How Will the 2024 Presidential Election Shape the Security Industry?

The 2024 presidential election marked a return to power for Republicans in Washington, D.C. Donald Trump was elected president, and the GOP regained control of the Senate while maintaining leadership in the House of Representatives. With a unified government, Republican leaders are positioned to advance their legislative agenda, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.

What does the GOP’s return to power mean for the electronic and physical security industry? The Security Industry Association (SIA) Government Relations Committee explored this question in depth, culminating in the release of its new report, 2024 Post-Election Recap: Security Industry Outlook.

Once leadership elections in the House and Senate are finalized, both parties will focus on assigning committee and subcommittee chairs and ranking members — key positions that will shape the policy details of upcoming legislation. Below are some leaders and issues the security industry should watch closely in the 119th Congress, as explained in SIA’s post-election recap.

Government Funding

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are responsible for all discretionary (i.e., annual, congressionally determined) government spending. While programs can be authorized through their committees of jurisdiction, they will not be funded until they receive appropriations, most often through the annual funding process that keeps the government open each year.

Major leadership changes are not expected for these committees, as Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) will keep his spot as chair and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) will remain a ranking member in the House. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) will take over the chair position, swapping with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who will move to ranking member in the Senate.

With the current measure providing fiscal 2024 government funding set to expire on Dec. 20, one of the main priorities for Republicans in the lame duck session will be to determine whether they should cut a deal on appropriations in the 118th Congress, freeing up their legislative schedule to focus on the Trump administration’s first 100 days or pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) into the new year and make their preferred adjustments to spending once they have control of both chambers. If a short-term CR is passed, it will likely extend the government funding deadline into March 2025 so the new Congress has time to cut a deal. Look to these bills throughout the year for the GOP spending priorities. Any cuts to agency budgets, funding for grant programs to procure security equipment or reporting requirements on hot-button issues like the border will happen on this legislation.

Tax Cuts

The biggest legislative priority once President-elect Trump takes office will be an extension and revision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which contains many of the tax priorities of his first administration. Many of the provisions of this current U.S. tax structure will expire in 2025 without further action.

The U.S. Constitution requires that all bills regarding taxation must originate in the House of Representatives. The Committee of Ways and Means, the chief tax-writing committee in the House, will remain under the leadership of Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) as chair and Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) as ranking member. The bill will then move to the Senate Finance Committee, led by Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Sen. Wyden and Rep. Smith were joint authors of a bipartisan, bicameral tax bill that they attempted to move through Congress throughout much of 2024. Now that the balance of power in Washington has shifted, Sen. Crapo will be at the helm in the Senate, and both chambers will have a chance to write the legislation from a more GOP-leaning perspective, as they use the budget reconciliation process (which requires only a simple majority) to avoid a Democratic filibuster.

For security firms, the tax policy changes and extensions likely in 2025 will skew towards Republican policy proposals, which means the corporate tax rate will remain at 21 percent or lower, the research and development tax credit could be revived and extended and bonus depreciation that allows businesses to write off 100 percent of the cost of security improvements to their facilities could be reinstated — all policies important to security manufacturers and integrators large and small.

Border Security

Immigration has long been the cornerstone of President-elect Trump’s platform, and the transition team has indicated that this will be among the top priorities for his first 100 days. As border security initiatives move front and center once again, there will be a growing demand for physical and technological solutions for ports of entry and situational awareness along the border.

With the House Homeland Security Committee set to be led by Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) as chair and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) as ranking member and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to remain under the leadership of Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), expect Republicans Green and Paul to helm sweeping border security measures. This will include funding for a border wall and more money to Customs and Border Patrol agents that lawmakers will attempt to tack on to the budget reconciliation process. Policies and reforms that go beyond having a budgetary or revenue impact may be tempered by the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold. Firms that offer border security solutions should keep an eye on the budget process, as that could unlock more funding for key programs.

Things to Keep an Eye On

The Trump campaign has kept a consistent emphasis on the implementation of tariffs. As it becomes clearer how these campaign promises turn into concrete policies, this could have a significant effect on sectors like the security industry, which depends on global supply chains for electronic or other manufactured items. There is also likely to be another revival of measures targeted specifically towards Chinese-made products.

Meanwhile, expect GOP efforts to reduce the budget deficit with cuts to agencies that have been identified to be on the chopping block by the new Department of Government Efficiency, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While the newly created office is unlikely to have unilateral power to slash funding, these are programs that could be targeted by congressional Republicans when they seek to balance the budget. On the other hand, we could see funding and resources increase for law enforcement, school security improvements and crime reduction programs, as these have been identified as priorities throughout the Trump campaign.

