Convergint Technologies, a worldwide leader in service-based systems integration, and Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), the world leader in gunshot detection technology, today announced that a major international airport in the United States has selected Convergint to install 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 location system, followed by integration with the airport’s paging, access control, and video management systems over the next year. A public announcement will be made by the airport when the initial project is completed over the next few months.
The challenges facing today’s airport security and public safety officials have become increasingly more complex. Recent active shooter events have led to several invitations by airports and other agencies to have the SDS systems tested at travel terminals, administration buildings, and municipal facilities. 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 Convergint Technologies. “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, CEO of Convergint Technologies. “We have seen rapid adoption of SDS 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. With the installation of SDS’ zero false alert gunshot detection system, the airport will now have an essential tool to assist airport authorities in an active shooter or false active shooter events.
Christian Connors, CEO of SDS said: “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. 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.” Connors added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the tragedy in Ft. Lauderdale. 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.”
About Shooter Detection Systems – Shooter Detection Systems is the world leader in indoor gunshot detection technology. SDS is focused on saving lives through the use of proven, military-grade technology.
About Convergint – Convergint Technologies is an industry-leading organization that designs, installs, and services integrated building systems including electronic security, fire alarm, and life safety systems.