Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40004
6 NEWS www.securitysystemsnews.com SEPTEMBER 2011 SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS NEWS Polltakers: Security concerns linger By Daniel Gelinas YARMOUTH, Maine—A non-scien- tifi c July-to-August poll of SSN's readers found that a majority of the 74 poll-takers believe the country's airports, ports, mass transit, critical infrastructure and public buildings are not suffi - ciently protected. Security Systems News wanted to fi nd out what the effect of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks has been on the industry. Most voters, 69 percent, responded "No" when asked, "Are our country's airports, ports, mass transit, critical infrastructure and public buildings suffi ciently pro- tected?" Twenty-two percent feel this infrastructure is adequately protected and the remaining 9 percent are unsure. "We don't need Americans to feel safer. We need America to be a safe place to live," commented Fred Zagurski, principal of secu- rity industry consulting fi rm Fred Zagurski Consultants. Security Systems News also asked readers, "What have been the most important effects of the 9/11 tragedy on the security industry?" An overwhelming majority—95 percent—believe the most important impact of 9/11/2001 on the security indus- try is its impact on the American psyche. A majority of poll takers say an improved overall aware- ness of the importance of secu- rity is a lasting and important effect of the national tragedy. Five percent said improved detection and surveillance technologies and integrated systems was the most important outcome. Lastly, SSN wanted to know what path readers think the industry should take to ensure a safer U.S. We asked you, "What could/ should the industry do to help Americans feel safer?" Fifty-seven percent said more private/public partnerships are needed. Another 35 percent cited more R&D into advanced technologies, and a fi nal 8 percent believe more lobbying for government grants is a worth- while endeavor. SSN NEWSPOLL Are our country's airports, ports, mass transit, critical instrastructure and public buildings suffi ciently protected? What have been the most important effects of the 9/11 tragedy on the security industry? 1% 4% 9% 22% 35% 57% 69% es. o. nsure. 95% mproved detection/ surveillance technologies. More integrated systems. mproved overall aareness of the importance of security. 8% More R&D into advanced technology. More lobbying for government grants. More private/public sector partnerships. NEWSPOLL based on answers provided by 74 respondents in July and August. What could/should the industry do to help Americans feel safer? HOW I USE MY SYSTEM Talking panels and keypads with Morgan Hertel M ACE CS, the central station arm acquired by Mace Secu- rity International in 2009, is based in Anaheim, Calif. The company also in 2009 wooed The Command Cen- ter's Morgan Hertel over to be VP of operations and GM. Security Systems News took some time recently to chat with Morgan about his own use of security and what he sees as important endeavors for the industry going forward. What kind of system do you have, Morgan? I have DMP XR 500. I'm using it over IP with DMP cell back up and AES radi- os. I use both hardwired and two way wireless. It's also integrated into a Mace brand DVR for video veri- fi cation. Mace CS VP of operations and GM Morgan Hertel looks in on his home remotely through his smartphone. How does your system fi t into your lifestyle? I control all my lights with it. So for example, all the lights turn on and off through my DMP schedules; I do all my lawn sprinklers through the DMP. When you open my front door it turns on the entry lights. At Christmas time, I have a separate schedule for turning the Christmas lights on and off. If my pool is on and somebody comes through the front door, it sounds a chime by the pool. Do you have any extras or cool features? In the house we use the DMP Glass Pads, which are not really touchscreens, but they're this clear glass screen. It's pretty cool looking. Obviously I've got fi re and CO detection, as well. Also when the system is armed, it changes the thermostats to con- serve power. Why is security important to you? When I started in the industry in 1978, crawling around in attics, I actually got burglarized in my fi rst home and that's just a really terrible feeling. The company I was working for at the time gave me some equipment and I've had one in every home since then for 30 years. And I've put in every one myself. What do you see coming as a big trend? Aside from communication issues—my system at home hasn't been connected to a POTS line for five or six years now—as we look at a younger audience, mobility is becoming more and more a big deal. Mobile apps and texting are just going to become part of life for security. Things are easier to do today. Hooking up your Christmas lights 15 years ago was a big deal. It's really not today. SSN —Daniel Gelinas How do you fi nd your perfect Security job or the perfect candidate? A niche job board is the answer. Whether you're looking for the perfect candi- date, or the perfect job, the SSN Career Center is the place to fi nd both. This specifi c online job hub focuses solely on connecting security job with experienced professionals. It's as easy as just signing up. You can post jobs, post resumes, set alerts and more! Start making your connections today! ssncareercenter.com new jobs postings Follow us! job seeking advice tips on resumes, interviews & more