State-Level Implications

With less focus on certain issues in the new Congress, state legislatures are expected to take the lead on topics like artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy, which impact the security industry. SIA plans to advocate for the industry’s policy priorities in state-level sessions in 2025.

Reflections on Japan & i-PRO’s Journey to Blend Culture With Innovation

Before my first ever visit to Japan this past November, courtesy of i-PRO’s global press trip — featuring 12 members of the security trade press from the U.S. and Europe — I had a few preconceived notions of what the country is most famous for: sushi, electronics, cherry blossoms and geishas, to name just a few. As someone who loves to travel and hadn’t been farther than North America in way too many years, I looked forward to taking in everything I could in just over a week, from the temples to the food, to the shopping, and more food. The experience did not disappoint.

But of course, the real purpose of the trip was to learn more about our host company and its journey to where it is today, along with where both i-PRO and the video space are headed in the future. That experience did not disappoint, either.

After a courtesy day to acclimate to the time difference (14 hours in my case), we were greeted enthusiastically by several personnel waving traditional company welcome flags outside the entrance of i-PRO’s research and development center in Fukuoka, a seaside city in the Southwest of the country.

There, company CEO Masato Nakao touched on the company’s history as a division of the larger Panasonic Corporation, until 2019 when the company formerly split off and incorporated as i-PRO.

“We were just one of many divisions of Panasonic,” he explained. “It is not always good to be protected under a big umbrella because each division was competing with global specialized companies.” For i-PRO in the security camera space, that meant the company fell behind the competition in both products and innovation, he added.

Structural & Product Changes

Under Panasonic, the security division was tied to the larger corporate culture and priorities, which in the fast-paced world of video, put it at a disadvantage in the market. So in 2020, unencumbered by this more rigid structure, i-PRO set out to become more nimble, tech-forward and catch up with industry peers.

First up, the company changed from a closed technology philosophy to an open one. “Panasonic was a huge corporation that liked to do everything inside the company,” Nakao said. “Panasonic is a solution provider not just a manufacturer, and the security division had to comply with corporate policy.

“We changed that policy to an open policy. i-PRO is not a big company; we can’t do everything by ourselves. Of course we manufacture cameras and recorders; we have some analytics, but we partner with many others for AI solutions. … We do not insist on our own solutions. We partner with these vendors and systems integrators. This is the number one change since incorporation,” he added.

The second change was to implement what Nakao called “time-based competition,” changing development cycles to be faster and launch more models with shorter lead times.

This policy was elaborated on by Chief Product Officer Gerard Figols. “We were far behind the other manufacturers in the industry,” he says of the company when it first incorporated in 2019. “We changed our strategy based on the open policy and launched a lot of models over the past four years. We had to catch up because we were far behind in terms of lineup. … We spent four years catching up. We have gone from 54 models as Panasonic to 289 today.”

Of those, 231 are implementing AI technology at the edge, which is a key strategy for i-PRO.

“Three keywords are driving the current security market: cloud, AI and cybersecurity,” Nakao said. “We are focusing our resources into two parts. One is edge AI IoT devices. … If you do analytics in the cloud there is a tremendous cost incurred. To improve the accuracy, each camera can contain its own AI model.”

Other recent developments the company highlighted included the implementation of Docker containers that allow partners to develop apps for the cameras similar to the way a smart phone operates, and the move towards proactive security with plug-ins like Active Guard and a new partnership with Morpho that will look at the way people move, going beyond typical identifiers such as gender, clothing color and other physical characteristics.

“Technology is helping us to move to being more proactive,” Figols told a small group in a breakout roundtable discussion. “In analog times there was no proactivity at all. CCTV was an insulated system. … With Edge AI we can utilize raw data at the edge, making the accuracy of analytics much higher because every pixel of data is there. There is no encoding.” Read the full story here.

— Karyn Hodgson, SDM Editor-in-Chief

ISC East 2024 Reports Continued Attendance Growth

ISC East 2024, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with the ASIS NYC Chapter, showcased keynote speakers, educational sessions, professional development and over 200 exhibitors.

From Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, ISC East welcomed nearly 6,000 total security professionals to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. According to the announcement, this year’s turnout continued to display year-over-year growth for general attendance, with more than 4,600 attendees. Adding to the success, the SIA Education@ISC East program achieved over 40 percent growth, underscoring the value of ISC East’s educational offerings.

