KJB President Jill Johnston Reflects on Fifteen Years at ISC West

It’s that time again to pack up and head to Las Vegas for the ISC West Show. This will be our 15th year as an exhibitor. We've seen a lot of changes from our 20 foot booth and every year they say it's the biggest show ever. In honor of our 15th year I thought I would share my plans and hopes for this show (as well as a few things I wish I could do!)

ASPCA Update: Alabama rescue of 300 dogs and cats, and critical aid provided during devastating California wildfires

As a 2015 Business Ambassador, KJB Security Products aids investigations with surveillance device donations.

Earlier this year, we announced our ASPCA partnership to you, our dealers, and shared why their work aligns with our core business value to protect vulnerable populations – those without a voice.

The partnership has been extremely rewarding. The important work the organization and volunteers do across the country to protect animals is awe-inspiring and we are proud to play a small role in aiding their efforts.

To recap, the ASPCA is using several of our surveillance devices to aid their field investigations and response team’s efforts to stop animal abuse and neglect. The field team uses the devices for surveillance purposes and to gather evidence as they work across the country in partnership with emergency responders, humane associations and shelters to rescue animals from life-threatening situations and provide them with the essential care they need.

One such investigation involved the raid at a neglectful shelter in Moulton, Ala. where 300 dogs and cats were rescued. An adoption event to find loving families for the animals was held in July and drew more than 900 people from throughout the southeast. A Weekend of New Beginnings: Alabama Adoption Event Recap shares the story of the new beginnings offered to the animals.

Over 900 people, from NASA engineers to former Marines, came to rescue animals after the ASPCA closed down a dangerous and neglectful shelter.

And while not an investigation, we also wanted to share with you the work they have been doing during the devastating California wildfires. ASPCA teams have been on the ground in Northern California since Sept. 13 providing emergency assistance in the midst of the fires. In addition to conducting home searches and rescues, they have helped treat badly burned animals and provided support to overcrowded shelters. Efforts included the rescue of more than 200 animals and have reunited close to 40 pets with their families after being separated during emergency evacuations. They continue to work to reunite displaced animals in the aftermath of the Lake County fire that burned 67,000 acres, destroying nearly 600 homes and leaving approximately 13,000 peoepl displaced. Read more at: ASPCA Assists LCACC in Providing Support for Hundreds of Animals, Pet Parents Following Devastating CA Wildfire.

Our Wi-Fi surveillance fills in the missing piece

The future of DIY surveillance is Wi-Fi enabled covert cameras

Over the past few years, several Wi-Fi enabled overt cameras have entered the market, making DIY home and business surveillance simple and offering greater flexibility over connected homes and businesses without having to enter into long-term contracts and subscription-based services. In fact, we launched our own Wi-Fi home monitoring system in mid-2015.

While these cameras are a cost-effective way to monitor what's happening while you're away – and can serve as a powerful deterrent for anyone thinking about doing harm to people or property – the mere nature of the cameras being unconcealed may not offer you a complete picture of what's going on while you're at work, on vacation, or even while sleeping with night-owl teenagers coming and going.

This is where our exclusive, American designed SleuthGear® brand of surveillance cameras comes in. We admit, it has taken us awhile to make our Zone Shield and Xtreme Life lines Wi-Fi enabled, and for good reason. We've worked hard to find the right technology to offer you the quality you've come to expect of the SleuthGear® brand. We weren't going to settle for substandard technology and inconsistent performance. That's why we are especially excited about these line extensions. Our Wi-Fi hidden cameras offer true live view, require no Ethernet plugs and can perform up to 200 feet line of sight (LOS) from the router.

So, as the surveillance industry as a whole continues its move to Wi-Fi based monitoring, we are proud to tout that we are the first to feature Wi-Fi Direct, which enables up to 16 cameras on different networks and in different locations to easily connect and be managed all from the same application. These capabilities, along with several exclusive SleuthGear camera forms designed to fit busy lifestyles and include household and business accessories and appliances, as well as weather resistant models for outdoor installation, make our surveillance system our highest performing and most versatile for comprehensive family monitoring, and home and business security.

