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Orlando International First To Launch Biometric Kiosks for Arriving Passengers From Visa Waiver Countries
The Vancouver ‘Experience’ ORLANDO, FL. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the first U.S. airport to welcome travelers from visa waiver countries with innovative biometric kiosks to expedite the arrival experience. These self-service kiosks are now operational and processing international passengers who have Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. The passenger-friendly kiosk enable travelers from arriving international flights to complete their Customs Declaration Form on touch-screens, have passports read and fingerprints and facial images captured. The innovative system adopts a “land, touch, go” concept that enhances the arrival experience. “This continues our Board and staff’s commitment to positioning Orlando International as a world-class airport in customer service,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Reducing the times for arrival processing enhances the customer’s Orlando experience and makes Orlando an even more attractive global destination.” “This has been a collaborative effort with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), SITA (Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques) and Vision-Box,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “It introduces innovative technologies to meet a real world need.” International traffic increased 4.9% for the rolling 12 months. Orlando has non-stop international service to 34 destinations.
Source www.aviationpros.com
Spanish Researchers Sniff Out Emerging Biometric Modality
February 6, 2014 – Researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, along with the Ilía Sistemas company, are currently developing a new biometric modality that’s existed in the animal kingdom long before now: body odor. The research of the Group of Biometrics, Biosignals and Security (GB2S) of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) in collaboration with Ilía Sistemas SL has found that there are recognizable patterns of each person’s body odor that remain steady, which allows for identification with 85% accuracy. The researchers are also quick to point out that there is no criminal stigma attached to body odor identification, as there is to fingerprints and the nature of this kind of sensing could be quite uninvasive. “Identification could be at the same time when crossing the system stall,” the researchers say of a potential B.O. –sensing system installed somewhere like a train station or airport. Body odor can vary considerably, but the research carried out by the group of the GB2S of the UPM showed that during the analysis of 13 people in 28 sessions, recognizable patterns in BO make identification possible with an rate error of 15%. Sensors designed to smell people are increasingly sophisticated, but still can’t hold up to the accuracy of a dog. That being said, a system developed by the Ilí Sistemas SL company used in the trials, “has a high sensitivity to detect volatile elements present in body odor.” Developers are increasingly looking to other quantifiable measures for biometric identification, and body odor […]
Source www.biometricupdate.com
Florida Lawmakers To Consider Banning Biometrics In Schools
TALLAHASSEE — Polk County parents were apoplectic last year when they discovered the school district had been scanning the irises of students’ eyes without parental permission. The controversial practice might soon be banned. On Tuesday, state lawmakers will take up a proposal that would prohibit school districts from collecting biometric information, including the characteristics of fingerprints, hands, eyes and the voice. It would affect the Pinellas County school district, which allows schools to scan the palms of students’ hands instead of accepting cash in the cafeteria, and school systems that use fingerprint scanners. “We’ve been able to get kids through a lunch line for decades,” said state Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican who brought the idea to the Florida Senate. “Why do we need to take their biometric information when we know there is the potential for identity theft?” But the idea may meet resistance from local school boards, some of which want the flexibility to create their own policies. “Biometrics is coming,” said Miami-Dade School Board member Raquel Regalado, who spearheaded an effort to create a local biometrics policy this month. “It exists in the market. It will exist in our schools. It may end up being a viable way to ensure there isn’t fraud.” Broward school officials said there is no district-wide use of biometrics. The measure being considered by the Florida Legislature is part of a larger bill meant to address concerns over student data security. For years, Florida schools have used student achievement […]
Source www.bradenton.com
North America Leads World Government Biometric Systems Market
