Category: Road

U. N. Vehicle Crashes, Kills Five in Africa

A United Nations armored personnel carrier in the crashed and fell into a river outside the capital of Bangui, in the Central African Republic leaving five U.N. police officers initially missing, a spokesperson for the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission said Wednesday. It was later determined that all fivce were killed.

The vehicle was part of a five-car MINUSCA convoy and crashed into the Ombella M’poko River near a bridge, according to MINUSCA spokesperson Florence Marshall. The convoy was returning to a different town after securing supplies in Bangui.

The five officers that were killed for were from the Republic of the Congo.

Body-Worn Cameras are Altering Public Behavior, with 44% of Brits Admitting They’d Act Differently if Filmed

Body-worn cameras are no longer just a tool for police officers. Across the UK, they’ve become a quiet staple of frontline environments, from high street stores to stadiums, trains and hotel lobbies. And new research shows the public is not only on board, but actively supportive.

A nationwide study by body-worn camera company, HALOS, has found that two-thirds (68%) of the public believe the primary reason businesses should use body-worn cameras is to protect staff from abuse. The majority (60%) believe the cameras help deter antisocial behavior in busy public settings like supermarkets or train stations, while a further 68% believe they reduce theft and other criminal activity. In a sign of shifting attitudes, almost a third (31%) also value their role in capturing evidence during disputes.

These figures reflect a cultural reset around public safety – one where surveillance tools, once seen as intrusive, are now viewed as essential. In the UK, the cameras are increasingly understood not as a threat, but as a protective presence – a practical response to growing concerns around frontline aggression.

The impact is behavioural, too. More than half of UK consumers (55%) say body-worn cameras make them feel safer, while 44% admit the presence of one would make them reconsider how they act. And while the technology is becoming more common across public spaces, it isn’t always front of mind. Just over a third of people (38%) say they’ve never noticed a body-worn camera in action – suggesting that for many, the cameras are doing their job quietly, without disrupting the atmosphere. Whilst only 21% say they feel uncomfortable when they do spot one.

This low visibility may be precisely what makes them so effective. Discreet by design, body-worn cameras are increasingly embedded into the everyday fabric of frontline environments, offering protection without disrupting the atmosphere. From retail and hospitality to transport and live events, the technology is operating beneath the surface, shaping behaviour and diffusing tension without calling attention to itself.

Matthew Dawes, Head of Enterprise Solutions at HALOS, said the findings point to a growing maturity in how the UK public views safety technology. “A few years ago, the presence of a body-worn camera might have felt unusual or even confrontational,” he said. “Today, they’re a quiet reassurance to both the wearer and the everyday person. They’re a sign that staff and consumers are protected, and that there’s a line between order and chaos that doesn’t need to be loudly enforced.”

With retail footfall climbing and a season of busy events ahead, Dawes also notes that the pressure on frontline workers is only set to grow. “People expect safe, respectful environments as a standard, and the data shows they’re comfortable with technology playing a role in that. Cameras don’t have to be obvious to be effective. They just have to be there when it counts.”

As public expectations evolve, so too is the role of body-worn cameras. Once seen as a reactive measure, they are now part of the everyday toolkit for prevention, reassurance, and accountability, even when they’re hiding in plain sight.

Safran Unveils Its Next-Generation Infrared Binoculars

JIM SHARPHAWK, the direct successor to JIM Compact — the world’s most widely deployed long-range multifunctional infrared binocular with over 6,000 units in service globally of which around 500 in the UK — ushers in a new era of operational excellence. Remaining true to its heritage of compactness, robustness, reliability, and scalability, the JIM SHARPHAWK delivers significant enhancements in observation performance and introduces new features tailored to operational requirements.

Equipped with an entirely new generation of sensors, JIM SHARPHAWK achieves a +30% improvement in Detection, Recognition, and Identification (DRI) performance in both day and low light level modes, while offering increased connectivity for enhanced situational awareness. All these advancements are delivered in the same lightweight format — less than 2 kg including the battery — with an identical housing and interface, ensuring total compatibility with the existing JIM Compact ecosystem.

