Enhancing Physical Security: Alvarado Turnstiles and Garrett Metal Detectors

By Alana Hanly, Security Consultant at Kenton Brothers

In an ever-evolving world, ensuring physical security is incredibly important. Businesses, public spaces, and institutions face the challenge of safeguarding their premises and protecting individuals from potential threats. Two powerful tools that contribute significantly to physical security are Alvarado turnstiles and Garrett metal detectors. In this blog, we will explore how these technologies work and discuss their valuable role in various physical security scenarios.

Alvarado Turnstiles: An Overview

Alvarado TurnstilesAlvarado turnstiles are sophisticated entry control systems designed to regulate and monitor access to premises. Depending on the type of organization, these turnstiles offer a range of features, including barrier arms, optical sensors, and biometric authentication ensuring only authorized personnel can enter a secure area. Let’s look at some scenarios where Alvarado turnstiles play a pivotal role in enhancing physical security:

Crowd Management at Public Venues

Alvarado turnstiles help efficiently manage large crowds at stadiums, arenas, and concert venues. By controlling the flow of people, these turnstiles prevent unauthorized access and ensure a smooth and orderly entry process. Additionally, they can be integrated with ticketing systems or access control software, providing real-time data for attendance tracking and capacity management, or be implemented with Alvarado’s own Gate Watch software to support your organizational needs.

Employee Access Control

Alvarado TurnstilesIn corporate settings, Alvarado turnstiles act as a reliable solution for employee access control. By implementing turnstile systems with RFID or biometric authentication, businesses can restrict entry to authorized personnel only. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive areas, safeguarding valuable assets and confidential information.

Transportation Hubs

Airports, train stations, and bus terminals face unique security challenges due to high volumes of people and the need to ensure restricted areas remain secure. Alvarado turnstiles enable effective access control, allowing only ticketed passengers or authorized personnel into secure zones. They can be seamlessly integrated with security systems, such as video surveillance and alarm systems, to enhance overall safety.

Garrett Metal Detectors: Enhancing Threat Detection

Garrett Metal DetectorsGarrett Metal Detectors are renowned for their advanced technology in detecting metallic objects, offering an additional layer of security in various environments. Here are some of the common scenarios where these devices are used:

Weapons Screening

In locations where public safety is a priority, such as airports, courthouses, and public buildings, Garrett metal detectors are deployed to detect concealed weapons or dangerous objects. By creating a security checkpoint, these detectors help deter potential threats and provide a reliable means of identifying individuals carrying prohibited items.

Event Security

When large gatherings, conferences, or exhibitions take place, Garrett metal detectors play a crucial role in screening attendees for any concealed weapons or dangerous objects. Their presence serves as a deterrent and assures event organizers and participants of a secure environment. These detectors can be used alongside security personnel to conduct quick and non-intrusive screenings.

Loss Prevention

Garrett Metal DetectorsIn retail settings, shoplifting and employee theft pose significant challenges. Garrett metal detectors help prevent inventory shrinkage by detecting unauthorized metal objects leaving the premises. By incorporating metal detection systems at exits, retailers can reduce theft incidents and create a safer shopping environment for customers and employees.

In closing, Alvarado turnstiles and Garrett metal detectors are valuable tools in bolstering physical security across a wide range of scenarios. Whether it’s managing crowds, controlling access to restricted areas, or enhancing threat detection, these technologies offer effective solutions for safeguarding people and assets. By implementing these systems, businesses, institutions, and public venues can create secure environments, assuring individuals of their safety and peace of mind.

If you would like to know more about these solutions, we are here to help. Please give us a call.

Evolv Technology – New Weapons Detection Tech Protects Schools, Businesses and Sporting Events

Evolv TechnologyBy David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

Innovation is a Kenton Brothers Systems for Security core value. As a 125 year old company, we’ve had to innovate to stay relevant to the needs of our market over the decades of serving our customers. To that end, we are constantly engaged with security industry manufacturers to stay on top of new technologies and how they can impact our mission of Protecting People Property and Possessions.

