Guest OpEd By Lt. Joseph Pangaro, BA, CPM, CSO

Americans across the nation are returning to their workplaces, going back to their offices, warehouses, schools, and other facilities that have all but been abandoned over the last two years due to the ongoing pandemic.

As staff return, they have legitimate concerns about the health and safety of their workplaces.

One of those concerns is the air quality in their buildings, a topic in the past that has garnered very little attention, if any, but is now at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Is it possible to have a facility where the air is clean, germs and viruses are removed, and the HVAC system works to create a productive and healthy environment?

Another real priority is the physical safety of the workplace.

Workplace violence was on the rise before the pandemic and the lockdowns.

Now, as we return to our buildings, the possibility of workplace violence is even greater due to the social impact of the shutdown.

What can be done to ensure that anyone coming into our building is not carrying a weapon that can pose a threat to us?

As a safety and security expert, I can tell you these questions come up in most discussions I have with business owners and managers across industries.

It is our responsibility to ensure we have a healthy and safe workplace, so what can we do to achieve that goal?

IPVideo Corporation is a company addressing these problems with two powerful solutions, the HALO Smart Sensor and the ViewScan Concealed Weapons Detection System.

Both products are recognized as the gold standard for creating a healthy and safe environment in any facility and have won multiple industry awards, including four recent awards in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program.

To fully understand these products and their ability to help us, I spoke to Jonathan Antar, Director of IPVideo Corporation’s A&E Training Program to get the information I was looking for.

• Pangaro: As the world opens and companies start returning to work in their facilities, many of their employees and customers might be concerned about the quality of the air in the buildings. How can a HALO Smart Sensor help?

• Antar: The latest addition to the HALO Smart Sensor family, The HALO 2C, includes a Health Index to tell building occupants how safe the air is and the likelihood of it spreading airborne infectious diseases.

• The sensor can take a high-tech approach and communicate to the HVAC system to automatically adjust air intake to improve air quality, or it can take a low-tech approach, such as triggering a light or alarm for someone to open a window or change filters.

• This is a game-changer for those of us who have no idea about the quality of the air we are breathing indoors.

• Pangaro: I understand that HALO has won quite a few awards recently. What are they for?

• Antar: HALO has been blessed with the recognition of 53 cross-industry awards and counting. Our most recent are two ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards received for Best Environmental Monitoring Device and Back to Work Technology Solution.

• We are humbled the judges continue to recognize HALO’s impact as a multi-sensor device to stop vaping, and improve building health and the safety of its occupants.

(Learn how the HALO IOT Smart Sensor will detect vape in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc. HALO Smart Sensor can monitor air in your facility for chemicals, temperature, quality, and so much more! Courtesy of IPVideo Corporation and YouTube.)

• Pangaro:  What are the most important factors that determine air quality in a building?

• Antar: Replenishment of fresh air and filtering out harmful items such as Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Particulate Matter (1 μm, 2.5 μm, 10 μm), Humidity (RH), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂).

• Pangaro: How can a HALO smart sensor help ensure the air quality is acceptable, healthy, and safe?

• Antar: HALO provides a real-time indication of the potential risk for the spread of airborne infectious diseases in buildings.

• HALO applies ASHRAE, CDC, and EPA standards, reads and interprets the information and delivers it to a building automation system to fix the condition. If not fixed, the device will continue to alert staff members to the unsafe conditions.

• Pangaro: Does air quality really make a difference, and how does HALO help in the prevention of spreading germs and viruses?

• Antar: Each factor for measuring air quality is different and correcting these individual factors requires unique actions.

• The most important thing is identifying there is a problem to correct it, and HALO does that.

• Without identification and data, the staff is left to make up their own assumptions.

• Another positive we are seeing is facilities proving their building’s air is healthy and they have been doing the right things throughout the pandemic.

• Pangaro: How difficult is it to integrate a HALO or series of HALOs into a building’s existing systems?

• Antar: HALO utilizes an open API and plays well with other systems.

• There are over 50 3rd party products that integrate with HALO, and HALO does not charge any fees to integrate with 3rd parties.

• Pangaro: HALO also has an optional Cloud platform. What benefit for air quality does the Cloud provide clients? 

• Antar:  The most important aspects are the map views and the historical data to identify trends across facilities and locations.

• This data allows building owners and managers to identify hotspots and redirect resources to where they are needed most.

(Learn More about HALO Cloud, an optional choice for those who want to manage and update multiple HALOs with a single keystroke. If you are interested in facility-wide trend analysis and reporting the HALO Cloud is for you! Courtesy of HALO Smart Sensor and YouTube.)

• Pangaro: Another concern many people will have about returning to the workplace centers around their personal safety.

• We have seen a rise in crime and unfortunately a rise in active shooter events in the workplace.

