Management Solution, SMS4, is also installed globally for projects in airports, ports, rail, traffic, cities, banking, mining, education, casinos, police, prisons and government.

Is 3-D for Security?

Editor / Provider: Alyssa Fann | Updated: 8/7/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

Currently, 3-D technology is used in the security industry to create virtual 3-D environments — 3-D mapping — which is then integrated with a number of third party security systems, such as video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection and fire safety into a PSIM platform. Most of the companies currently providing this solution have partnered with a number of manufacturers in the security industry for the integration of hardware and software in order to exploit the benefits of 3-D. Fortem, for example, has listed its integration partners on its website.

Termed as a tool to gain situational awareness, 3-D can be beneficial in helping to mitigate false alarms, improve detection, reduce training time, increase speed of competency and finally, reduce search times in case of an event. Currently, it is mostly utilized in large facilities such as universities, airports or city surveillance projects. According to Debjit Das, VP of Global Marketing for Video Intelligence Solutions at Verint Systems, a 3-D model is created in PSIM using a layered approach. "The first layer is created using publicly available images and information about the areas, such as satellite images. Next, CAD drawings of floor plans and structures for the facilities are incorporated into the 3-D model."

At the same time, Rémi Bréval, Associate Director of Product Technologies at Genetec, pointed out that the “implementation of 3-D in security environments is leading, and in some cases bleeding edge technology that requires specialized knowledge and 3-D modeling expertise that may not exist in-house with integrators and end users. This is largely due to requirement for specialized knowledge of modeling and visualization tools and complex work involved in development of high fidelity 3-D environments."

“This expertise is not something common to the security industry, although there may be cases in which an integrator has nurtured in-house capabilities to support delivery of this functionality to its customers. In all cases, maintenance and updating of the 3-D environment will be an ongoing requirement that organizations need to factor into their implementation plan,” added Bréval.

2-D versus 3-D
What are the major differences between 2-D and 3-D when it comes to surveillance? Starting with the designing process, 3-D technology can maximize security budgets and provide what Cynthia Woo, Marketing Coordinator at Fortem, called “unparalleled situation awareness” that enables you to “see things that a 2-D design might have missed.” Woo provided the example of Fortem's 3-D simulation tool that allows users to try out camera and lens type on a 3-D simulated virtual map to visualize what the camera will see and at what resolution. Ultimately, Woo said, “prior to the purchase or installation of any camera, a 3-D map will allow you to effectively plan out your security design, reduce costs and meet all design requirements.” Similarly, Das agreed, “We offer 3-D to improve planning and response, ensure that the appropriate coverage of a facility is achieved. A 3-D model in PSIM provides better visualization and heightened situational awareness compared to a 2-D model, and in the planning and response process, it allows you to increase the effectiveness of your security operations."

Next, when it comes to the actual surveillance, 3-D technology promises to transform the experience. Accordingly, Woo said, “The major difference between 2-D and 3-D is the visualization aspect. With 3-D you are able to distinguish height and depth of a given area.” Similarly, Das summarized, “3-D provides better planning, easier visualization and hence a higher level of situational awareness for more effective response.”

Enhanced Visualization
A number of 3-D technology providers have partnered with PSIM service providers to provide an enhanced integrated security model. Accordingly, Ted Ingalsbe, CTO at Bridgeborn, said, “The 3-D environment is becoming the center piece of PSIM software. It provides the mashed up view of all the security system information integrated into PSIM software so an operator is provided better situational awareness.”

Benoit Georis, Analytics Expert at Digital Barriers, listed four benefits of 3-D technology in PSIM security platforms. First, 3-D technology provides consistency checks by removing false alarms that might arise from a lack of perspective management present in 2-D technology, such as showing that a person cannot jump over a high wall. Second, in what Gerois termed as “redeployable cameras,” a 3-D system is parameterized with real world 3-D parameters so that camera locations can be changed without the need to readjust settings, unlike a 2-D system which requires re-parameterizing. Third, industry experts all agree that 3-D technology can be integrated seamlessly with existing systems. Finally, a 3-D enabled security system can locate a suspicious person on a 3-D map of a site or building through information of the X, Y, Z location. In other words and as Woo said, “simply click on the 3-D map and you will be redirected to the appropriate video feeds, saving valuable time in critical situations.” For example, a 3-D PSIM platform such as Fortem's central command enables security staff to instantly view the site of concern when an alarm is triggered, alongside the corresponding video feeds. Next, as third party security systems can easily be integrated into the 3-D PSIM, security staff can easily “fly over an entire city or area for a full visualization of the surroundings” and alter the settings of third party security systems as required, such as unlocking or locking a door from an access control system that is connected to the PSIM. Furthermore, Woo added, “an investigator will be able to visualize possible routes that a suspect may have taken.”