Evolv Technology

Evolv Technology is a new and innovative weapons detection platform that detects weapons without the long lines you would normally associate with traditional metal detection. If you’ve spent a long time waiting to get into a school or sporting event while the metal detectors do their job, you may be familiar with the frustration that many people feel. We all want a safe experience, and we’re all willing to go through the screening process. However, we’ve all thought to ourselves, “There has to be a better way!” Evolv has created it.

Evolv TechnologyAs the nation debates ways to keep our schools safe, Evolv is creating solutions that give us viable options today. Several school systems across the country have placed Evolv systems in their schools to help promote safe learning environments.

Evolv combines Artificial intelligence with digital sensors to accurately screen visitors, students and staff 10 times faster than traditional methods. Evolv Technology provides touchless security screening that delivers safety without sacrificing the visitor /student experience. Evolv can distinguish between every day items that a person carries and weapons. The system allows car keys, cell phones and spare change to pass through, while alerting on the knives, guns and other threat objects when they are detected.

If a person is carrying a weapon, the sytem will give you an alert to a tablet that a staff member monitors. This alert identifies the person that needs to be screened further and the location of the weapon on that person. This person can enter secondary screening while allowing the flow of students or visitors into the building or venue.

Benefits in a School Setting

  • Eliminate lines of students waiting to pass through security screening
  • Allow students to keep back packs on
  • Enable students to get to class on time without security disruptions
  • Reduce secondary security check alarms from around 40% to less than 10%
  • Easy staff training process – less than one day
  • Create secure environment for learning

Evolv Technology Evolv Technology

A Smart System with Powerful Analytics

The Evolv system also gives you actionable data and ongoing learning that you can use to make adjustments to your policies and procedures.  It’s a smart system that has powerful analytics on board.  The cameras on the system can add focus and attention alarms as well as facial recognition to alert if banned or troublesome persons are trying to gain access to the building or venue.

Evolv TechnologyWith the workforce crunch we are all facing, one huge benfit of this system is the reduction in manpower over traditional systems.  Many venues and school have seen a reduction of over 50% in staffing requirements.

When you combine these factors, you quickly see how the innovation that Evolv brings to the marketplace will quickly have a big impact.

Case Studies

If you would like to discuss how Kenton Brothers can help you innovate your weapons detection process or explore the decision to start a process please give us a call today. We offer these services free to our community.

SmartScan Screening Solutions from Garrett Metal Detectors

By Alana Hanly, Security Consultant at Kenton Brothers

Garrett Metal Detectors - SmartScanIn 2020, many businesses have responded to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to provide solutions that we at Kenton Brothers like to call COVID Fighters. Our partners at Garrett Metal Detectors have developed a fully HIPAA compliant solution called SmartScan. This technology allows you to assess an average of 400 people an hour for health and safety screenings, hands on or hands free, in a single walkthrough.

Key Features of SmartScan

  • Quick-start operation
  • Fast detection of incoming traffic
  • Does not slow down your existing screening process
  • No technical staff needed to make initial temperature evaluations
  • Garrett Metal Detectors - SmartScanNo additional components requiring more floor space
  • Intuitive status indicators for startup, calibration, and elevated temperature alarms
  • A CTR (Constant Temperature Reference) is not required for operation
  • Visual and audible alarm options
  • False Alarm mitigation through non-facial detection sensing
  • Visual and audible alarm options
    • Patron Throughput Counting

Compliance

The SmartScan Metal Detectors are made and assembled in Garland, Texas, making them Buy American Approved, Section 889 Compliant, and NDAA Compliant for our critical infrastructure. This means that they are an approved investment with Cares Act Funding and utilize technology only from safe trade partners.

SmartScan Technology

Garrett Metal Detectors - SmartScanThe SmartScan system will scan temperatures using a dual camera system that can discreetly provide a lighted “Go” or “No Go” indication to an operator assigned to the unit. When no operator is present, the indication system is easy to understand, allowing guests to proceed through the detector with no delays. In addition, it will also generate the throughput counts for review without keeping any other personal data of guests or employees that use these walk through metal detectors.

