A major international airport in the United States has selected the Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System, as a part of overall upgrades to strengthen security against the active shooter threat.
The Guardian system will alert airport authorities to the precise location of the shooter within one second of the gunshot detection. The airport will install the Guardian system first as a stand-alone active shooter detection and locating capability, followed by integration with the airport’s paging, access control and video management systems over the next year.
The challenges facing today’s airport security and public safety officials have become increasingly more complex. Recent active shooter events have lead to several invitations by airports and and other agencies to have the SDS systems tested at travel terminals, administration buildings, and municipal facilities.
(Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System acts on real-time gunshot detection and alerting protocols, reducing response time and saving lives in the event of an active shooter incident. Courtesy of Shooter Detection Systems and YouTube)
In each test, the Guardian was the only system to detect 100% of all shots fired and have no false alerts.
The airport installation and systems integration will be performed by SDS Certified Dealer Convergint Technologies, a global, service-based systems integrator with headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois.
“Convergint Technologies is constantly working to bring the newest and best technologies to its customers around the world and is excited to partner with SDS in this first of what we expect to be many airport and other vertical deployments,” said Ken Lochiatto, Convergint CEO.
“We have seen rapid adoption of the SDS’s products as clients search for ways to better secure and respond to active shooter threats.”
The widespread use of social media creates a new responsibility for security professionals to manage, placing even more pressure on the need for immediate and accurate incident reporting to maintain order and swiftly gain control of a situation.
Public venues are broadcast live when an active shooter incident happens and the event instantly trends across multiple media platforms. False active shooter alerts like those reported recently at John F. Kenney and Los Angeles International Airports cause panic, chaos, and social media response equal to actual threats.
With the installation of SDS’ zero false alert, one second response gunshot detection system, the airport will now have an essential tool to assist airport authorities in an active shooter or false active shooter event.
“When the news reports about a deadly shooting at the Ft. Lauderdale airport came in, we had just gathered for the kickoff meeting for this airport project,” said Christian Connors, SDS CEO.
“SDS was formed by a team that supported our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan by fielding the Boomerang Gunshot Detection System. Sniper incidents and casualties significantly decreased where the system was installed.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the tragedy in Ft. Lauderdale,” added Connors. “We look forward to continuing our conversations with governing agencies and customers and being a part of the solution to enhance security against the active shooter threat.”
Shooter Detection Systems is the world leader in indoor gunshot detection technology.
Developed in conjunction with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Raytheon, SDS’ gunshot detection systems utilize the most advanced and proven shooter detection technologies available in the commercial market.
SDS is focused on saving lives through the use of proven, militarygrade technology designed by the world’s foremost scientists. The company’s technology is currently deployed in schools, healthcare facilities, Fortune 500 corporations, municipal buildings, court systems, major utilities, manufacturing plants, high-rise office buildings, with upcoming installations in airports, financial institutions, and government and private buildings.