Static and Immersive
Before getting into the nicks and crooks of investing in a 3-D PSIM system, it is necessary to differentiate between static and immersive 3-D technology. Keith Bloodworth, CEO of CNL Software, explained, “Static 3-D visualization is where a company is contracted to render a 3-D image, which is displayed within the PSIM software to which camera locations and fire points are added.” For example, an old CCTV system with multiple DVRs and a NVR can be modernized into 3-D by placing it upon a Google Map or SketchUp in a 3-D representation of the exterior/interior. While the improvement in quality will not be drastic, the integration of it into a PSIM system can be vastly beneficial to management and operation.

On the other hand, Bloodworth said, “immersive 3-D interacts with hardware to render the virtual environment and process the user input to provide a real sense of walking through a building. When cameras are overlaid on this, it creates a much richer user experience, allowing them to see more contextual information. The 3-D rendering is very process heavy, so requires lots of processor power. This adds significant costs to any deployment.” Hence, security budgets should be a factor in the process of adopting a 3-D PSIM system.

Vivotek Launches 5-Megapixel Fisheye Camera

Editor / Provider: Vivotek | Updated: 7/26/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Vivotek is launching the FE8172/72V, its first 5-Megapixel fisheye camera, for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Equipped with 5-Megapixel CMOS sensor enabling viewing resolution of 1920x1920 or 1080p up to 30 fps and a 1.05 mm fisheye lens for 180 degrees panoramic view or 360 degrees surround view, Vivotek FE8172/72V camera is able to not only eliminate blind spots but also provide the greatest coverage with the finest details.

"We are launching a series of 5-Megapixel solutions this year, starting with the FD8372 designed for demanding outdoor environments," said William Ku, Director of Brand Business at Vivotek. "The 5-Megapixel fixed dome has received tremendous positive feedback from the industry and we are confident that the fisheye camera will, too."

Vivotek FE8172/72V boasts a numerous advanced features in addition to what is readily available on the award-winning FE8171V, the 3.1-Megapixel first generation fisheye camera. This celebrity product of Vivotek has enjoyed its fame as since its launch in Q3 2011.

The FE8172V, the outdoor model, is EN-50155 certified and proven capable of performing in a railway application as the EN-50155 standard is used to regulate electronic equipment on rolling stock. The IP66-rated design, on the other hand, protects the camera against water and dust intrusion. The vandal-proof IK10-rated housing allows for robust protection from vandalism. As for the FE8172, the indoor model, it is designed to be installation-friendly and thus comes with a dimension smaller than the FE8172V.

According to Ku, Vivotek FE8172/72V is designed for open areas such as airports, shopping malls, parking lots, retail stores and offices.

Promising Verticals Fuel Bullish Growth in Turkey

Editor / Provider: a&s Turkiye | Updated: 7/19/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

Vibrant Verticals
The pick-up in the construction sector accelerated growth in the private sector with new residential, retail and health care projects. There were also many security projects in finance and education.

However, the largest budgets this year came from the public sector. Projects at the fore were city surveillance, transportation projects (airports, undergrounds, tunnels, et cetera.) and public buildings.

Major Projects
The most attractive projects of 2011 were for Turk Telekom, Zorlu Center, Sabiha Goksen Airport, and the National Archives.

In addition to the large projects, there were also many medium scale projects, which were mostly integrated projects that include fire detection and extinguishing systems, video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection.

In 2011, an increased number of projects required IP-based HD video surveillance systems and card access systems, and demanded integration between the systems, said Bilgecanan Bilgis, Marketing Manager at Ateksis. “Antalya Airport, Medipol Hospital, Bursa Hilton and Hampton by Hilton, and Fenerbah?e Ulker Arena are projects in Turkey which we would like to be part of and concentrate on, and Malabo Congress Center Haydar Aliyev Center abroad.”

Levent Yildir?m, Director of Siemens Substructure and Cities Sector Building Technologies, said that Siemens surpassed their goals in 2011, citing numerous projects that are worth more than $100,000 in value: Buyaka Complex (shopping center, residence, office), Hilton Hotels, Erdemir, Sandoz, Magnesia Shopping Center, Tarsu Shopping Center, Habom (Aviation Maintenance Center), Marmara Park, Zorlu, Safir, Aliaga Prison, Bodrum Airport, Izmir Special Provincial Directorate of Administration KGM. He also stresses the contributed part of the accomplishment to foreign projects, most of which are located in neighboring countries like Iraq, Russia, Algeria, et cetera.

