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32 suppliers Avigilon makes its second 2014 purchase Continued from page 1 technology that complements Avigilon'ts innovative line of highdefinition video surveillance and IT-friendly access control products." T h e d e a l w i l l g i v e Av i g i l o n "sophisticated, commercially proven analytics technology supported by one of the leading analytics development teams in the industry," he said. Together, the companies will be able to "provide end users with an open, end-to-end security solution that includes intelligent video analytics. Adding this technology to our HD video surveillance solution enables end users to prevent crime proactively and more effectively analyze large amounts of data," he said. Specifcally, he said, "our end users will have the benefts of automated real-time detection, real-time alerts, post-incident analysis and forensic search capability." The VideoIQ technology enables end users to identify "abnormal activity in a scene and defne whether an area is at risk," he said. The technology is often used by car dealerships against auto theft and vandalism, especially after hours. If any suspicious activity is detected, "security officials will receive an alert and can respond to the situation immediately, alerting the authorities if necessary. The advantage of the technology is that it is a proactive surveillance tool that enables offcials to prevent crimes before they occur." He said the deal provides an increase in revenue for both companies quickly "by bringing VideoIQ's existing products into our established global distribution channels." A basic integration between Avigilon and VideoIQ is already complete, Fernandes said. "The next phase is to preserve the company and gradually introduce Avigilon's processes into the company. In the future we are planning a full-scale integration that will add robust analytics capabilities to the benefts of our end-to-end solution." Avigilon's move into analytics is not unexpected. In 2011, Fernandes told SSN that Avigilon's acquisition possibilities included "Something outside of video but complementary and related … like analytics." Avigilon secured more funds for acquisitions in November when it closed a $69 million bought deal equity fnancing. This is Avigilon's second acquisition in eight months. In May, it got into access control with the purchase of Red Cloud. GMP Securities LP advised Avigilon, and Raymond James & Associates advised VideoIQ. SSn www.securitysystemsnews.com february 2014 SeCurITy SySTeMS NeWS Rural elementary school is model for secure school of the future Manufacturers, TycoIS, collaborate on school security project By Amy Canfeld WALLACE, N.C.—A now highly secure rural elementary school here is piloting a program that it hopes will become a model for other schools not only within its district but across the country. The layered security at Wallace Elementary, a K-5 school with 725 students in Duplin County, includes a video intercom system at the locked front doors that are additionally protected with security screens that cannot be ripped or penetrated. Visitors are buzzed in remotely. Once inside the secure lobby, they must present government-issued ID to the receptionist. The IDs are then scanned through the visitor management system against a number of databases, including those for sex offenders and restraining orders against parents. Only after being cleared are visitors given temporary badges and allowed access to classrooms. Surveillance cameras in hallways, other common areas and outside, panic buttons that alert directly to 911, automatic locks on classroom doors and other security measures have been added, too. Shrubbery on school grounds was cut back, and new signage was added. The pilot project, with equipment and systems contributed by a number of major players in the physical security industry, came about immediately after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn. "Prior to that time, the middle school and high school were our concern," said Chuck Farrior, chairman of the Board of Education of the Duplin County, N.C., schools. Those schools already had armed school resource officers and a "very good relationship" with local law enforcement, he said. "Historically elementary schools were off limits. [Newtown] blew that bubble up on that day. We shook in our boots. We're fghting a different battle now," he said. The local sheriff's department recom- Post-Sandy Hook pilot project was done at no cost to Wallace Elementary School mended that Farrior contact Patrick Fiel, a nationally recognized school security expert and founder of PVF Security Consulting, who lives locally. Fiel is the former executive director of security for the Washington, D.C., public schools, and also worked for Tyco/ADT. He did a "walk-around" at the elementary school, which took a couple of hours. "A lot of things I saw was good stuff, but there were some areas of vulnerability," he said. He also factored into his risk assessment that the surrounding community was growing. There's a small airport near the school, as well as a new Super WalMart and a couple of new pharmacies. Fiel also conducted risk assessments at the district's 15 other campuses. Within weeks, he had spoken with MORE IS NOW LESS Introducing three new panels from DMP. The quality you expect with more features & options built in, now available for surprisingly less. The next generation of the industry's most powerful intrusion, fre & access panel is here. Learn more at dmp.com/XR550 ® One more reason to choose DMP. l 877-725-1114 dmp.com the superintendent and executive team about his findings and briefed the school board. "They were immediately addressing these issues," Fiel said. "I had leadership buy-in," he said, and that's what made things happen so quickly. He recommended a pilot project at Wallace Elementary, at no cost. His plan was approved. So, with numerous contacts in the industry, Fiel reached out for contributions for the project. Those responding were: Tyco Integrated Security [integration services]; Aiphone [video intercom]; Harmony Security Products [security screens]; SISCO Identification Solutions [visitor management system]; Axis Communications [cameras]; ASSA ABLOY Group brands and Corbin Russwin [door locks], Securitron [power supplies], HES [strikes] and Rockwood [latch guard]. Farrior said the school will showcase the pilot program in the near future. The school board will evaluate it, and parents and staff will also be asked to weigh in. "Then we'll need to figure out from a financial standpoint what we can do immediately [at the district's other schools] and then have a longer range plan," he said. "It might take four or five years," Fiel said, noting that he was responsible for 150 schools in the D.C. area. "But this is a start. It's a continuation process, and it's all about leadership mentalities and being proactive." SSn