This solution is offered as a new accessory feature to the PD 6500i and MZ 6100 units, and existing units can be retrofitted with the technology. The field upgrade process is a quick process for existing Garrett users. For PD 6500i users, Garrett’s Quick-Q™ cellphone elimination technology can be used in conjunction with SmartScan to further expedite the screening process and promote touchless screening.

This is a great solution when you need to quickly assess a lot of people moving through commercial spaces.

Please let us know if you would like to learn more about how Garrett Metal Detectors with SmartScan technology can protect your People, Property and Possessions.

Metal Detectors – Why schools should buy them now!

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

Kenton Brothers Systems for security offers a full line of physical security products and services.

One of the most recognizable brands that we proudly represent is Garrett Metal Detectors.

Garrett is the market leader in metal detectors and continues to innovate and bring new technology to the marketplace. For over 50 years Garrett has protected events, courthouses and schools all over the world.

Right now is a great time for schools to buy a metal detector and here is why:

Garrett School Security Savings1) Garrett Metal detectors has announced that they are offering a sharply discounted school package.

Garrett’s PD 6500i walk-through metal detector provides advanced technology, rugged durability, and multi-zone location of one or more targets simultaneously.

This package includes six essential items to provide your school with fully mobile walk-throughs that can be deployed on battery power.

  1. PD 6500i walk-through metal detector: 33 detection zones
  2. SuperScanner® V hand-held metal detector
  3. Walk-through caster set: for easy portability
  4. Battery Modules: lithium ion, for backup power or multi-hour cordless operation Wireless
  5. Sync Module: synchronizes multiple close proximity walk-throughs
  6. 3-year Warranty: extended from normal 2-year warranty

This package is normally $6,600.00 but is now only $3,800.00! (freight not included)

2) Garrett is also giving you a complete guide to implementation.

Garrett recognizes that implementing Metal detectors in schools comes with a lot of planning and forethought. They’ve produced a complete white paper and implementation guide from real life experiences to make this planning easier.  You can attend the KB Event listed below or call our office to arrange a copy.

Garrett Metal Detectors: Keep your school safe.3) Kenton Brothers Systems for security is hosting an Event to help schools understand this promotion and the implementation guide on May 30, 2019.

If you are in education at any level, you want to ink this on your calendar. We will discuss the step by step implementation guide to begin using metal detectors in your school.  Please join us by signing up for the free event at kentonbrothers.com/events

We look forward to talking with you soon!

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security Helps Keep Westport Safe by Keeping Weapons Out

Westport protects patrons with metal detection technology from iconic, local security solutions provider.

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security created a metal detection technology package in response to the Westport Regional Business League (WRBL) request for a solution that enhances patron safety without sacrificing the entertainment district’s sense of inclusion. The effort to help keep Westport safe for all by keeping weapons out required out-of-the-box thinking from the WRBL, Kansas City’s city council members and Kenton Brothers.

Westport has been a flourishing commerce area known for dining, drinking and entertainment since the days when the California, the Santa Fe, and the Oregon Pioneer Trails passed through Westport on Westport Road in the mid-1830s. Recent incidents of violence called for a creative solution to keep Westport’s patrons safe, especially on weekend evenings.

Like Westport, Kenton Brothers has been a fixture in Kansas City since the 1800s, securing people, property and possessions. With all Westport’s merchants’ support, the WBRL trusted Kenton Brothers to create a metal detection package that was easy to use, move and store, makes visitors feel safe, and isn’t perceived as a barrier to entrance.

“Anywhere crowds gather, using metal detection is an appropriate way to protect patrons. This is part of the world we live in today. There are and will continue to be entertainment districts that add metal detection. It’s the prudent thing to do,” says Kim Kimbrough, executive director, WRBL.

Kenton Brothers delivered a self-contained, packaged system for Westport’s four main entrances along its corridor. The system includes:

  • Garrett metal detectors, which set the industry standard for metal detection technology and are used around the world in sports and entertainment venues and commercial buildings
  • Casters for easily moving the units
  • Battery packs for powering the units
  • A handheld wand metal detector

The detectors go into service on Fridays and Saturdays between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., according to the WRBL site: https://westportkcmo.com/safety/