Gurani Kilic, Country Sales Director for Bosch Security Systems, mentions projects that were conducted in collaboration with their partners and are worth more than $500,000 in value: Sorgun, Soke, Didim Surveillance Cameras Projects, Highway Tunnels Projects, Turkiye, Kirazli – Olimpiyatkoy Subway Line Project, Istanbul, Antalya Airport Domestic and International Lines Terminal 2.Section, Antalya, Republic of Turkiye Central Bank, Bursa, BSH Factory, Istanbul, Bagc?lar Medipol Hospital, Istanbul, Hilton Hotel, Bursa, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Archaeology Museum, Hatay, Ma?ka Residence, Istanbul, European Residences, Istanbul, Terrcity Shopping Center, Antalya.

Bulent Cobanoglu, GM of Senkron Guvenlik, mentioned two important bank projects by Honeywell: Standardizing systems for the merged Fortis and Turkiye Ekonomi Bank, as well as a card access system for Garanti Bank that covered 50 management buildings.

2012 and Crystal Ball
Although 2012 will be a difficult year, the consensus is that growth in the security industry will continue despite the economic slowdown, said Tarkan Tuncel, GM of Kekova.

The recession prospect in the world economy in 2012 weakens the prospect for growth in Turkey, Kilic said. “In 2012, there is a 4-5 percent growth prospect in the general economy and 6-7 percent in the construction sector. We can say that the security systems sector will indirectly be affected by this conjuncture in 2012."

“In addition, the pick-up in Libya and the neighboring countries in the last quarter of the year is good news for our sector,” Kilic continued, saying that the continuation of public investments and the mega projects into 2012 suggests that the security industry will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace.

Yusuf Ziya Oncel, Sales Manager at Pelco Turkey, predicts that 2012 will be a year when no one will be able to conduct aggressive enterprises, but that “we will keep a wary eye so that we can maintain our stability.” According to Oncel, the next 10 percent of growth will be achieved via digesting the growth that occurred in 2010 and 2011, while also stabilizing the total sales at the same levels.

Hidayet Yilmaz of NFS Guvenlik also agrees that the security market will continue growing in 2012, although at a slower pace. According to Yilmaz, the city transformation that will be carried out in 2012, especially in big cities, will have a positive impact on the market.

Cobanoglu shares the consensus. “If there is a crisis, we have to conduct business is different ways. We have to hold fairs and seminars to continue to educate the market. Otherwise, it is hard to hold on.”

In terms of products, industry experts agree that sales for IP-based systems and megapixel cameras will continue to grow. Yildiz has high hopes for network cameras and regularly expands their IP-based product groups. IR cameras and mobile DVR's also show similar potential.

Green buildings will play a key role for the security industry in 2012. Green buildings make extensive use of automation technologies to make them easily manageable, traceable and intelligent, and are great investments in terms of ROI. Especially big cities, green buildings will begin to flourish and; companies that operate and develop products in this field will be able to perform well even in bad economies, according to Kilic."

Additionally, Profilo Security Systems Sales Manager, Ertan Gedik predicts that the alarm system projects will increase for gas leak, fire and flood detection.

Lingering Problems
Although 2011 evaluations and 2012 predictions point to growth and development for the security industry, there are a few problems that need to be solved.

Products and companies must form and adhere to standards. “Although Turkey is among the few countries that will grow, compared to other nations in Europe and the Middle East, regulations and standards are still not what they should be,” Ozan Demirel, Region Manager, Controls and Security Systems, UTC Climatel said.

Cobanoglu believes that the lack of certification for security companies is a problem, saying that there is no selection process or evaluation even though there are more and more companies entering the market.

Cobanoglu continues to talk about another issue: there is no specialty customs for the security sector in Turkey. “Unfortunately, we still pay Special Consumption Tax (SCT). Video surveillance cameras are taxed as luxury items, following the footsteps of the digital camera found in everyone's pocket. However, these systems are not luxury — they are a necessity. Cancelling the SCT and lowering VAT would directly affect the end user and increase our sale, while also preventing illegal activities regarding security equipment, such as counterfeiting and bootlegging."

