Guest Editorial by William Rendina, Founder & CEO of Valor Systems, Inc.

Valor Systems, a 28-year public safety solution provider, is honored to receive the Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Emergency Response Program for Federal/State or Local agencies.

Every day, we entrust our safety to our frontline public safety heroes who have committed their lives to their training and protecting others.

Whether Federal/State or Local agencies, preparation and collaboration is vital. Lessons learned are assessed and best practices are implemented.

When industry professionals choose the best tools for their daily tasks, they consider experience, stability, reliability, flexibility, back-up, fail-over, and a solid Business Continuity or Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan.

We minimize vulnerabilities to protect people, infrastructure, and operations.  There are vulnerabilities within our control and those beyond our control.

While the world, in general, has evolved to Web-based applications and Cloud-based environments, is Public Safety ready for this possible single point of failure?

There are multiple documented cases of our largest financial institutions and tech companies that have experienced major internet outages.  If they are not immune to internet outages, is public safety?

Is your Incident Management System based on experience with the flexibility to meet the demands of today?

We can no longer accept rigid systems that force an agency to operate within the limitations and vulnerabilities of their CAD or RMS.

For nearly three decades, Valor Systems has built and enhanced public safety solutions that offer tremendous flexibility to develop proactive models.

While there are advantages to hosting a system in the cloud, there are associated risks.  Valor delivers on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid solutions.

In public safety, we need to eliminate any single point of failure.  If a server fails, is there automatic fail-over to another server without service interruption?  If the internet fails, having multiple services into your ECC may not even mitigate the bigger problem at the source.

The most effective Emergency Response Program begins with an interactive, fluid crisis preparedness model to include all entities and stakeholders.

When all stakeholders share a common goal, unite in tasks such as SOP’s, share intelligence, processes, and workflows, an Emergency Response Program becomes invaluable in managing incidents from a pro-active position of strength.

Public-Private Partnerships, Cyber Security, Physical Security, Public Safety, and Community Engagement are all integral in protecting our communities, infrastructure, and commercial enterprises.

When multiple stakeholders across your enterprise are equipped with technology and data that is accessible through a unified model, situational awareness extends beyond siloed interests.

Region-Wide Safety and Security Essentials

Valor believes preparedness is critical and helps mitigate potential threats.  Valor’s 3-phased approach engages multiple stakeholders across intergovernmental agencies and commercial enterprises.

• The Pre-Incident Awareness phase incorporates Valor SafeGuard for connecting civilians and personnel to your dispatchers for reporting timely, critical information.

• The Active Incident is managed in Valor CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) with real-time information to increase efficiencies and accurate deployment of resources.

• The Post Incident utilizes Valor Records Management to enhance shared intelligence across your region to accelerate investigations and mitigate threats.

Valor Systems has designed a holistic approach to protecting people and assets.  Empowering people with information and the tools to report threats is critical for maintaining our safety and security.

Implementing Valor IMS at the core enhances your safety and security operations, empowers citizens to report suspicious activity, creates interactive situational awareness, and enables you to control the response and outcome.

The following diagram depicts a model of Valor Systems’ solution for region-wide situational awareness.

An initial threat may be reported by any citizen or personnel using Valor SafeGuard, an intuitive two-way text/photo communication smartphone application for untrained users to notify authorities of suspicious activity, active threat, panic situation, a personal or workplace violence threat.

(See how, as an extension of Valor Mobile, Valor SafeGuard brings IMS functionality to handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. Courtesy of Valor Systems and YouTube.)

Other technologies may be integrated into Valor CAD for a Unified Model among all stakeholders.  NG 911, GIS/Map, Fire Station Alerting (FSA), Alarms, Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD), Mobile devices, and Video Analytics may all be integrated into Valor CAD for a seamless operation.

Configurable User Interface for the Ultimate User Experience

Valor solutions adapt to your enterprise workflow.  All operations have unique requirements and Valor’s solutions are highly configurable to meet ever-changing requirements.

Valor Incident Management System (Valor IMS) is a Premise-Based, Cloud-Based, Hybrid, highly configurable, multi-platform, multi-device capable solution with an intuitive User Experience.

Valor has developed a configurable, consistent User Interface across all devices, delivering the Ultimate User Experience.

User Interface – Intuitive, Simplified Design

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a “buildable” user interface, meaning that the appearance can be configured to suit the needs of each client.

This “buildability” enhances the dispatch experience as a more logical flow can be laid out, bypassing, or eliminating less critical data fields based on incident type.

Valor IMS offers NIBRS compliant Records Management for completing the lifecycle of an incident.  Valor IMS capabilities include a visual representation to illustrate an extensive association for related data and analysis, connecting incidents, arrests, people, vehicles, and more.

Customized Workflows

Custom business rules, reports, Standard Operating Procedures, and User-Defined Fields are just a few areas where the enterprise can scale beyond its initial implementation needs.

(See how Valor IMS serves emergency response and records management needs of government, corporate security, and university safety/security organizations. Courtesy of Valor Systems and YouTube.)

Valor believes it is important to enable the enterprise to utilize the system as their dynamics change over the years, offering true investment protection.  Valor has retained customers since 1995, further demonstrating our commitment to customers and their ever-changing needs.

Since 1994, Valor Systems, Inc. has specialized in emergency response Dispatch and Case Management Software solutions for our Department of Defense, Public Safety, and global Corporate Security operations across 39 countries, which offers a unified Incident Management Platform to complement operations among all stakeholders.

About the Author

Bill Rendina is the Founder and CEO of Valor Systems where he focuses on the long-term strategic direction of the company.

He focuses on the long-term strategic direction of the company. Mr. Rendina continues to provide his expertise and vision into the product roadmap as Valor Systems moves into its next generation of public safety, security, and ERT offerings.

Mr. Rendina designed the original functional requirements and user interface of the Valor Computer Aided Dispatch System. To execute his vision, he has implemented marketing strategies, developed distribution channels, and has formed various partner alliances.

Previously, Mr. Rendina held various positions at Ameritech, and Unisys Corporation; all providing invaluable experience for leading Valor Systems into a global company.

Mr. Rendina has earned a Masters of Science in Marketing Communications, Roosevelt University, and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems, Ball State University.

For 26 years, Valor Systems has provided CAD, Records, and Mobile solutions to its Public Safety, DoD, and Corporate customers across 38 countries.

Valor Systems Takes Top Awards in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

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

Valor Systems

• Best Emergency Response Program for Federal/State or Local

• Valor Incident Management System

• The Valor Incident Management System (Valor IMS), is an integrated suite of modern computer programs designed to automate and enhance the flow of critical information amongst communications operators, the response units in the field, support units, and the public.

• Valor IMS serves emergency response and records management needs of government, corporate security, and university safety/security organizations, with an interactive situational awareness incident management platform to complement synergistic operations among all stakeholders.

• Valor Systems Integrated Public Safety
  and Security Software Platform offers CAD, RMS, Mobile, and citizen reporting applications that can work independently and/or collectively in concert as one unified platform based on a client’s budget, operational needs, and installation timeframe, with systems that can be installed locally on a customer’s computer network or accessed as a Software as a Service (SaaS) hosted on CJIS compliant, secured “cloud” network.

(See a brief introduction to the Valor Incident Management System (Valor IMS). Courtesy of Valor Solutions and YouTube.)

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.

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.

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.

• For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.

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.