“Both our attendees and exhibitors gather at ISC East to discover the industry’s latest products and solutions, cultivate professional relationships, and celebrate the biggest innovations in the world of security and public safety,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, vice president, ISC East. “Over the three-day event, we saw attendees who were eager to learn from industry experts and conduct business face-to-face with new and existing vendors, which all contributes to a maximized customer experience year after year.”

SIA Education@ISC East

This year’s event executed the largest SIA Education@ISC East program yet, which doubled in size from last year with 70+ sessions and 150+ speakers — all curated by the newly formed SIA Education@ISC Advisory Board. This team of industry experts provides critical guidance on the newest trends and most relevant technologies in the world of security to best inform show programming at ISC Security Events.

“The 2024 ISC East show was one of the best yet — boasting outstanding attendance as well as top-quality SIA Education at ISC East conference content, training courses and other offerings,” said Don Erickson, CEO, SIA. “Attendees at the show were able to see the most cutting-edge innovations in security, and the experience was further elevated by the highly engaging SIA meetings and special events that brought together our industry to explore essential topics in security interoperability, mobile credentials, the return on security and safeguarding our utilities and critical infrastructure, honor the exceptional work of SIA member leaders and volunteers, and give back to the future of the security workforce. This year’s show highlighted why ISC East is the Northeast’s premier security and public safety event.”

Veteran Security Integration Partners Reunite at Facility Protection Group

Industry veterans Carl Stark and Dave Torgerson, who previously founded and sold the security integration company Qualified Systems Contracting to Convergint in 2013, have reunited at Facility Protection Group (FPG) in Tampa, Fla.

With a shared vision and complementary expertise, Stark said he and his longtime business partner are focused on building a new company with the goal of eventually passing it on to their leadership replacements. “We want to grow a large company that remains privately held and bucks the trend of being owned by private equity companies,” he said.

Stark joined FPG in July as vice president and co-owner, bringing a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at national security integrators. The business partners are drawing on the lessons learned from their past ventures to build FPG into a dynamic and resilient organization. This includes strategically applying several key lessons to the new venture, such as remaining rooted in small business values and traditions.

“One key insight we’ve gained is the critical role of cultivating a strong, positive culture as the bedrock for growth,” Stark explained. “We’ve also recognized the importance of social responsibility, committing to give back to the communities we serve and ensuring our impact extends beyond business to meaningful community support.”

After founding FPG in 2018, Torgerson returned to his small business roots, focusing on local values and a personal touch. Stark, meanwhile, spent five years leading the national accounts division for Security 101 before deciding to partner with Torgerson again. Reflecting on his decision, Stark said, “As vice president and 50 percent owner of Facility Protection Group, I lead our sales and marketing efforts while my partner oversees daily operations. This division of responsibilities allows us to leverage our respective strengths and expertise.”

Moving into 2025, the partners are focused on expanding market share in Central Florida and establishing a new office. Stark and Torgerson are also prioritizing the recruitment of top talent, offering equity to attract and retain skilled professionals.

In the rapidly evolving security integration space, FPG stays ahead by investing in advanced technologies, maintaining strong partnerships with technology providers and tailoring solutions to meet client needs. Also key is prioritizing ongoing training and development for team members to ensure they are well-versed in emerging technologies and best practices.

“By fostering strong partnerships with leading technology providers, we gain early access to innovative solutions that address evolving security challenges,” Stark noted. “This proactive approach ensures we remain at the forefront of the security integration space, delivering exceptional value and protection to our clients.”

Genetec Report Finds Accelerating Hybrid Cloud Adoption & IT’s Growing Influence

Genetec has shared the results of its 2025 State of the Physical Security Report. Based on insights from over 5,600 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users, channel partners, systems integrators, and consultants), Genetec said the report offers a comprehensive analysis of evolving trends in physical security operations.

As organizations evaluate cloud solutions for physical security, the report finds most are prioritizing a hybrid strategy that aligns with operational needs, budget constraints, and storage requirements. This pragmatic and flexible deployment approach allows critical data and applications to be managed both on-premises and in the cloud.

According to the report, 43 percent of end users envision hybrid deployments as their preferred approach within the next five years, compared to just 18 percent favoring fully cloud-based implementations and 17 percent planning to remain fully on-premises. The report finds this preference for hybrid-cloud is echoed by consultants and channel partners, with 66 percent of consultants planning to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years.

“There’s no all-or-nothing with a hybrid-cloud approach,” said Christian Morin, vice president, product engineering, Genetec. “Businesses remain in total control of how they deploy their systems across various locations. With an open ecosystem, they can implement the best technology — whether on-premises or in the cloud — that meets their business needs and avoids unnecessary compromise, without ever being locked into proprietary solutions. This allows them to deploy, scale, and upgrade systems faster, streamline processes, and strengthen their security posture in the most efficient and effective ways.”