And, setting up SleuthGear Wi-Fi cameras is simple using the "EZ-SEE" app for iOS and Android devices. Once the app is opened, follow the prompts to directly connect your smartphone or tablet to your camera. You are now able to view live streaming video footage from anywhere you have a Wi-Fi connection. The video footage may be stored, shared and accessed securely anytime. Annual storage plans are offered based on seven or 30 days of saved rolling video.

With features including motion alerts, night vision, HD and multi-camera connectivity, you're only a click away from reviewing a snapshot of family life while you're away, being assured your teenager is making safe choices or monitoring contractors or supply chains located around the world.

For more information about how our Wi-Fi helps fill in the missing piece for DIY surveillance, visit http://www.kjbsecurity.com.

News Alert: Granny Cams awaiting approval by Illinois Governor

Approved by Illinois' legislators, the Governor will now decide if a measure to allow families to install hidden cameras to monitor their loved ones in nursing homes will be allowed.

Often referred to as "granny cams" – if passed – the cameras would need to be placed in “conspicuously visible” locations and staff and visitors would be notified by posted signs that they are under surveillance. Additionally, installation costs and Internet access fees would have to be covered by families.

The measure also requires the consent of any roommate. In consent is not provided, nursing homes much provide alternative accommodations for the resident wanting to be monitored.

Video footage could be used in court for allegations of abuse. Last year there were more than 100 reported incidents involving neglect, abuse or financial exploitation of seniors in nursing homes.

If enacted, Illinois would join New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington in allowing surveillance devices to be installed to help protect patients from elder abuse in nursing homes.

DEALERS: Quick Guide to Modifying Your Account Info

Dealers, now you can update your own info from inside the Dealer Dashboard on kjbsecurity.com. Follow the two simple steps below to modify your name, address, and contact information. First access ACCOUNT INFO from the My Account drop down menu:

Click Update Account Info

Update the necessary fields and click Update Account. The information is automatically stored in KJB Security's database

Picture Blitz From Spring Tradeshows

Sometimes its fun to just show off a photo gallery. In case you missed these on Facebook here's some of our best pics from ISC West in Las Vegas and Expo Seguridad in Mexico City:

The new Zone Shield AC Adaptor HD DVR
makes its debut at ISC West

Chandler and Chad greet the security universe with a smile.

Chad shows off the Zone Shield AC Adaptor at its Central American debut.

Neil, Chad, and Jill say "Encantada de conocerte" to visitors
at Expo Seguridad. (It means "Nice to meet you.")

KJB was inside the US Pavilion which
stayed pretty packed throughout the show.

Why partnerships with nonprofits and community groups is smart business

Sure, you're in business to make money. Though what if we told you that you are more likely to be successful if one of your business objectives is to help your community

Incorporating principles of community outreach gets your company off to a great start – and invigorates established companies. Think of it as a marketing strategy, one that sets you apart from your competition and creates a business culture that draws people to your company and creates repeat and loyal customers.

One example is our partnership with the ASPCA. As a 2015 Business Ambassador, we donated surveillance devices to aid their field investigations and response team’s efforts to stop animal abuse and neglect. The field team will use the devices for surveillance purposes and to gather evidence as they work across the country in partnership with emergency responders, humane associations and shelters to rescue animals from life-threatening situations and provide them with the essential care they need.

The ASPCA partnership benefits both them and us. From a product development standpoint, it helps us test the integrity of the devices for this type of purpose and investigation. From a marketing standpoint, it aligns us with a recognizable, credible organization that is doing good works. And most importantly, it has the potential to save the lives of innocent animals – animals without a voice.

Protecting those without a voice is one of KJB's business values. And it can only be fully accomplished when we partner with like-minded organizations.

We hope 2015 is off to a great start for you and we encourage you to identify ways you can partner with organizations in your community this year. Is there a women's shelter or daycare center near you in need of surveillance products? What about the local senior citizens advocacy group that helps family members investigate suspected nursing home neglect and abuse? If your business in online only, there are still many organizations that could sue your support. You might even find that your business ends up being the bigger beneficiary.