TD The Market Publishers Ltd London, UK (PRWEB) January 23, 2014 The worldwide market for government biometric systems is poised to be on an upward trend through to 2024. Currently, North America ranks as the leading regional market, driven primarily by the constantly rising demand for fingerprint recognition systems in the USA. The expenditures on government biometric systems in APAC are anticipated to witness substantial growth through 2024. Meantime, other emerging markets like Africa and Latin America are also anticipated to see positive growth in the upcoming decade. The spending on biometrics systems in the European countries is likely to be propelled by the increasing demand for national ID programs and e-passports. Biometric fingerprint identification and facial recognition segments are expected to call for the dominant market shares of the overall government biometric systems market in the next 10 years. The retinal/iris recognition segment is forecast to register a 5.79% CAGR through 2024. The major challenges being faced by the world government biometric systems market include, among others, the complexity and cost of implementation of such systems, as well as a strict control of access to databases keeping personal identification information. New research report “ The Global Government Biometric Systems Market 2014-2024 ” worked out by Strategic Defence Intelligence (SDI) has been recently published by Market Publishers Ltd. Report Details: Title: The Global Government Biometric Systems Market 2014-2024 Published: January, 2014 Pages: 173 Price: US$ 4,800.00 http://marketpublishers.com/report/industry/defence-security/global-government-biometric-systems-market-2014-2024.html An up-to-bottom view of the current situation in the worldwide market for […]
Source www.prweb.com
Bank Aljazira Deploys VidSys PSIM To Centralize Security Operations
By Kirsty McMahon on January 20, 2014 vidsys-logo Bank Aljazira (BAJ), a leading Shari’ah compliant financial institution in Saudi Arabia, has deployed VidSys Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, in order to reduce risk and enforce standards across its security operations. With the financial industry institutions facing increasingly sophisticated threats directed at bank assets and brand integrity, BAJ’s security team sought to reduce risk and ensure compliance with recently strengthened Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) security regulations. BAJ selected the VidSys PSIM to help implement rigorous corporate standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all its facilities, including ATMs, cash centres, branches and corporate buildings. With a multitude of systems, sensors and devices all generating alerts and alarms, BAJ needed to create a streamlined and centralised view of operations. Leveraging the PSIM platform, the BAJ security team can now efficiently detect, analyse and respond to any incident across its geographically dispersed locations, while simultaneously adhering to its SOPs and complying with new SAMA regulations and standards. SecuTronic, a leading Middle East systems integrator, deployed the VidSys PSIM software platform, leveraging this technology to enable integration of multiple proprietary systems, including GE and Nedap access control technology, fire systems from Bosch and Simplex, video from Dedicated Micros and American Dynamics and a large network of ATMs. The VidSys multi-vendor video management application tightly integrates BAJ’s surveillance capability with alarms to provide real-time verification. By combining all of the systems into one user interface, the VidSys solution facilitates greater situation awareness and resolution […]
Source www.securitynewsdesk.com
Barracuda Networks Founder & Former CEO Dean Drako Launches Eagle Eye
Check out our press release hub , powered by Business Wire. It’s a one stop shop for industry announcements to help you stay on top of the latest technology and investment trends. Get the scoop here . Company Provides On-Demand Security & Operations Video Management AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–January 21, 2014– Eagle Eye Networks, Inc. formally introduced itself today as a provider of an on-demand security and operations video management system. In other news today, Eagle Eye also announced that its flagship product, the Eagle Eye Security Camera Video Management System (VMS), was released to the channel after 18 months of development and successful deployment with a large variety of customers. Eagle Eye Networks is delivering the benefits of the cloud to the video surveillance customer, such as on-demand deployment, centralized management, high reliability, and lower TCO. At the same time it eliminates historical obstacles to broad cloud deployment, such as security/privacy vulnerabilities and high bandwidth consumption. The VMS is compatible with most IP and analog cameras allowing maximum flexibility for customers and resellers. A 2013 survey of 283 IT security decision makers showed that 49% are involved in supporting or selecting video security/surveillance products. This illustrates the high overhead for installing, configuring, and maintaining the hardware and software needed for video surveillance systems. “I started Eagle Eye Networks to bring the compelling advantages of secure, on-demand, cloud based, video management and recording to customers,” said Dean Drako, President and CEO of Eagle Eye Networks. “Further I wanted to deliver an easy-to-use full […]
Source venturebeat.com
Activists Now Want Houston PD To Install More Dashcams