The integration of new hardware components and upgradable software paves the way for future capabilities such as resilience in GNSS-denied environments, enhanced cybersecurity, and AI-powered processing. By combining advanced hardware with upgradable software, the JIM SHARPHAWK ensures nations retain the technological sovereignty and operational independence for their ongoing success.

“We are very proud to present our new ultra-wide field panoramic binocular at DSEI. Our teams have leveraged their expertise to develop an innovative product that is both robust and extremely high performing, supporting mission success at night and protecting those on the front lines,” said Alexandre Ziegler, head of defense global business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. “This new binocular is a testament to Safran’s ongoing commitment to providing armed forces with state-of-the-art, sovereign solutions.”

TrafFix Devices Highlights the Urbanite Pedestrian Wall Built for Modern Crowd Control

TrafFix Devices, maker and supplier of traffic control devices and crash attenuation products, highlights the Urbanite Pedestrian Wall, a next-generation solution engineered to meet today’s most pressing safety and crowd management needs. Combining lightweight construction with rugged durability, the Urbanite is designed to streamline setup while delivering exceptional protection in pedestrian zones, events, and construction sites.

At just 23 pounds, the Urbanite can be easily lifted, deployed, and repositioned without machinery, enabling rapid response and reconfiguration. Despite its light weight, the wall features a double-walled, non-flexible design that enhances structural integrity and long-term performance. Made from high-density, UV-stabilized polyethylene, it resists fading and damage from prolonged sun exposure, making it ideal for year-round outdoor use.

Each six-foot-long Urbanite section includes secure, blow-molded male and female connectors that provide both strength and flexibility when linking multiple walls. With a compact three-inch thickness, the system saves space in transport and storage. Ten molded-in vertical windows reduce wind load, lower weight, and improve stability without compromising visibility or safety. The top of the wall features a continuous ergonomic handrail that offers a secure and comfortable grip for guiding pedestrians through controlled pathways.

Deployment is made even easier with two integrated steel T-legs that swivel into position quickly and fold flush for compact stacking. The Urbanite is designed with molded-in stacking lugs on one side and corresponding receiver holes on the other, ensuring secure and efficient stacking during transport or storage. Additional design elements include openings at the base that allow water to pass through, preventing accumulation during rain and maintaining stability in wet environments.

To support visibility and branding, each side of the Urbanite features two recessed panels measuring 8” x 53”. These areas accommodate reflective sheeting, event signage, or sponsorship graphics, helping organizers communicate clearly while enhancing the appearance of safety zones. The unit also includes locations and shelves for two barricade lights, which not only improve nighttime visibility but also reduce unwanted rotation of the lights during operation.

Unlike many barriers, the Urbanite does not require water or sand ballast, eliminating the mess and labor typically associated with filling and draining units. It is available in high-visibility orange and white, with custom colors available upon request to align with event or agency branding.

For projects requiring ADA-compliant pedestrian access, TrafFix Devices also offers the ADA Wall. Designed to create safe, hand-guided pathways that comply with ADA standards, the ADA Wall features continuous upper and lower handrails to assist individuals of all abilities. Its ergonomic construction supports comfort for all users, including those with mobility devices. The ADA Wall includes low-profile steel T-legs that reduce tripping hazards and maintain a clear walking path, while high-visibility reflective panels ensure the barrier remains visible day and night. Additionally, 10 molded-in vertical windows provide visibility for guide dogs. Fully MASH Tested, Passed, and Eligible as a TL-3 Longitudinal Channelizing Device, the ADA Wall offers the same trusted performance in applications where accessibility compliance is required.

The Urbanite and ADA Wall represent TrafFix Devices’ commitment to safety, efficiency, and compliance across a broad range of pedestrian control environments. With thoughtful design and rigorous testing behind every feature, these solutions are built to perform where safety matters most.

Two Arrested After Incendiary Device Found on Fox News Vehicle

Two men are in custody after an incendiary device was found under a vehicle belonging to KSTU, a local Fox News TV station in Utah. The device “had been lit but failed to function as designed,” according to court records as reported by news station KUTV.