• IPVideo Corporation has another award-winning solution called ViewScan. What is this device, and how does it help keep a workplace safe?

• Antar: ViewScan safely detects weapons entering a building, identifying the location of the object on a person as they enter using an IP camera image to take a picture of the person entering and overlay a target marking on the body where the weapon is.

• Pangaro: How does ViewScan work? Is it a metal detector?

• Antar: ViewScan uses Ferrous Metal Detection (FMD) to detect weapons or any ferrous metals entering a building. It can detect items concealed anywhere on or hidden inside a person’s body.  

• Pangaro: I know a traditional metal detector can present some health concerns for people with pacemakers or pregnant women.

• Is ViewScan safe for everyone to go through?

• Antar: This technology is radiation-free and completely safe for all people, including those with medical devices, pregnant women, and children.

• Other technologies use X-Ray Backscatter or Millimeter Wave. ViewScan speeds up screening time as everyone can be scanned.

(See ViewScan up close: a completely passive weapons detection system that emits no radiation and is safe for anyone to walk through. Courtesy of IPVideo Corp and YouTube.)

• Pangaro: A concern for some schools and companies might be how fast they can get people into their facility.

• A traditional metal detector is rather slow because you must physically search people if an alert is made. How does ViewScan deal with this?

• Antar: ViewScan has a throughput of about 900 people per hour and since the target shows exactly where on a person to look, the investigation portion of the screening process is expedited.

• Pangaro: I can imagine that many places like schools or businesses may want to deploy ViewScan in different locations.

• Is it a fixed location device or can it be moved from place to place as needed?

• Antar: In this case, both statements are true. ViewScan can be deployed as a fixed device or include optional casters, a battery, and a travel case.

• Pangaro: Thank you for your time Jonathan. It seems that IPVideo Corporation is leading the way with technology to keep any facility healthy, safe, and secure, and its impressive awards history makes that clear.

• If anyone wants to learn more about HALO or ViewScan, how can they do so?

• Antar: Please visit our websites at www.ipvideocorp.com and www.halodetect.com.

As we move forward and reconnect in the workplace, it is the responsibility of every business owner, superintendent, and CEO to ensure their workplace is a safe and healthy environment for everyone who enters their facility.

Air quality and personal safety have never been more important.

Based on what I  have learned from Jonathan Antar, IPVideo Corporation is a great place to turn to for helping all of us make a safer and healthier workplace a reality.

About the Author

Joseph Pangaro is a retired Police Lieutenant from Ocean Township NJ located in Monmouth County. Mr. Pangaro is a Certified Public Manager (CPM).

Retiring after 27 years, Lt. Pangaro took on a new challenge, that of Director of School Safety and Security for a large school district in central NJ.

In that position, he upgraded all safety and security practices and policies as well as the physical security of the buildings for the district and implemented a student and staff training program to bring the “Best Practices” to the district.

(True Security Design now offers on-demand video training rental bundles for school administrators and staff to help keep their school safe. Students, staff, and parents can all benefit from receiving quality training videos on their own time. Courtesy of IPVideo Corp and YouTube.)

As the owner and CEO of Pangaro Training and Management, he concentrates on providing the best most up-to-date training programs for the Law Enforcement, School, and Business communities.

In 2018 Pangaro Training merged with TRUE SECURITY DESIGN and began providing Threat Assessments and training to schools, law enforcement, and the business communities nationwide!

Pangaro also writes a weekly newspaper column “Behind the Badge,” for the local Monmouth County paper, The Coaster. He has also been published in the Autism Parenting magazine (2-time award-winning writer for this publication), NJCOPS, NJ Blue Now & NY Blue, FBI Worldwide Law Enforcement Bulletin, NJ Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (NJNEOA), NJ Gang Investigators Association, Rocky Mountain News, and the Coaster newspaper of Asbury Park NJ.

Some of the programs we offer include Business Management Training, Executive leadership training, Gang Training, Crisis and De-Escalation Training, Public Speaking, and training on making business presentations.

(Addressing the entire officer, the mind, the body, and the spirit of your people is not just a good idea, it should be the focus. See how True Security Designs on-demand police training subscription does exactly that. Courtesy of IPVideo Corp and YouTube.)

Visit our websites at WWW.JPangaro.com or www.TrueSecurityDesign.com to learn more about the services and programs we offer.

Lastly, in 2018 Pangaro started a weekly TV show called the School Safety and Security show “Hope is Not a Tactic” on the Disrupt-edtv.com network the program covers all aspects of school security.

Hope is Not a Tactic can be found on 15 social media platforms in all 50 states and 168 countries as well as on the station’s web page at www.Disrupt-edtv.com.

(Learn More from retired Police Lieutenant Joseph Pangaro, from Ocean Township NJ located in Monmouth County. Mr. Pangaro is a Certified Public Manager (CPM). Courtesy of DisruptED TV and YouTube.)

