Fire has been one of history's most destructive forces. New technologies now in development offer the potential to lessen these losses by addressing such thorny problems as how to track firefighters in a burning building, how to detect fires much earlier, and how to control a raging fire's path.
The Port of Houston is adapting the idea of a business district as a way to find matching funds for homeland security port grants. It offers a possible model for other localities in search of funding solutions.
Companies that investigate their own employees must be cognizant of the legal issues. They need to know both how to conduct a fair investigation and how to protect their interests via attorney-client privilege.
The government is unlikely to meet the 2012 deadline for scanning cargo containers headed for the United States, but the law allows for two-year extensions.
Because IEDs continue to be the terrorist weapons of choice, the Department of Homeland Security is encouraging states to allocate some of its homeland security funding to counter-IED initiatives.
The number of canine explosives detection teams the Transportation Security Administration plans to deploy in 2008, in addition to 426 already fielded, according to the Government Accountability Office.
The National Institute of Justice is conducting studies to ascertain whether stun guns are safe for police and other security personnel to use.
PRINT EDITION ONLY
A New Generation for 911
By Laura Spadanuta
The government is testing new technology that will allow 911 centers to receive text messages from those in distress.
Protecting Personal Information
By Laura Spadanuta
Critics say federal privacy laws have not kept pace with technological change.
Legal Report
By Teresa Anderson
Rulings on employee monitoring, age discrimination, and wrongful termination; plus legislation on airport screening, aviation security, and when workplace disability laws apply.
Industry News
By Ann Longmore-Etheridge
Ronald Lander, CPP, receives the Roy N. Bordes Council Member Award of Excellence for his service to ASIS.
Detailing Contractor Obligations
By Jack Thomas, CPP
Companies can ensure a good ongoing contractor relationship by spelling out performance expectations up front in the contract.
This month's Site to See is GFI Email Security Testing Zone, which scans for a broad range of vulnerabilities, including the strength of an organization's e-mail system and the most prevalent malware.
The percentage increase in malware in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period a year before, according to ScanSafe. The statistic is from the San Mateo, California-based security vendor’s Global Threat Report.
By Robert J. Fischer, et al., Reviewed by Susan Gallagher
A core book for ASIS International certifications, the text covers the full gamut of security topics concisely in a well-presented, easy-to-read format.