The device was discovered in Salt Lake City on Friday, September 12, two days after the assassination of political figure, Charlie Kirk, which happened about 45 minutes south of the Utah capital. “Due to the nature of the device and its placement, this incident constituted a significant threat to public safety,” according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The KUTV report said two suspects were arrested after FBI agents and local bomb squads converged on a home in Magna, Utah. Additional explosives, along with firearms, illegal narcotics and other paraphernalia, were found in the home, according to court records. Anti-Trump signs on display outside the home.

“FOX 13 News is working closely with law-enforcement and our risk management team, with the safety of our employees as our top priority,” the station confirmed in a statement.

ALCEA Spotlights Traffic Cabinet Innovations for Safer Streets

ALCEA Spotlights Traffic Cabinet Innovations for Safer Streets

ALCEA, the brand formerly known as ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions – Critical Infrastructure, will showcase its high-security traffic cabinet solutions at this year’s ITS World Congress. Attendees learned how Alcea’s trusted CI Series access management cabinets and 75481 Series Traffic Cabinet Locks are protecting transportation infrastructure in cities across the U.S.

ALCEA’s robust, field-tested locking systems offer a reliable, affordable way for departments of transportation to protect vital roadside equipment, from busy urban intersections to high-traffic corridors.

“With ALCEA, agencies get more than a lock,” said Mark Pekovitch, product manager for ALCEA North America. “They gain a security partner with the experience and expertise to deliver end-to-end total security solutions that safeguard critical infrastructure while keeping operations efficient.”

Earlier this year, the City of Nashville’s Department of Transportation began implementing the 75481 Series Traffic Cabinet Lock as part of its broader advanced traffic management and public safety initiative. With Nashville’s newly opened state-of-the-art Traffic Operations Center, the need for stronger cabinet security became clear.

“The truth is, our level of security and control wasn’t quite where it needed to be,” said Aaron Cushman, IT/ITS division manager for Nashville DOT. “We recognized the importance of improving our standards in terms of who’s in our cabinets, when, and why. That accountability piece was missing.”

Each ALCEA 75481 Series Lock is designed as a drop-in replacement, making upgrades fast and cost-effective. The solution’s CLIQ®Web Manager software enables cities to assign digital keys to each staff member or contractor, manage permissions and schedules, and produce complete audit trails for every access point.

Pekovitch adds, “For cities like Nashville, physical security is the first line of defens e. When you’re managing intersections that keep a major city moving, you can’t afford to lose control over who has access.”

Previously, ALCEA’s proven traffic cabinet solution has helped cities like San Jose, Calif., and Grand Prairie, Texas, upgrade outdated locks and keys to modern, smart-access systems. Nashville’s adoption further demonstrates how cities large and small can protect their signal control devices, safeguard against tampering or vandalism, and align physical security with advanced ITS management platforms.

Tube Strike Drags on in London

Tube strikes are continuing in London as the city enters the fifth day of disruption to the London Underground. Officials at Transport for London (TfL) have warned commuters will have disruptions through the week as workers strike over pay and working conditions. This has caused Tube service to be in disarray.

Downing Street said passengers were “fed up” and asked for union bosses and transport officials to find a solution. “I think Londoners will rightly be fed up with the disruption from Tube strikes this morning — as parents try and drop their kids off at school, get to hospital appointments, get to work — and RMT and TfL need to get back around the table, work together to resolve this dispute in the interests of passengers,” said the spokesman for the Prime Minister.

Rail, maritime and transport leaders are asking for better pay, shorter working week and travel perks for staff. TfL has said these demands are not affordable.

RGB Spectrum Wins 2025 New Product of the Year Award for IPX Flyaway Kit

Award-Winning Solution to Be Showcased at Major Industry Events Throughout
September

ALAMEDA, Calif. – September 9, 2025 – RGB Spectrum, a global leader in mission-critical video solutions for real-time decision support, announced that its IPX Flyaway KitÔ has been named the 2025 New Product of the Year by Security Today magazine in the Security and Risk Intelligence category. The portable, rapid-deployment visualization solution will be showcased throughout September at leading industry events across the country, giving security, defense, and public safety professionals the opportunity to see it in action.