HOUSTON – Some activist wants more Houston Police Department vehicles to have dashcams. Right now, according to a Houston Chronicle report, only five percent of HPD cars have dashcams. The Dallas Police Department has dashcams in 55 percent of its fleet. Some activists believe more cameras could keep more people safe. That’s why community leaders took to Houston City Hall Tuesday afternoon. But Ray Hunt with the Houston Police Officers Union says the lack of dashcams doesn’t hinder officers from doing their jobs. “Last night there was a shooting that was nowhere near the car, a dashcam would have done nothing at all to capture any information there,” he said. He went on to say that in most questionable cases, video is available from other sources. In the case of Chad Holley, the robbery suspect who was beaten by HPD officers, the video was not from a dashcam, but from nearby security cameras. Recently, the department announced that 100 officers were equipped with body cameras and more could come. Print Woman fights off attacker in NW Harris County park Katy HS student accused of possessing a weapon at school appears in court Burglars use power grinder to try and break into bank’s drive-through ATM Houston police investigate fatal shooting of man in west Houston Student charged after ‘zip gun’ found at Seven Lakes High School Several arrested during raid of north Houston game room FBI releases photos of suspect in First Convenience Bank robbery Man shot once during […]
Source www.khou.com
ImageWare Systems To Showcase GoMobile Interactive Multi-Modal Biometric Cloud Identity Management Services For Mobile Retail Payment
01/10/2014 | 08:30am US/Eastern Recommend: SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwired – Jan 10, 2014) – ImageWare Systems, Inc. ( OTCQB : IWSY ) (IWS), a leader in mobile and cloud-based, multi-modal biometric identity management solutions , will showcase its next-generation cloud identity management and authentication service, GoMobile Interactive™ (GMI), at Retails BIG Show, the National Retail Federation 103 rd Annual Convention & EXPO. The event will be held at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in New York City on January 13-14, 2014, and ImageWare will be in the Fujitsu booth 3319. "In 2012, the United States saw more than 12 million identity fraud victims at a dollar cost of $21 billion, with the average financial loss per identity theft totaling $4,930," said Jim Miller, chairman and CEO of ImageWare Systems. "Worldwide mobile payments are expected to become a $400 billion market by 2015 and retail businesses will be at the forefront to protect themselves and their consumers. We are pleased to demonstrate such an important service and technology at Retail’s BIG Show with the IT security industry’s most reliable form of identity theft protection for accessing their gateway accounts via desktop and mobile devices." GoMobile Interactive (GMI) is a cloud-based, multi-modal biometric mobile identity management solution that enables messaged based unparalleled identity verification for existing and new mobile banking, mobile wallet, and other mobile applications that require a next-generation method to automate and verify the identity of the customer. GMI ensures fraud protection now at risk though legacy services and verifies […]
Source www.4-traders.com
UK Schools Fast To Adopt Biometrics: 1M+ Pupils Registered
New research has been published that shows more than one million children in England have had their fingerprints taken by their school, demonstrating a high demand for the technology despite possible privacy concerns. The figures come from a Big Brother Watch report " Biometrics in Schools " which calculated that over 1.28 million students had been fingerprinted in secondary schools and academies (based on data from the 2012-13 academic year). The research, gathered from Freedom of Information Requests to more than 3,000 schools, shows that at the start of the academic year 2012-13 an estimated 40% of schools in England are using biometric technology. Laws governing the enrolling of biometrics in schools were enshrined in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Before that Act came into force, Big Brother Watch estimates that 31% of schools did not consult parents before enrolling children. Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, the rules for schools and colleges that use biometric recognition systems, such as fingerprint identification and facial scanning, now state: For all pupils in schools and colleges under 18, they must obtain the written consent of a parent before they take and process their child’s biometric data. They must treat the data with appropriate care and must comply with data protection principles as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998. They must provide alternative means for accessing services where a parent or pupil has refused consent. A spokesman at the Association of School and College Leaders – which represents secondary […]
Source www.planetbiometrics.com
Biometrics: A Field That?s More Than Meets The Eye
biometrics By Maryalene LaPonsie, OnlineDegrees.com Cellphone passwords are so passé. With the launch of the iPhone 5s, the new way to unlock your cellphone is with a fingerprint. It is one of the latest — and most visible — ways biometrics is going from the realm of sci-fi fantasy to mainstream reality. Biometrics holds the potential to do everything from enhance national security to improve marketing displays in stores. It’s a hot field that isn’t going to be replaced anytime soon, meaning there should be plenty of jobs in the biometric field for years to come. Biometric basics According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation , biometrics are biological or behavioral characteristics that can be measured. In other words, biometrics is what allows Facebook to suggest you tag your roommate in that photo on your newsfeed. It also includes voice recognition, optical scans and even the keystroke dynamics of how someone types on the computer. Despite the recent hype around biometrics with the iPhone launch, it is nothing new. The granddaddy of biometrics is fingerprinting, and the FBI has been amassing a collection of fingerprints since 1924. Even the more high tech biometric applications aren’t all that new. Consider that more than 20 years ago, Robert Redford was fumbling to convince a security system “My voice is my passport” as he worked to bypass a biometric system in 1992′s minor cult classic “Sneakers.” What is new is the price. While biometric systems were previously so expensive that their applications […]