IPVideo Corporation is at the forefront of developing unique, innovative solutions that harness the power of IP video technology, with systems trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and municipalities, utilities, healthcare facilities, school districts, and leading universities to mitigate risk while protecting people and properties.

The company delivers on its commitment to an open-standards philosophy and delivering best-in-class performance and value ― from physical security solutions to purpose-built HD audio/video recording solutions for education, law enforcement, healthcare, and beyond.

IPVideo Corporation’s worldwide client base is served by a network of certified distributors, dealers, and system integrators, who benefit from ongoing corporate support and training.

To Learn More, please visit www.ipvideocorp.com.

IPVideo Named a Multi-Award Winner in 4th Consecutive  ‘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.

IPVideo Corporation (First of Four)

Best Sound & Chemical Incident Detection

• HALO SMART SENSOR 2.5

• IPVideo Corporation has introduced firmware 2.5 of the HALO IOT Smart Sensor which now provides instant Health and Indoor Air Quality readings and alerts.

• HALO, a real-time vape detector, is truly an all-in-one security device that includes sound alert incident management alerts for spoken keywords, advanced gunshot detection, and includes chemical incident detection and can assist with the workplace return from COVID 19.

• For example, a daughter in her dorm room, a hotel housekeeper, a patient under duress, a student in a hazing incident, or your elderly parent living by themselves can alert security to an attack or emergency situation in real-time by shouting a keyword like “HALO HELP”.

• The audio is still not being recorded to maintain privacy, but the alerts are automatically sent to security for immediate response. To help diffuse situations, the alerts can also trigger an audible message that an emergency has been declared and security has been notified.

• Another new feature is the addition of machine learning capabilities to establish audible level “normalcies”. Advanced gunshot detection audio analytics can trigger a facility lockdown and an emergency call response via the integration of third-party security applications when detected.

(See how the HALO IOT Smart Sensor will detect vape in bathrooms, locker rooms, etc. HALO Smart Sensor can monitor the air in your facility for chemicals, temperature, quality, and more! Courtesy of IPVideo Corporation and YouTube.)

IPVideo Corporation (Second of Four)

Best Cell Phone Detection Solution (Tie**)

• ViewScan 2.0

• ViewScan, the concealed weapons detection and cell phone detection system, by IPVideo Corporation has just been updated with version 2.0 allowing for greater flexibility and faster processing with weapons and loss prevention screening.

• ViewScan 2.0 comes with all-new features and updates, such as an updated new browser, optional mobile trolley, an improved camera, enhanced cybersecurity and reporting, as well as additional capabilities for 3rd party integration.

• What stands out the most about ViewScan compared to other concealed weapon detection systems is that it detects disturbances in the earth’s electromagnetic field, making this a safe passive system for all that go through it without emitting radiation or affecting medical devices.

• All non-ferrous weaponry and theft items can be detected whether they are concealed in the body or belongings.

• With the new ViewScan 2.0 interface, you can capture the three most current screens, conduct remote monitoring, as well as view up to five simultaneous ViewScan systems per window. These improvements allow for greater flexibility and a faster screening process.

• The ViewScan 2.0 system now includes a trolley option allowing for easier mobility and flexibility of use.

• This can be particularly useful for organizations utilizing ViewScan at events where the system would temporarily need to be placed.

• Along with the mobile trolley, add-on battery options are available for extra power when using it on-the-go.

IPVideo Corporation (Third of Four)

• Best Back to Work Monitoring Solution

• HALO SMART SENSOR 2.5

• The HALO Smart Sensor is now helping facilities monitor their indoor health and air quality.

• As part of the new v2.5 software release, HALO provides both a real-time air quality and Health Index and sends alerts when either index falls into danger zones.

• Working with HALO Cloud, the sensor also provides critical automated reports that allow building owners and administrators to demonstrate they are providing a healthy indoor environment and/or validate when facility improvements are required.

IPVideo Corporation (Fourth of Four)

• Best Metal/Weapons Detection Solution

• ViewScan 2.0

• ViewScan, the concealed weapons detection and loss prevention system, by IPVideo Corporation, is a passive weapons detection system that can accurately detect the location and number of objects hidden on a person, including those hidden in shoes and inside body, giving an exact pinpoint location of each object.

• ViewScan significantly reduces the need for labor-intensive manual pat-downs and facilitates the rapid screening of individuals  – while being completely safe.

• ViewScan is an advanced and safe weapons detection and loss prevention system that does not emit radiation, making is safe for all including persons with medical devices or those who may be pregnant.

(See the ViewScan from IPVideo Corporation, a completely passive weapons detection system that emits no radiation and is safe for anyone to walk through. Courtesy of IPVideo Corporation and YouTube.)

• *IPVideo Corporation was also recognized with Multiple Awards in the 2020, 2019, and 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program 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.