A decade ago, Genetec said physical security systems in large organizations were typically managed by personnel in specialized security departments. However, the report finds that the increasing adoption of cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions, the rise in cybersecurity threats, and the need to align physical and digital security have led IT teams to take an increasingly prominent role in influencing the acquisition and deployment of physical security systems.

According to the report, 77 percent of end users say physical security and information technology (IT) departments now work collaboratively. Additionally, IT departments are taking on an increasing role in the buying process, with over 50 percent of end users, systems integrators, and consultants reporting that IT teams are now actively involved in physical security purchasing decisions.

“The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks," Morin said. “With IT at the forefront of implementing cloud and hybrid solutions, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to evolving threats.”

The report reveals a significant rise in the interest toward AI adoption in physical security, with 37 percent of end users planning to implement AI-powered features in 2025, up from just 10 percent in 2024. This heightened interest aligns with a strategic, purpose-driven approach. With 42 percent of end users seeing AI as a tool to streamline security operations, organizations are focusing on practical applications, such as refining threat detection and automating routine processes, with intelligent automation as the ultimate goal.

Pye-Barker Acquires Protect Alarms to Strengthen Eastern Pa. Presence

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Protect Alarms Security Systems, a specialist in security systems, fire detection, alarms and monitoring based in Allentown, Pa.

Pye-Barker has continued to invest in the Northeast and offers full fire code compliance and complete life safety services to commercial customers in eastern Pennsylvania, according to an announcement.

Protect Alarms, family-run since its founding in 1963 by Albert Taylor, Jr., provides customized systems to businesses and residents throughout the Lehigh Valley region. The company tests and designs systems for intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control, fire detection and alarms, remote site management and other environmental threats. The team also operates a 24-hour local central monitoring station.

“At Protect Alarms, we’ve always prioritized the safety and security of our customers, and we take that role of protection seriously,” said Albert Taylor, III, Protect Alarm Owner. “As part of Pye-Barker, we can offer our loyal customers additional fire protection services and enhance opportunities for our team members to grow and thrive.”

“Through purposeful acquisitions, Pye-Barker brings together experienced, highly skilled and values-aligned teams like Protect Alarms to enhance our services, grow our geographic footprint and create new opportunities for our collective teams,” said Bart Proctor, Pye-Barker CEO. “We're honored the Taylor family is choosing to entrust their customers, team and legacy to Pye-Barker.”

The team at Protect Alarms will continue to serve customers in Pennsylvania, leveraging sister teams within the Pye-Barker family of companies to support additional customers and expand its offerings.

On Pye-Barker’s team, Philip Gardner, vice president of business development, coordinated the transaction. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented Pye-Barker.

NSCA Releases 2024 Compensation & Benefits Report

NSCA has released the NSCA’s 2024 Compensation & Benefits Report, a resource for understanding industry trends in employee compensation and benefits.

“The report is a back-check to be able to say, ‘This is the fair market value we need to offer to attract and retain employees,’” said Brandon Lawshe, vice president, MVS. “It serves as a basis so we can compare what we’re doing against the industry when it comes to compensation.”

Based on survey data collected from May to August 2024 and processed by an independent third-party research firm, this eighth edition provides insights into staffing levels, salary trends, employee benefits, and more.

• NSCA Members: Owners and executives can access the report for free by completing the form on this page.
• Non-Members: The report is available for purchase to qualifying individuals.

Get the report.

A CapitalOne report on shoplifting found that theft impacts the majority of small retail businesses in the United States. Each year, at least 85.5 percent of small businesses experience retail theft. Small businesses lose an average of $1,686 per month to retail theft. In response to retail theft, 64.0 percent of small businesses have increased prices, and 50.5 percent have installed security cameras. Image courtesy of Forbes. Source: CapitalOne

SIA Launches Comprehensive Guide to Careers in Security Industry

The Security Industry Association (SIA) – with support from PSA – has released the “Secure Your Future” Security Industry Careers Guide, billed as a helpful resource offering insights on the security industry, job types, pathways and employers and how to prepare for a security career.

“As someone who didn’t originally plan to work in security but has now been happily in the industry for over 20 years, I can tell you what an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling field this is,” said SIA Board of Directors Chair Scott Dunn, senior director of business development, Americas, at Axis Communications. “Often, when speaking with other leaders, I find that they, too, stumbled into security, but with this new guide, we are hoping to change that trend so that prospective talent are actively seeking out the many exciting career opportunities there are in this industry. This informative, enriching tool will help our increasingly diverse workforce better navigate their own personal career journeys and foster their professional growth.”

