After the recent terror attacks in Europe, security professionals have been seriously considering solutions that can detect gunshots and instantly alert authorities, according to a company that was invited by a UK agency to give a demonstration of its product in this category.
After the recent terror attacks in Europe, security professionals have been seriously considering solutions that can detect gunshots and instantly alert authorities, according to a company that was invited by a UK agency to give a demonstration of its product in this category.
The Rowley, Massachusetts-based Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) produces Guardian gunshot detection system that give its customers immediate notification of a shooting incident, without complex and expensive interpretation. Speaking to
asmag.com, Christian Connors, CEO of SDS, indicated the company has been seeing an increased interest for its solution after the attacks in Europe.
“Since the attacks in Paris and most recently in Brussels, we have had more serious discussions in these markets, with the most real potential in the United Kingdom,” Connors said. “We were invited by a UK agency last year to do a live demonstration and left a system behind for six months of exhaustive testing.”
At the heart of the Guardian solution is a sensor the size of a standard electrical box placed strategically throughout a facility to detect gunshots. When it identifies a gunshot, the system simultaneously alerts building occupants and security personnel with an audible “shot detected” alert and a visual of the gunshot location on a floor plan of the building. At the same time, the system will send out alerts, with the location, via e-mail and text message to building occupants, enabling quick evacuation and other safety measures.
Connors said the solution was first intended for schools where active shooter cases have become a major security issue. But after a successful installation at the Massachusetts school, the company began to receive enquiries from various potential customers including several Fortune 500 companies.
But today there are several companies in the market that offer shooter detection solutions. What makes Guardian special? According to Connors, their solution stands out with infrared and acoustic sensors that can see and hear the gunshots.
“Guardian is the only gunshot detection sensor available with military proven, proprietary acoustic software coupled with infrared sensors to instantly know the difference between a loud noise and a gunshot.”
-Christian Connors, CEO, Shooter Detection Systems
“Guardian is the only gunshot detection sensor available with military proven, proprietary acoustic software coupled with infrared sensors to instantly know the difference between a loud noise and a gunshot,” Connors said. “False alerts are unacceptable to us and our customers, so I would say that both our technology and performance stand out as the biggest difference between us and others attempting to compete in this market.”
The solution can be integrated with the existing security setup, like video surveillance cameras, door locking mechanisms and mass notification systems.