The Security Today New Product of the Year Awards honor the industry’s most innovative solutions that advance protection, improve outcomes, and give professionals the tools they need to make better decisions, faster.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Security Today for the IPX Flyaway Kit,” said Courtney Mamuscia, Senior Marketing Director at RGB Spectrum. “This award highlights our commitment to developing flexible, powerful, and mobile visualization technologies that empower operators to achieve real-time situational awareness—no matter where the mission takes them.”

Why the IPX Flyaway Kit Stands Out RGB Spectrum’s IPX Flyaway Kit is a powerful, portable command-and-control solution purpose-built for mission-critical operations in public safety, defense, and government. Housed in a rugged, transportable enclosure, the kit delivers real-time situational awareness and secure communications anywhere they are needed.

At its core is RGB Spectrum’s industry-leading video processing and AV-over-IP technology, enabling operators to visualize, share, and manage information seamlessly across agencies and environments.

Key Capabilities:

· Video Signal Aggregation: Multiview and combine up to eight video signals simultaneously, including local HDMI® sources, internal computer resources, and network H.264/H.265 streams.

· Content Distribution & Management: Interoperability across 4G/5G/LTE, RAN, SAT, IoT devices, and sensors for a unified operating picture.

· Gateway Services: Bridges private wireless networks with bonded public/private uplinks for maximum flexibility.

· Advanced Connectivity: Bonds LTE, 4G/5G, radio access, and satellite networks to ensure resiliency, enhanced coverage, and expanded bandwidth in the field.

· Plug-and-Play Integration: Easily connects to external PCs, systems, displays, and sensors via HDMI® and Ethernet.

Ideal for Public Safety and Defense

· Public Safety Applications: Enables mobile command vehicles, temporary dispatch centers, multi-agency field coordination, fire basecamps, disaster recovery, and 911 facility backup. From large-scale events to emergency response, the Flyaway Kit ensures continuous visibility and communications.

· Defense Deployments: Provides tactical command capabilities in the field or from military vehicles. Secure, adaptable, and customizable with defense-grade protocols, it supports rapid decision-making in complex environments.

Why Choose the IPX Flyaway Kit? With unmatched portability, rugged design, and advanced video/communication capabilities, the IPX Flyaway Kit transforms how organizations establish command and control in dynamic environments. Whether deployed in a city during a major incident or in a remote theater of operations, it gives operators the confidence to see, decide, and act—faster.

See the IPX Flyaway Kit in Action This September

RGB Spectrum will showcase the IPX Flyaway Kit at four high-profile events this month, each bringing together leaders in security, public safety, and technology:

· Ford INNOVATE – September 11, 2025 | Tulsa, OK A premier platform for connecting, collaborating, and showcasing innovative AV technology for industry professionals. At the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa, Innovate brings together Ford staff, customers, and partners to explore next-generation AV solutions.

· NRTCCA Annual Conference – September 22-25, 2025 | Atlanta, GA | Booth #102 with partners Absen and Solutionz The National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) leads the charge in advancing real-time crime-fighting capabilities. This year’s conference will feature interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and groundbreaking technologies—including the IPX Flyaway Kit—that give crime fighters real-time intelligence when it matters most.

· GSX – September 29-October 1, 2025 | New Orleans | Booth #3513 with partner NOBLE As one of the largest and most influential security shows in the world, GSX unites security leaders and practitioners to tackle emerging threats and vulnerabilities. RGB Spectrum, alongside NOBLE, will demonstrate how the IPX Flyaway Kit brings rapid, mobile command-and-control capabilities to both military and civilian government agencies.

· CalAPCO – September 30-October 2, 2025 | Sacramento, CA | Booth #330 with partners Wildfire Technology Integration and The Sales Group Hosted by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, CalAPCO provides critical training, professional development, and networking for public safety communications leaders. The IPX Flyaway Kit will be featured in the exhibit hall, showing attendees how mobile visualization can support communications in the field.

