Athena Weapons Detection Returns to Compete in 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards

As healthcare workers report higher violence incidents at their workplaces, Athena Security's Concealed Weapons Detection Systems have been widely employed at Healthcare Facilities to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.
With the national rate of Violence against Healthcare Workers 12 times higher than in the overall workforce, Athena's Concealed Weapons Detection Systems are being widely employed at Healthcare Facilities to Safeguard Patients, Staff, and Visitors.

Athena Security, a cutting-edge gun detection security company Recognized as a Winner in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, is pleased to announce its Concealed Weapons Detection System has been Nominated in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

Parents, teachers, students, staff, superintendents, and law enforcement executives recognize school emergency preparedness as one of today’s most pressing educational issues.

In critical moments, simplicity and speed are crucial to an effective response.

Facilities must automate weapons detection easily and quickly because, in a crisis, every second matters.

(Learn why Duke Health Hospitals selected Athena’s Concealed Weapons Detection System from Duke University Police Chief John Dailey to protect patients, staff, and visitors. Courtesy of CBS News 17, Athena Security, and YouTube.)

Introducing Weapons Detection System for Concealed Weapons

Athena Security, powered by Ceia Opengate is a groundbreaking weapons detection system designed for faster screening of people with their backpacks, purses, bags, etc., for detecting a large variety/number of Metal Threats, such as high-caliber assault weapons.

Built to detect a wide range of mass casualty weapons, this system passes the Federal Standard for accuracy and is 10X faster than legacy metal detectors.

Athena’s Concealed Weapons Detection System uses multiple sensors to both detect a threat as well as identify and then ignore harmless personal items, allowing people to walk through the system without removing phones, watches, belts, batteries, and other personal items.

(Learn how Athena Security can help you stay safe at your schools, as CEO Michael Green provides a demonstration at a Utah School of a walk-through of students coming off a bus. Courtesy of Athena Security and YouTube.)

The sensors include OPENGATE, Lidar, (optional thermal camera), visual camera, and machine learning technologies.

The Concealed Weapons Detection System from Athena Security, is designed to scan one person at a time, walking at normal speed, through the OPENGATE and towards the controller unit. The maximum number of people is about 1 per second, or 3,600 people per hour as the maximum flow rate.

The system can be configured to show “Clear” if nothing is detected and display “Object Detected” if an item is found.

The Athena Concealed Weapons Detection System alarm can be auditory, or visual, and the alarm notification can be sent immediately to those who need it, wherever they are: Security Operation Center, mobile phone App, computer-based browser, Video Management System (VMS), Access Control, or integrated with other business software.

Mitigating the Risk of Mass Casualty Weapons

The Athena Concealed Weapons Detection System is designed for a wide variety of use cases, from School Entryways, Corporate Board Meetings, Outdoor Stadiums, and Indoor Gymnasium Events.

As healthcare workers report higher violence incidents at their workplaces, Athena Security Systems have begun being widely employed at Healthcare Facilities to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.

The system’s default “security level sensitivity” setting is expected to find mass casualty weapons, such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, and many types of bombs, and passes the Federal Standards test 100% of the time.

This rigorous testing found the Federally defined target piece, which represents a handgun called the “AM7”.

Clients also have the option to increase or decrease the sensitivity settings according to the use case and their particular security goals. Athena Concealed Weapons Detection System uses security levels corresponding to international standards.

Safeguarding Healthcare Facilities

(Jefferson Regional of Southeast Arkansas has deployed Athena Security’s weapons detection system to bolster its holistic approach to proactively keeping healthcare workers and patients safe. Courtesy of Athena Security and YouTube. Posted on May 2, 2023.)

A not-for-profit located on the Western ridge of the Arkansas Delta, Jefferson Regional is a 300-bed facility providing 11 counties with essential healthcare services for the last 100 years.

By adding Athena Security to enhance its safety profile, Jefferson Regional continues its strong history of leveraging state of the art technologies to best serve employees, patients, and visitors.

Peter Austin, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Peter Austin, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

“Whether it’s adding the daVinci surgical robot to improve patient care or the Athena Security weapons screening for added safety at both our main hospital entrance as well as the Emergency Department entrance at Jefferson Regional, we always try to do what is best for our community,” explains Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Peter Austin.

“As we looked for an entryway security provider, we knew we needed to cover both entrances for comprehensive coverage.

“The provider needed to be responsive, have personable service, and the ability to minimize risk at our facility. Athena was our number one choice.”

Over the years, Jefferson Regional has taken a proactive stance in securing its campus.  Performing regular security assessments have led to holistic security changes like the addition of security cameras, increased patrols, additional security vehicles, panic alarms, tasers instead of pepper spray, active shooter training, all backed by a security staff with over 200 years of law enforcement expertise.

