42 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • February/March 2016 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
A
lthough the reasons why are unclear,
U.S. cities have begun to see an
increase in murder rates after a
long period of decline. According
to the New York Times, which
broke the stor y in August of
2015, 30 cities, including New York, Baltimore,
Washington, New Orleans, and St. Louis, have
reported sharp spikes in violence over the past
year. Additionally, a recent FBI report identi-
fied 160 "active shooter " incidents that have
occurred between 2000 and 2013, including the
shootings at Aurora, Fort Hood, Newtown, Vir-
ginia Tech and the Washington Navy Yard.
As if that were not enough, the FBI also has to
deal with the growing terror threat represented
by the Islamic State and its recruitment efforts
within our own borders. In a recent interview,
FBI Director James Comey said the Bureau has
investigations active in all 50 states to counter
the group's persuasive social media campaign.
All too often these days, our law enforcement
ALPR Surges
in Public Safety Applications
National issues illustrate the growing need for advanced video surveillance
by John Chigos