MSA Security®, an Allied Universal® Company Recognized with Multiple Awards in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has executed an exclusive new agreement with Shallow Creek Kennels, a privately owned and operated police service dog importing and training facility located on 40 serene acres in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania to train MSA canines in firearms detection.
These new capabilities will enhance the company’s existing threat detection offerings, creating a sophisticated new solution to address the escalating active shooter and criminal threat.
Shallow Creek Kennels is professional, dedicated, and passionate about their kennels and dogs, never forgetting the importance of the police service dog’s duties, utilizing their years of experience and knowledge to ensure the highest quality in workability and health, allowing us to offer an exceptional guarantee on both.
Shallow Creek‘s 45,000 SF testing and training academy consist of buildings, fields, wooded areas, and vehicles, allowing officers the opportunity to take as much time as necessary to test for their specific needs, and the owners and several K-9 handlers are available to help officers select or perform tests that MSA Security may require.
(Shallow Creek Kennels is dedicated to providing law enforcement agencies with the highest quality police service dogs imported from Europe available today. The company strives to bring you superior working dogs with balanced drives, great nerves, and excellent temperaments from proven working lines. Courtesy of John Brannon, the President at Shallow Creek Kennels, and YouTube.)
MSA Security had been the industry’s leading Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) provider for over three decades with more than 800 DHS SAFETY Act designated teams deployed around the world.
MSA EDC teams are capable of detecting a full range of commercial and homemade explosives, including black powder used in firearms, and through this new partnership with Shallow Creek, MSA will be able to train canines explicitly for firearms detection, using odors unique to firearms, regardless of whether gunpowder residue exists on the firearm.
MSA Security is expanding its capabilities to address the rising active shooter threat.
“At MSA Security, we continuously monitor the threat spectrum and enhance our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” explains Glen Kucera, Chief Executive Officer at MSA Security.
“In recent years we’ve seen an increase in active shooter incidents, particularly in highly trafficked, accessible sites like malls, hospitals, entertainment venues, and schools.”
“We are pleased to bring a new, extensive firearms detection solution to the market, strengthening the security available for organizations facing an elevated risk.”
“MSA Security’s partnership with Shallow Creek Kennels is a natural fit,” added Justin Kelley, Vice President of Operations at MSA Security.
“Shallow Creek has an exceptional program built around rigorous training standards and reflected in its stellar reputation. We look forward to a long and successful relationship together as we bring this new program to scale.”
MSA Security has a long-established reputation for the development of cutting-edge solutions to high-consequence threats.
In the late 2000s, MSA identified the increasing use of homemade and peroxide-based explosives in terrorist tradecraft, becoming one of the first private sector companies to train canines on these highly sensitive and dangerous materials.
Later, as the person-borne explosive threat grew in prominence, with attacks like those at the Stade-de-France in 2015 and Manchester Arena in 2017, MSA pivoted to train canines for explosive odor tracking.
(Learn how MSA Explosive Detection Canine Teams Counter Terror Threats from Chairman, MSA Security, Michael O’Neil, who spent 22 years with the New York Police Department (NYPD), where he helped create and served for over six years as the first Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Division. Courtesy of MSA Security and YouTube.)
With the introduction of MSA’s Firearms Detection Canines, the company will be able to provide clients with an incredibly effective, versatile, and dynamic solution to aid in the deterrence and detection of concealed firearms.
The solution empowers organizations in an effort to preempt potential mass casualty events, minimize the risk to their guests or patrons, protect their brand, and reduce their liability.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in New York City, MSA Security®, an Allied Universal® Company, is a global provider of high consequence threat solutions. MSA has more than 1,500 employees, including over 800 Canine Teams, operating more than 40 states and 50 countries.
To Learn More, please visit msasecurity.net.
Allied Universal a Triple Award Winner in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Allied Universal (First of Three)
Best Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (Tie**)
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HELIAUS
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HELIAUS® is a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solution that goes beyond the outmoded “detect and respond” model of risk management.
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More than just a tour or incident management system, HELIAUS® is a comprehensive workforce management solution that uses powerful algorithms to generate risk-adverse recommendations to keep your security professionals connected and engaged, situationally informed, and armed with the right recommendations to effectively create safer, more secure environments.
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The bottom line is HELIAUS® can help reduce security and safety incidents by up to 20%, all while improving profitability and your bottom line.
(Learn about HELIAUS®, a revolutionary integrated solution beyond the archaic “detect and respond” model of risk management. It’s not just a tour or incident management system. HELIAUS® is a comprehensive workforce management solution with AI technology at its core. Courtesy of Allied Universal and YouTube.)
Allied Universal (Second of Three)
Best Airport/Aviation Security Solution
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AUS – CMH
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The John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is a medium hub facility, which proved challenging to implement mitigation measures having been built in the 1950s when certain security needs were never contemplated, and encompassing 2,265 acres of operational space; plus Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) which covers 4,342 acres.
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Allied Universal fulfills a unique opportunity at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport by continually analyzing Security Professionals routes and schedules not only to better interact with the facility and the public – but also to mitigate insider infiltration threats by using their HELIAUS® workforce management tool to identify risk patterns and behaviors that would otherwise not be visible.
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By keeping their Security Professionals fluid, Allied Universal Officers can routinely roam the facility to conduct random security measures of employees, and with an average of 3,000 badged personnel, in 2020, conducted more than 50,000 checks.In partnership with Public Safety leadership at CMH, Allied Universal serves as the mobile eyes, ears, and badge readers.
Allied Universal (Third of Three)
Best Security Workforce Management Platform
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HELIAUS
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HELIAUS is Allied Universal’s AI-powered workforce management solution that streamlines security operations at client’s sites, generates intelligent recommendations to help mitigate risk, and provides real-time communication and insight into the hands of clients Security Leadership to better protect their people, brand, and assets.
(Inspired by the power of the sun and Helios, the sun god of Greek mythology, Allied Universal’s proprietary HELIAUS® platform is the smart technology of tomorrow that places insight into the hands of your Security Professionals to better protect your people, brand, and assets. Courtesy of Allied Universal and YouTube.)
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Allied Universal Programs have been recognized with Multiple Awards in the 2020, 2019, and 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.
Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.
Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMattersSo be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!
2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program Welcomes New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)!
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)
- Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
- The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- DHS Science & Technology (S&T)
- The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)
- The American Red Cross
- The InfraGard National Alliance
- The Metropolitan Police (MPD)
- The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
- Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
- The Federal Air Marshals Service
- The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their record of accomplishment include:
AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.
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Allied Universal Expands Technology Services with New Acquisition