HID Global Ships More Than 150 Million e-ID Solutions

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 7/11/2012 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global announced the company has shipped over 150 million high-technology eID (electronic ID) solutions to governments for citizen IDs around the world. The company's management team and employees, along with local political and business officials, are celebrating this milestone in a special ceremony today in Ireland. HID Global's Ireland center is a high security, state-of-the-art eID credential facility that creates products for access and identification-related applications such as electronic passports and contactless swipe ID/access cards.

“We are proud to be a key provider of secure contactless technology to governments for eIDs worldwide,” said Anthony Ball, senior vice president, Identity and Access Management (IAM) with HID Global. “More than 150 million people worldwide, almost a third of all citizens using high-security electronic passports and identity credentials, carry our technology with them. We are exporting technology and know-how to every continent, and our local workforce and the entire community can be very proud of this milestone, as well as our contribution to a critical aspect of the world's security.”

HID Global has shipped over 100 million components used in e-passports by travelers in 30 countries, which comprises approximately 28 percent of the world's market. According to the International Civil Aviation Association, as of December 2011, a total of 355 million e-passports have been issued globally. The vast majority of EU countries, as well as numerous countries outside of Europe, are now issuing machine-readable electronic passports. The company has also shipped over 50 million microchip-based inlays used in eIDs by citizens in 22 countries. Other notable achievements include providing tens of millions of units for a variety of European e-passports.

Originally established 15 years ago, the Ireland facility was acquired in 2007 by HID Global. In 2010, the operation was expanded and engineered into one of Ireland's most advanced secure technology facilities to accommodate the growing global trend toward eIDs and e-passports. Now one of Connemara Gaeltacht's largest employers, the operation is dedicated to e-government product research, development and manufacturing, and includes a world competence center for HID Global's high technology RFID-enabled components.

By 2015, it is estimated that worldwide, 85% of all credentials issued annually will be eIDs, according to a recent Acuity Market Intelligence report. The number of countries issuing eIDs is expected to exceed the number of countries issuing traditional national IDs by 4 to 1. With more and more airports deploying Automated Border Control schemes (e.g. Helsinki, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Paris, Portugal and others), HID Global's e-passport and eID technology allows the possibility for travelers to cross borders quickly, enabling them to avoid long immigration queues while providing highly secure ID authentication and validation.

“HID Global is at the center of an important global trend,” said Craig Sandness, vice president of sales with HID Global's Government ID Solutions. “Governments worldwide are shifting to eIDs to dramatically improve the security, privacy, convenience and confident authentication needed in border and access control, and other important identification-related applications such as national IDs, driver licenses, electronic voting, and health care. As a leading high security e-passport and eID component producer, we are able to provide the complete assembly of these critical components from one source.”

The company's secure contactless technology inlays and prelaminates allow governments worldwide to make e-passports and other electronic documents more secure. HID Global's microchip-based inlays are tamper-proof and highly secure, and reduce authentication error and documentation falsification. The company's products are designed to extend the life of e-documents, while withstanding daily wear and reducing incidents of tampering and fraud.

2012 Africa Cup of Nations Security Project

Editor / Provider: Magal Security Systems | Updated: 7/10/2012 | Article type: Security 50

The Africa Cup of Nations is the main International Football Association competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been held every two years.

The 2012 Games will be held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

It was announced on May 31st 2011 that Magal S3 has signed a $35.5 Million Dollar contract for a turnkey project, to provide the fully integrated security system, covering multiple sites, for these games. Magal has been chosen as the main contractor to implement the security and safety solution for this prestigious and globally recognized event.

Magal S3 is a leading international provider of security, safety and site management solutions and products. Over the past forty years, Magal S3 has designed and installed thousands of customized installations for satisfied customers in over eighty countries around the world, including those situated in the most threatening environments. Magal S3 has leveraged its experience in the defense industry in Israel and abroad to develop a unique set of cutting-edge security and safety products.

Sporting Event Safety and Security Planning Considerations

Terrorism
Sporting events, particularly those with global appeal, are an obvious target for terrorists, as such attacks will attract the attention of the world to the particular terrorist cause.

The darkest day in sporting history was the at the 1972 Olympic games in Munich where terrorists took the Israeli national team hostage, eventually slaughtering eleven athletes and coaches and one German police officer after a 16-hour standoff.

Other major terrorist attacks at sporting events were the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket team in Pakistan, the bomb explosions in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park in lieu of the 1996 Olympics, the

2002 car bomb that donated adjacent to the Bernabau Stadium in Barcelona, a terrorist bomb that severely damaged the Olympic stadium in Stockholm In 1997, and the murder of Colombian player Andrés Escobar, during the 1994 World Cup.

