Category: Security

TSA Caught Over 5,000 Guns at Airports So Far in 2024

As air travel soared, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 5,028 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first nine months of 2024. This total represents an average of 18.3 firearms detected per day at TSA checkpoints, more than 93% of which were loaded. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened more than 678 million passengers through […]

Feds Offer K-12 School Guidance to Address ‘Scourge of Anonymous Threats’

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the Anonymized Threat Response Guidance: A Toolkit for K-12 Schools, a new resource to help K-12 schools and their law enforcement and community partners create tailored approaches to addressing anonymous threats of violence, including those received on social media. The toolkit outlines steps school leaders can take to […]

SIA Survey: Industry Confidence Spikes Among Security Leaders

Political conflict and gridlock may be weighing on some businesses, but more than seven out of 10 security industry leaders still reported positive conditions at their companies, according to the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) September-October Security Market Index (SMI) survey. Twenty-eight percent of survey participants said that current business conditions are “excellent,” while 43% described them […]

Think Big Picture When Evaluating Point Solutions vs. a BMS

It might surprise some to learn that building management systems (BMS) are not a 21st-century invention. The initial rudimentary BMS originated nearly 150 years ago with the development of the first thermostats used to manage boiler room temperatures. Building management has evolved extensively over the decades, from compressed air apparatus to electric to the now […]

Drone inspecting a construction workplace

Top Uses of Drones and Robots for Facilities

Futuristic technology is proving that it can create efficiencies for building operations, and facilities managers are finding ways to incorporate it into their tasks. But while many facilities managers may be knowledgeable about the Internet of Things (IoT), building information modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), new sustainability measures, and cloud-based solutions, there could be some […]

Adjusting Facility Design to Meet Today’s Security Demands

When designing facilities from the ground up, several key safety factors are understandably considered to ensure the safety of occupants. HVAC and fire code compliance—like fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and proper ventilation—are crucial. Planners ensure new facilities have clear exit paths, accessible exits, and adequate lighting. Facilities may incorporate basic security measures such as […]

DHS Awards $18M in Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded 35 grants, totaling $18 million, under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Awardees include public health organizations, colleges and universities, and groups working with underserved communities. The program is administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and […]

How Do We Stop These School Shootings?

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. The senseless killing of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in rural Georgia on Sept. 4 once again begs the question, “How do we stop these school shootings?” It seems we […]

Cleveland Guardians Hit Home Run with Stadium Network Upgrade

This wasn’t supposed to be the Cleveland Guardians’ year. Coming off a losing season in 2023, oddsmakers were projecting a similarly middling performance for the Major League Baseball team in 2024. Since then, the Guardians have done nothing but prove the oddsmakers wrong. Deep into the 2024 season, the team was on pace to exceed […]

The Hidden Benefits of a Well-Designed Security Barrier System

Security barrier systems are typically viewed as mere protective measures, installed to prevent unauthorized access and enhance safety. However, these systems offer a wealth of hidden benefits that extend far beyond their primary security function. In this guide, we’ll explore the lesser-known benefits of security barrier systems, revealing how they can be used to address […]