Source www.theworkbuzz.com
NYCHA On Track To Complete CCTV Installation At City Council-Funded Developments By End Of 2013
“Since my appointment as Chairman, we have taken decisive, proactive measures and have made cost-effective choices to ensure a long-term, sustainable approach to security, which has resulted in the installation of more than 5,000 closed-circuit television cameras at more than 500 buildings in the past four-and-a-half years alone,” said NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea. “As we outlined in Plan NYCHA, all of these process improvements are a direct result of NYCHA’s commitment to making our developments safer and more secure for our residents and communities.” In 2009, NYCHA formed the Safety and Security Task Force, bringing together resident leaders, NYCHA management and the New York City Police Department, as well as other law enforcement stakeholders, to determine how best to utilize allocated funds, and find solutions to improve and strengthen NYCHA communities. The Task Force’s early findings suggested that NYCHA review and evaluate all new CCTV-related construction that had not yet been initiated. The effort led to a more comprehensive, standardized security model that would maximize the use of the City Council’s financial investment, while ensuring community support. The resulting Safety and Security Program included a universal platform for the selection and placement of security enhancements; and a comprehensive approach to security, known as layered access control, which includes modern intercoms and technologically advanced cameras. In 2010, NYCHA had $42 million to provide security enhancements for 85 designated developments. After presenting the new security system options to City Council Members, NYCHA sought and obtained buy-in for the use of […]
Source www.webnewswire.com
Digital Ally Awarded Statewide Contract With West Virginia
LENEXA, KS–(Marketwired – Dec 30, 2013) – Digital Ally, Inc. ( NASDAQ : DGLY ), which develops, manufactures and markets advanced video surveillance products for law enforcement, homeland security and commercial applications, today announced that it has been awarded a "sole-source" contract with the State of West Virginia to supply in-car video systems and related equipment to the state’s highway patrol department. The initial one-year contract, which was effective December 15, 2013 and includes a provision for two one-year renewals, authorizes the purchase of Digital Ally’s in-car video systems, particularly the DVM-750 , for installation in state trooper vehicles. The West Virginia State Police, which includes over 600 sworn officers, operates and maintains an active fleet of over 500 cruisers throughout the state. The Company expects to receive a significant purchase order from West Virginia in the first quarter of 2014 for the initial deployment of DVM-750 units and anticipates that the state will attempt to deploy in-car video systems in its entire fleet of vehicles during 2014 and 2015. "This represents the 26 th state contract our Company has received for in-car video systems and/or LIDAR speed enforcement products and the 5 th ‘sole-source’ contract involving in-car video systems," stated Stanton E. Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Ally, Inc. "The contract allows all other agencies, spending units and political subdivisions within the State of West Virginia, including state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies, to buy Digital Ally’s in-car video systems at the same prices and on […]
Source www.stockhouse.com
Namibia Unveils Biometric Machine For Voter Registration
namibia flag December 20, 2013 – Namibia is planning to use a biometric voter registration system for its upcoming election and the country’s electoral commission has just launched the machine it will be using to enroll voters. According to a report in The Namibian , the machines were manufactured in South Africa, and consist of a laptop, fingerprint scanner, camera and signature and barcode scanner. Voter registration starts on January 15 and ends on March 2 next year. Altogether there are 904 machines as well as generators and back-up kits for emergencies. “All systems are ready and in place but it is important to note that the success of any electoral process depends on how the electoral and stakeholders are educated about the process,” Electoral Commission chairperson, Notemba Tjipueja said in The Namibian report. In December, 2012, Ghana held an election using biometric verification devices as the world watched with bated breath. Now, a year after the country’s election, results are still being contested , following much confusion over the status of verification machines during and after the election in Ghana. This isn’t the first time the biometric system used to verify voters has been called into question after-the-fact. Reported previously , Henrique Capriles Radonski, leader of the opposition in Venezuela, has demanded an audit of the entire election including fingerprints stored in the election registry, following his party’s loss by less than 2 percent in the country’s recent presidential elections. Also, following an election in Kenya using biometric verification, […]