Athena Security’s unobtrusive entryway system is located at the facility’s two public entryways: the main entrance and the emergency room entryway.

Duke Health Hospitals are also using Athena Weapons Detection Systems to safeguard their Patients, Staff and Visitors. (Courtesy of YouTube)
Duke Health Hospitals also use Athena Weapons Detection Systems to safeguard their Patients, Staff, and Visitors. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Athena Security’s incident reporting software was another great feature for Jefferson Regional to have the tools to easily document and analyze all incidents at the facility.

With the national rate of violence against healthcare workers 12 times higher than in the overall workforce, 85% of emergency room doctors state that violence is increasing (Sherwood, Arkansas hospital shooting last September, 45 minutes from Jefferson Regional).

Incident reporting is a major upgrade to the existing manual system providing a data-driven, evidence-based approach to reduce risks within the medical center.

Athena Security’s new visitor management system, first deployed at Jefferson Regional, will help with workflow and the security of patients and visitors checking in.

This addition helps automate the security of the entryways by identifying minors, persons of interest, speeds the check-in process, limits visitors per room, and much more while connecting to the Weapons Detection System by Athena.

Lisa Falzone, and Chris Ciabarra, Athena Security
Athena Security by Co-Founders Lisa Falzone, and Chris Ciabarra, Allows Cameras to Recognize when Someone Pulls a Gun —and Immediately Alerts Police. (Courtesy of LinkedIn)

Headquartered in Austin, TX, and founded by former Revel Systems Co-founders Lisa Falzone and Chris Ciabarra, Athena Security is a cutting-edge gun detection security company.

The concealed weapon solution, now including Athena’s new Entryway Detection System, uses multiple sensors to detect guns and mitigate risk.

Athena Security located over 3000 weapons in 2022 with its Concealed Weapons Detection Systems, installed in hospitals, schools, and casinos.

To learn more, please visit www.athena-security.com.

 

Athena Security Returns to Compete in 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

Chris Knecht, Customer Success Manager and Onboarding Master Receives a 2022 'ASTORS' for Athena Security's Weapons Detection Solution.
Chris Knecht, Customer Success Manager and Onboarding Master Receives a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ for Athena Security’s Weapons Detection Solution.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth 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.

 

Athena Security

Best Metal/Weapons Detection Solution

Expect Athena’s System to be a workforce multiplier by improving the operational efficiency of your security team. It is best to use this system as an initial triage, with people walking single file through the checkpoint. Then, upon an alert, a security professional can do a secondary screening.​

Expect Athena’s System to be a workforce multiplier by improving the operational efficiency of your security team. It is best to use this system as an initial triage, with people walking single file through the checkpoint. Then, upon an alert, a security professional can do a secondary screening.​
  • Furthermore, there is no need to have individuals remove phones, wallets, or other extraneous items from their pockets due to the proprietary multiple-sensor detection method. 

  • Alert notifications can be sent in real-time to a Security Operation Center, mobile phone App, computer-based browser, Video Management System (VMS), Access Control System, and can also be further integrated with other business software.

  • Most clients choose to send proactive alerts after they have been confirmed by the guards running the system to a predetermined escalation path if someone walks in with a weapon. The alert contains the location, date/time stamp, and image.

  • The system passes the Federal Standard 100% while allowing both auditory and visual alert options as seen in the best practices of Homeland Security for WDS. 

(Learn how to speed up your concealed weapons detection scanning without breaking the bank. Athena Security launches its entryway security system and shows a client how long it takes currently at their location 15 secs and with our new entryway security system technology to scan for concealed weapons in only one second. Courtesy of Athena Security and YouTube.)

  • Athena Security was a New Competitor to the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program. 

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘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.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Luncheon.
CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquetan exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.

2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino
Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, expresses her pride in the women and men of the CBP, and their families who support them.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 'ASTORS' Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety.
Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety, joined at left by Commissioner Bill Bratton, and at right Chief of Department Kenneth Corey.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

Katherine Schweit, an attorney, security consultant, and retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.
Katherine Schweit, attorney, security consultant, retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The FDNY was honored in the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response.
The FDNY was honored in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response, accepted by FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin and Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb.

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights 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.

Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with 'ASTORS' Attendees and autographs copies of 'STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.'
Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with ‘ASTORS’ Attendees and autographs copies of ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.’

In 2022 over 240 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.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was Honored at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City, featuring OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino and Director of Field Operations NY Area Frank Russo (at center).

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI SystemsAxis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLCSinglewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, 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 puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

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.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels 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.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for The Best of 2022 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 – to name a few), the 2022 ‘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 features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘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
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