The guide features detailed information on:

• The mission, scope and market value of the security industry.
• The security ecosystem, including the types of organizations offering employment in the industry.
• Jobs and career paths in security — including educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, compensation, work-life balance and opportunities for advancement.
• Programs and pathways for entering the industry, including degrees, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, scholarships, learning resources and alternative pathways.
• Networking and employment opportunities in security.

Additionally, the guide shares an array of stories and testimonials from professionals and leaders in security, highlighting their careers, experiences and perspectives.

“SIA is proud to collaborate with PSA on the Security Industry Careers Guide — an informative, compelling and impactful resource to help professionals and students discover the dynamic, innovative and fulfilling career opportunities our industry has to offer,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Having a career in security means playing an active role in protecting people, their privacy and information and critical infrastructure. This guide shares invaluable insights on the meaningful, well-paid, high-growth opportunities available in our industry, the security landscape, how prospective talent can sharpen their skills and prepare to enter the workforce and how organizations like SIA and PSA can help. We are committed to growing the next-generation security workforce and supporting people as they embark on and progress in their careers, and this guide will be immensely useful to both job seekers and our industry.”

Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network, said, “We were thrilled to partner with the Security Industry Association and the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent on the Security Industry Careers Guide. In a world where safety is paramount, our industry provides an abundance of exciting opportunities to secure futures. This guide highlights the diverse career paths available and will help bring awareness to the industry as a whole.”

Better Protection Boosts National Presence With DFS Fire Systems Buy

Better Protection, a full-service fire protection company, has acquired Dallas-based DFS Fire Systems.

DFS is a leading provider of fire protection services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and throughout Texas. This highly accretive partnership establishes a Better Protection platform to support its growing national reach, according to an announcement.

DFS, expected to quickly grow throughout the Southwest, was founded in 2010 by Jeremy Davis. Davis will continue to lead the DFS team and will be an integral part of the Better Protection management team.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward for both companies as we combine our strengths, resources, and expertise,” Davis stated. “By joining forces, we aim to create a more robust service-based entity that will deliver superior customer service while fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.”

Better Protection is led by CEO Don Mershon, who has more than 35 years of fire protection and life safety industry experience. Mershon commented, “We are extremely excited to welcome DFS, our largest acquisition to date, into the Better Protection, Deliberately Better family of companies. DFS represents the rapid expansion of our model around the country. We believe that the DFS growth model and culture will lead to a dominant position in the Southwestern United States.”

Eric Davis, president of DFS, stated, “With DFS' innovative approach to the fire protection market, Better Protection’s deliberately better mission, and a robust team of highly trained and long-tenured executive leaders, Better Protection and its assets are poised for the future. Don and the Better Protection team share a vision of a recession-proof operation that provides top-tier services to its clients and life safety systems.”

With an investment by Abry Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, Better Protection was launched in 2022 as a new company formed by the combination of Chicago-based Assurant Fire Protection, Complete Fire Pump Service and Xtreme Fire Protection. Offering a full range of inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, retrofit, installation and design capabilities, the company has grown rapidly across the Chicagoland area, and servicing the Midwest and Southeast regions.

Eagle Eye Networks Releases 2025 Trends in Video Surveillance Report

Eagle Eye Networks has released the 2025 edition of its annual Trends in Video Surveillance report, identifying six trends that will have the largest impact on businesses around the world in 2025.

Designed as a resource for business owners and security professionals, the report offers trend analysis, simple explanations of newer technology, and practical advice on implementing video surveillance in new ways, the announcement states.

“This year’s trends report reflects the rapid technological advances — particularly with AI — that have taken place over the past 12 months,” said Dean Drako, CEO, Eagle Eye Networks. “AI is improving the accuracy, speed and usability of security cameras and dramatically expanding the value of video surveillance for business owners who want to improve security and make their operations more efficient.”

The top six video surveillance trends for 2025 are:

1. More remote video monitoring due to increased practicality, affordability and the use of AI to reduce false positive alarms.
2. Security cameras in more places, including locations that were too remote or too expensive to install only a couple of years ago.
3. Multi-sensor cameras are proliferating, enabling one camera to do the work of two or more cameras.
4. Gun detection is a rapidly improving technology that uses AI, and has numerous advantages over human guards.
5. Low-light capability in security cameras not only delivers better video, it increases the reliability of AI-based object recognition, face detection and license plate recognition.
6. More cameras have built-in AI, capable of functions such as object recognition and event detection.