Law enforcement has always been a dangerous profession, but the escalation of officer ambushes and shootings in recent years has raised awareness about the risks to officer safety.

Law enforcement officers increasingly find themselves in menacing positions when entering a known hostile situation, serving a warrant, responding to a domestic disturbance, or even facilitating a traffic stop.

When an officer is injured, someone must contact dispatch or command staff and request medical assistance and/or backup. Often, the person may be unable to communicate – incapacitated, experiencing an adrenal dump, or traumatized.

They may also need to take more urgent action that requires them to fight back, flee the scene, or take cover. Communications are frequently delayed, incomplete, or inaccurate.

As a result, officers are not getting the rapid response they need when involved in a shootout. Sometimes, a passerby sees a downed officer and must call for help.

These threatening environments have been the driving force behind Automatic Injury Detection (AID) technology, from Select Engineering Service, Inc.

AID was co-invented by a former MP and police officer, Ken Brinkley. Ken and his partner were taking fire, and Brinkley believed he was calling in the situation report clearly and calmly, as he had been trained. But he kept getting asked by the dispatcher to repeat the information.

“The radio was squawking, giving away my location, as I tried to flank the guy,” Brinkley says.

When the fight was over, an angry Brinkley went to see the dispatcher and asked why all the repeat messages. His response was to play the recording. Brinkley was shocked to discover that what he thought was clear and calm communication was anything but clear and calm.

“I was talking a mile a minute and could not be understood,” he says. Then he realized that officers injured in the field need a tool that automatically alerts dispatch to their situation.

Brinkley says one of the goals in developing the AID system was to make it as simple to use as possible. There is no on/off switch on the transmitter. After initial setup, the Bluetooth device on the AID sensor goes into standby mode whenever it is within range of the officer’s mobile phone running the AID app.

All the officer has to do is have the app running in the background on their mobile phone.

AID is made of a thin, flexible sensor panel that helps save lives by sending an automated text message and email for help whenever the sensor has been pierced – by a bullet, knife, shrapnel, or other object.

When an officer is shot, a quick and precise reaction is critical for saving his/her life and often for obtaining help to eliminate the threat.

It is difficult and sometimes impossible to communicate that an officer has been shot and to provide the exact location. Situational stress alone will minimize the effectiveness of voice communication.

Delays in communication can reduce the chances of survival and increase the search radius, reducing the backup’s ability to contain the attack. If the suspect(s) escapes the scene before backup arrives, many more people will be put at risk, and a dangerous, costly manhunt is often the result.

AID is the Solution

Automatic Injury Detection (AID) was designed to solve that problem by automatically requesting help and sending the officer’s location to the entire force within seconds of the attack.

(See for yourself in this Live Fire Demonstration how Automatic Injury Detection (AID)  sends an immediate and automated call for help when shot or stabbed to help save the lives of first responders. Courtesy of Select Engineering Services and YouTube.)

This reliable and actionable data provides a common operating picture (COP) and enhanced situational awareness updates in real-time. AID sensor notifications improve the effectiveness and speed of a response to an active shooting.

AID gives you clear and accurate communication during a traumatic event, allowing dispatchers to relay information to the appropriate responders quickly.

AID provides a faster, coordinated, agency-wide response, whether a single shooter or a coordinated attack, reducing time and threat to the public and law enforcement. Every second counts when an officer needs medical attention and backup.  With near-immediate alerts, AID is the fastest way to get that assistance.

AID System Overview

AID lightweight sensors are inserted in the front and back of an officer’s protective vest. The polyester sensor is made up of a printed material that can fit a variety of vest shapes and sizes.

AID pairs with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or portable radio so that the alert, officer information, injury zone, and location data can be sent over the existing communication infrastructure. All officers and dispatch will receive the emergency notification immediately and can respond accordingly. Location updates are continually sent If the officer is chasing the suspect.

AID sensors are waterproof and rugged, able to withstand years of wear. They include a rechargeable battery that lasts an entire year on a single charge and notifies the user when the battery is running low.

Each officer simply pairs their sensors to the phone app, and enters their personal information, which may include their name, badge number, even medication allergies and blood type if available.

After set-up, the officer doesn’t need to interact with the AID system – the app will remain running in the background and reconnect with the sensors whenever it is within range.

AID Benefits Include:

• Saves Lives: By automating detection and communication to the entire agency same time, the Officer is more likely to get the help in time.

• Apprehend Suspect: The automated communication with real-time location updates improves the chances of apprehending the suspect before more attacks occur.

• Maximizes: Real-time information sharing agency-wide. No tracking until activated.

• Common Operating Picture (COP): Receive real-time, agency-wide, automatic updates independent of the dispatcher for each officer attacked.

• Automatic: Upon penetration, automatically sends location, turns on their body-worn camera, and opens the officer’s cell phone microphone so backup can listen in at the attack scene.

• Forensic Value for Prosecution: Audio and video can be recorded as evidence for forensic value during prosecution.

• Deployment: Easy setup, no manual to read, quick reference cards, a free download from Google Play store or iTunes. No modifications to the officer’s body Armor are required.

Web Portal for AID management

An administrator at the law enforcement agency can use the AID web portal to enter the list of recipients that will receive emergency notifications. That list of recipients gets pushed to the app for every officer in the department.

The administrator can easily modify the list over time and regularly check on the status of all AID sensors within the department, including the battery level and the last time the AID sensor was connected or disconnected. The emergency recipients don’t need the AID app to receive emergency text messages and/or emails.

AID is Protecting Officers Now

Law enforcement agencies across the country have shown that they are doing everything they can to protect their officers and make sure they make it home each night.

Montgomery County (VA) Sheriff’s Office has been protecting its officers with AID for nearly five years. Many agencies have used local news stations to inform the community of their commitment to officer safety.

That message helps with existing officer morale and with officer recruitment.

(Hear from Sheriff Hank Partin of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office following the deployment of Select Engineering Services’ injury-detecting AID (Automatic Injury Detection) technology. Courtesy of WSLS 10 and YouTube.)

Select Engineering Services (SES) is a high-tech firm that designs and manufactures Automatic Injury Detection (AID) Sensors.  After years of research and development, SES has developed potentially lifesaving technology for Law Enforcement Officers, Military Personnel, and First Responders.

SES has dedicated itself to doing all possible to protect those individuals who place their lives daily to protect us. AID Sensors are currently in the field with Law Enforcement and Military personnel.

To learn more, please visit www.selectengineering.net.

Select Engineering Services Returns to Compete in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

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.

AST is pleased to announce that Steven M. Dettelbach, the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), has agreed to participate in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon as our keynote speaker.

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 Book Signing Opportunities and Special Guest Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

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.

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 Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.

Please join AST in Welcoming Director Dettelbach and Commissioner Sewell to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City.

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your Seat or reserve a Table and Receive a Special Early Bird Discount.

***Limited space available. There will be No On-Site registrations.

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.

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.

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.

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 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)

And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:

ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,

IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!

In 2022, AST was 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 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.

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.

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

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis 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 LLC, Singlewire 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 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 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
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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