Source www.biometricupdate.com
Hikvision Announces Partnership With Prysm Software
Hikvision Announces Partnership with Prysm Software Views:7 December 17, 2013 Hikvision and French security software developer Prysm recently announced the integration of all Hikvision products within the Prysm AppVision Physical Security Integration Manager. This combination allows Hikvision’s products to be managed directly from the AppVision PSIM video wall and video matrix, for integrated security and building automation projects around the globe. PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) is able to integrate different systems into a unified formula, such as video surveillance, access control, intrusion, fire and life safety, perimeter protection, or building automation. This also analyzes and assesses data from disparate systems, making intuitive decisions and also communicating with operators to form the proper response. With general awareness of this technology and its capability increasing over the years, PSIM markets now present robust opportunities for worldwide vendors. Hikvision, as a total video surveillance solution provider, also stands to prosper from this booming market due to the inherent necessity of global security needs. "Our collaboration with Hikvision recognizes the leading market position that Hikvision is now enjoying in many of the markets where the AppVision Community Partners operate. It also demonstrates our commitment to open architecture. This tie-up means that our Community Partners are now better positioned to offer competitive, robust, and scalable integrated security solutions for the benefit of the industry," stated Liam Heatley, Export Sales Manager at Prysm. "We are already seeing many benefits from this integration, as the Hikvision brand has further reinforced AppVision’s image as the best […]
Source www.4-traders.com
Gotcha! FBI Launches New Biometric Systems To Nail Criminals
Computerworld – Nearly 80 years after it began collecting fingerprints on index cards as a way to identify criminals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is moving to a new system that improves the accuracy and performance of its existing setup while adding more biometrics. By adding palm print, face and iris image search capabilities, the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) hopes to improve the accuracy of identity searches, make it easier to positively identify and track criminals as they move through the criminal justice system and provide a wider range of tools for crime scene investigators. To take full advantage of all of the new capabilities, however, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies may need to update their own systems to be able to capture the data, forward it to the FBI and search against the nationwide database. "Most booking stations are starting to gather all of the modalities — fingerprints, palm, and face and iris," says Jon Kevin Reid, assistant section chief in the CJIS division. But many regional and local law enforcement systems don’t yet capture all of that information, and will need to upgrade their own systems to reap the benefits from the new system. The current database, the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint ID System (IAFIS), includes information on 135 million criminals and terrorists, as well as civil servants and other citizens who work in "positions of trust." Since its launch in 2008, the $1.2 billion Next Generation Identification (NGI) project has been […]
Source www.computerworld.com
Review: Dropcam Video Monitoring Camera
If you want to set up a home monitoring camera but don’t want to run wiring or waste time configuring a system, there’s a product now available to Canadians that makes video surveillance simple. Dropcam is a small, cellphone-sized video monitoring camera that can rest on its stand or be mounted to a wall. It draws power from a USB cable plugged into a wall outlet and transmits video wirelessly to the cloud over a WiFi Internet connection. I tried out Dropcam Pro, while a simpler Dropcam model also exists. Optically, the Pro’s camera captures surprisingly sharp images for something just designed to keep tabs on your home, kids or outdoor scenery. This is largely thanks to the six-element glass lens system (compared to plastic lenses) with a 130-degree field of view to capture 720p HD video. Dropcam also says the image sensor is twice as large as the one found in the company’s previous Dropcam HD camera, which helps in low-light conditions. There are eight infrared LEDs to improve night vision surveillance. Now, here’s how Dropcam is smart. Video is uploaded using what they say is bank-level encryption to the cloud. From any device with a web connection (or the iPhone/Android apps) you can log in to see the live video, and use the camera’s microphone and speaker to have a remote conversation. Dropcam also detects when there’s motion or an unusual sound, sending you a push notification on your iPhone or an email to alert you that […]
Source www.ctvnews.ca
I-View Now Finalizes Hosted Video Partnership Agreement With Axis