Car Theft Ring Indicted for Stealing 400 Vehicles

Eight men were indicted September 4 in a $40 million car theft and smuggling ring that included sending hundreds of high-end vehicles from Michigan to the Middle East.

Federal prosecutors said that between July 2023 and August 2025, about 400 stolen cars were collected at lots in the Detroit area, loaded into shipping containers and sent overseas. False paperwork disguised the shipments as auto parts or other goods, the prosecutors said.

Those charged are Haydar Al Haydari, 41, of Garden City; Karar Alnakash, 43, of Detroit; Abbas Al Othman, 42, of Dearborn Heights; Mohammed Al Hilo, 36, of Detroit; Moustapha Al Fetlawi, 46, of Dearborn Heights; Terrill Davis, 33, of Detroit; David Roshinsky Williams, 32, of Harper Woods; and Mohammed Al Abboodi, 35, of Detroit.

According to the 12-count indictment, beginning in July 2023 and continuing through August 2025, the defendants conspired with each other and others to receive stolen vehicles at one of four commercial/industrial lots. Conspirators would then pack two or more vehicles at the lots into shipping containers and cause the containers’ transportation to port cities via freight or rail. From the port cities, if law enforcement had not already interdicted the containers, the containers with cars would ship overseas.

If convicted on the charge of conspiracy, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of no more than five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000. If convicted on the charge of transportation of stolen motor vehicles, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

“Stolen cars have no place in interstate commerce and foreign trade,” said United States Attorney Gorgon. “I very much appreciate the diligent work of our many law-enforcement partners in recovering countless vehicles and putting an end to this criminal scheme. Our work to secure justice for the conspirators and their victims continues.”

“Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “This case hits even closer to home in a state like Michigan, where auto theft doesn’t just hurt our wallets, but our culture. Our HSI special agents and law enforcement partners will continue to do the work necessary to take down these operations that harm everyday Americans.”   

“This indictment underscores the importance of law enforcement collaboration to ensure those who exploit our borders through unlawful commercial vehicle smuggling operations are brought to justice,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI in Michigan is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners in disrupting both domestic and international trafficking networks. We remain committed to protecting our community and safeguarding the integrity of our infrastructure.”

“This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. “I want to thank our partners in the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium (SMACC), whose collaboration was instrumental in this case. I also want to acknowledge the critical funding and support provided by Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), which makes this type of proactive investigation possible. Together, we are protecting victims, safeguarding our communities, and holding criminals accountable.”

“In light of efforts by transnational criminal organizations to victimize the America people and our businesses through illicit vehicle trade, we aim to counter their methods with every available resource at our disposal,” said Marty C. Raybon, CBP director of field operations . “We will continue to work alongside our regional law enforcement partners to ensure we put the brakes on vehicle smuggling through the Motor City and beyond.” 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by agents of ICE HSI with significant assistance from CBP, FBI, IRS-CI, Bureau of Industry and Security, Dearborn Police, Dearborn Heights Police, Livonia Police, Garden City Police, Detroit Police, CSX Police, Norfolk Southern Police, HSI Newark, HSI Norfolk, CBP Norfolk and CBP Newark and task-force officers affiliated with the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louie Meizlish, Hank Moon, and Catherine Morris.

Prosecutors allege Davis and Williams worked as brokers to source stolen cars, while the others handled shipments abroad. In one case, a BMW and Chevrolet Camaro were packed into a container bound for Iraq with documents claiming the cargo was auto parts.

If convicted, the men face up to five years in prison on conspiracy charges and up to 10 years for transporting stolen vehicles.

Man Lying in Road Killed By Police Car Patrol

An NYPD officer ran over and killed a man lying face-up in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in August 2025, according to multiple news reports. The officer was on routine patrol, driving about 10 mph, and immediately stayed at the scene. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident happened at Flushing Meadows Corona Park just before 5 p.m. Saturday., September 4.

Authorities are investigating the incident and trying to identify the man to notify his family. The reason the man was in the road is unclear, though the park was busy with US Open fan festivities at the time.