More recently and closer to home was the deadly terrorist attack during the 2010 African Cup of Nations. The Togolese National Football team was ambushed by terrorists as they travelled by bus from Congo-Brazzaville, where they had been training, to the neighboring Angolan province of Cabinda. Three people—the team's assistant coach, their spokesman and their Angolan driver—were killed. Another nine members of Togo's party were wounded including Togo's reserve goalkeeper.

Crowd Control
Crowd control and related issues have long been a topic of concern for sport facility managers as crowd related tragedies have plagued the industry over the years. The design and implementation of sound crowd control policies, limiting access to the sporting venues, crowd monitoring and gate control can help prevent these crowd related accidents.

Two main catastrophes that come to mind are the the Hillsborough disaster, a human crush that occurred on April 15th 1989 at Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield, England in a FA Cup semi-final, resulting in the deaths of 96 people and 766 being injured, and The Heysel Stadium disaster which occurred on the 29th of May 1985 when escaping fans were pressed against a wall in the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, as a result of rioting before the start of the 1985 European Cup. Thirty-nine fans died and 600 were injured.

Other major European Tragedies were the 1971 Ibrox Stadium disaster in Scotland when 66 people were killed and 140 are injured when barriers collapsed near the end of a match between Celtic and Rangers and the 1982 Luzhniki disaster that took place at Lenin stadium in Moscow were a deadly human crush took the lives of at least 67 fans.

Definitely not limited to the UK, or Europe, there have been many major crowd control related disasters in sporting events: Abidjan, Ivory Coast (30/3 2009) at a World Cup qualifying match between Ivory Coast and Malawi leaving 22 dead and 132 wounded, Ghana, West Africa (9/5/2001) as a stampede at a packed soccer match between two of Ghana's leading teams killed at least 100 people, Harare, Zimbabwe (8/7/2000) twelve people died after a stampede at a World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Zimbabwe, Buenos Aires, Argentina (23/6/1968) 74 people are killed and over 150 injured following a first-division game between River Plate and Boca Juniors when fans trying to leave the stadium mistakenly head toward a closed exit and are crushed against the doors by other fans unaware of the closed passageway and the Ellis Park Stadium disaster (11/4/2001), the worst sporting accident in South African history as 43 people were crushed to death by a crowd stampede.

Hooliganism and Violence
Football hooliganism is unruly and destructive behavior—such as brawls, vandalism and intimidation— by club fans, sometimes alcohol induced. Football hooliganism can range from shouts and small-scale fistfights and disturbances to huge riots where rival fans attack each other with deadly weapons. In some cases, stadium brawls have caused fans to flee in panic; some being injured when fences or walls collapsed. In the most extreme cases, hooligans, police, and bystanders have been killed, and riot police have intervened with tear gas, armored vehicles and water cannons.

Two tragedies associated with sport hooliganism are the 1967 Kayseri Ataturk Stadium disaster, resulting in 40 deaths and at least 300 injuries during the football match held on September 17, 1967 between the clubs of Kayserispor and Sivasspor at the Atatürk Stadium of Kayse i in Turkey. It was the worst sports-related violence to occur in Turkey. The other is the The 1964 Lima football riot of May 24, 1964, to-date, the worst riot in association football history. Violence erupted at a qualifying match for the Tokyo Olympics, leaving 318 fans dead and many more injured.

Not limited to soccer Hooliganism and violence is regularly reported at other sporting events like baseball, golf, cricket, Australian rules, Basketball, Football, Rugby and others.

Criminal Activity
Some of the most serious impacts of hosting sporting events arise from an increase in crime and adverse behavior. Studies have shown that during sporting events there is a rise in (1) opportunistic crimes of theft from visitors and from their vehicles, crime of sexual nature, common assault, robbery, traffic infringements, drunkenness and disorderly behavior and (2) organized criminal activities to target visitors.

Authorities must take great lengths to make sure such sporting events are safe, that crowds remain in check, and that any threat of criminal activity is thwarted. Video surveillance is an invaluable tool in helping to ensure the safety of the fans, players, employees, and the facilities themselves.

Limited Duration of Event
Unlike other critical infrastructure sites (like airports, power stations, oil and gas sites etc), mega sporting events are very duration limited. Once the Gold medal is given to the winning team, all the athletes and visitors travel back to their home countries and the event venues (Olympic parks, training grounds, stadiums) remain deserted in many instances.

The diligent designer of sporting event security must come up with creative ideas so as to exploit the investment of security and safety systems for the days and years after the event.