[H]ard|Forum Shorehn Gawd, 8.2 Years Status: 1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc I just started my first job as a system administrator. We’ve got Linux servers and Macs in computer labs. I’d like to use this machine to try out KVM virtual machines for our servers, any CPU-intensive tasks I may eventually put on the servers, and possibly video editing software. (We’re looking at Linux and open source equivalents to stuff like Adobe due to budget cutbacks) 2) What’s your budget? Are tax and shipping included? The person I’m replacing claims that they’ll pay for anything "within reason" since they’re used to paying crazy prices for Macs. He said that I should have no trouble at all getting something around $800-1000. I’d like to keep it around that price so there’s enough money in the IT budget for other stuff. 3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible. Pittsburgh, PA. No Microcenter nearby 4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you’ll need. CPU, quiet HSF, motherboard, RAM, case, PSU, optical drive, hard disk (and/or SSD), hot swap bay, thermal paste. 5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model. Keyboard, mouse, monitor, and […]
Source hardforum.com
NFC-Enabled Multi-Function Payment Card Debuts In Sri Lanka
Home / MAIN IMAGE / NFC-enabled multi-function payment card debuts in Sri Lanka Groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by HNB with Visa, Airtel and market leader in NFC-enabled payment card technologies Sony Felica By Shabiya Ali Ahlam Sri Lanka yesterday saw the debut of its first-ever Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled multifunction payment card via a groundbreaking initiative by HNB with Visa, Airtel and two other leading partners. Branded HNB One, and approved by the Central Bank, the product is a Visa Debit Card upgraded to have a prepaid component. As the unique feature makes it a ‘combo’ card, the objective of HNB One is to facilitate speed in transactions. While the debit card feature will function in the regular manner, the NFC-enabled prepaid component will allow transactions to be simple and quick with its ‘tap and go’ functionality. The multiple applications include toll payments in the transport industry, drive-through areas of fast food outlets and fuel stations, to name a few. Aimed at enhancing customer convenience, the solution is powered by Sony Felica, the market leader in NFC-enabled payment card technologies, and Smart Metro, which is providing the NFC-enabled terminals. The solution was unveiled to the media yesterday at a conference attended by HNB Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Alles, Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO Suren Goonewardene and Smart Metro Director Chandana Wijesooriya. In addition to providing access to HNB savings and current accounts, customers can also access their prepaid account with HNB One, where fund transfers can be made between accounts through HNB’s extensive ATM and […]
Source www.ft.lk
Armenia: Only Biometric Passports And ID Cards To Be Issued From January 2014
Karen Ghazaryan Public Radio of Armenia The biometric passports and ID cards were implemented in Armenia on June 1, 2012. The system has proved successful, and the advantage of biometric passports is obvious. Therefore, starting from January 2014 citizens will get only biometric passports and ID cards. The documents will be given for the term of 10 years. According to Norayr Muradkhanyan, Head of the Visa and Passport Department of RA Police, the biometric passports and ID cards are better protected. “Families receiving poverty benefits and 16-year-old citizens will be provided ID cards free of charge,” he said. The old passports will remain in use until their validity term expires, Muradkhanyan said. Biometric passports are necessary for traveling abroad, while ID cards can be used on the territory of the Republic of Armenia. Comments comments
Source www.armradio.am
School Bus Surveillance Cameras Curb Misbehavior
Video surveillance on Copperas Cove school buses continues to reduce suspensions and school violence. Transportation Director Gary Elliot said the school district has seen a decline in school bus-related incidents compared to last year, with only 30 suspensions so far this year. “Those are very, very low numbers,” Elliot said. “We usually have right around 100 (suspensions) around this time. The cameras are a big part of it, because the students know they’re being videotaped.” The surveillance program was discussed at a Dec. 9 school board workshop. “Those cameras make discipline on buses easy,” Trustee Jim Copeland said. All 68 of the district’s route buses are fitted with Gatekeeper surveillance cameras and one-third of those are infrared capable, which Elliot said helps during early morning hours when it is still dark outside. Students can be suspended from school bus transportation for several major infractions, including bullying, fighting and constant use of profane language. With every bus incident, a referral is written and at least two staff members review the video footage before taking appropriate action. Copperas Cove High School senior Kelseigh Fife recalled a time when the surveillance cameras captured an incident on the bus. “(The camera) did help me. It got somebody in trouble that physically hurt me,” Fife said. “I did feel safer and I didn’t have any problems after that.” Fife and Elliot said the cameras deter most students from violating bus rules. “I think that it showed other people, once the cameras were on the […]
Source kdhnews.com