In brief: Allied adds investigation firm, Pye-Barker at 80, report recommends locked school doors

IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal has acquired Investigative Risk Management (IRM), an Ontario-based provider of workplace and insurance claims investigations, as well as risk management services. 

IRM will be integrated into Allied Universal Compliance and Investigations, the company’s global insurance claims services unit, expanding its investigative footprint across Canada. 

The acquisition establishes a dedicated Canadian investigative workforce, enabling Allied Universal to provide claims investigations, fraud detection and risk assessment services nationwide. It also enhances the company’s ability to support cross-border investigations across North America. 

“IRM has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, defensible investigative work grounded in integrity and professionalism,” said Mike Malone, president of Allied Universal Compliance and Investigations. “This acquisition expands our ability to serve global insurance clients with dedicated Canadian operations while introducing our advanced fraud-detection capabilities to the market.” 

As part of the integration, Allied Universal will deploy its proprietary analytics, including its Third Eye and PartnerLink platforms, in Canada. The tools are designed to help identify fraud risk earlier in the claims process, streamline investigations and support faster decision-making. 

The combined platform will also incorporate IRM’s capabilities in intelligence-led surveillance, open-source intelligence, digital forensics and cybersecurity, broadening service offerings for insurance clients and accelerating case resolution timelines. 

“Joining Allied Universal represents a significant step for our organization and our clients,” said Brian Sartorelli, president of IRM. “We look forward to combining our investigative expertise with Allied Universal’s global scale and technology capabilities.”

IRM will continue operating in Canada while integrating Allied Universal’s technology and resources, with the combined organization aiming to deliver expanded capacity and broader investigative services. 

Pye-Barker celebrates 80-year milestone 

ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety is marking its 80th anniversary in 2026, highlighting eight decades of growth from a regional fire protection supplier into one of the largest fully integrated fire, life safety and security services providers in the United States. 

Founded in 1946 in Atlanta by two Georgia Institute of Technology graduates, the company now operates more than 250 locations across 47 states with more than 9,000 employees. 

Pye-Barker plans to commemorate the milestone during the May 31 NASCAR race in Nashville, Tenn., as part of its partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Driver John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE will feature a retro-themed wrap recognizing the anniversary and displaying the names of the company’s workforce. 

In addition, the company has launched an “80 for 80” initiative, with branches committing to at least 80 community service efforts nationwide throughout the year. 

“I am humbled by Pye-Barker’s impact on communities across the U.S. over the last 80 years,” said CEO Bart Proctor. “We’ve been privileged to serve countless customers, safeguard thousands of livelihoods and protect millions of lives.” 

Pye-Barker’s growth has been driven in large part by acquisitions, with more than 200 companies added over time to expand its geographic footprint and service capabilities. 

The company also pointed to several internal and community-focused initiatives tied to its growth strategy, including its ALL In (Achieving Lasting Legacy Incentive) ownership program, which it said makes Pye-Barker the largest employee-owned company in the fire and life safety sector. Other efforts include its What Matters community program - which supports employees, local communities and industry professionals - and a 2026 partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 

Pye-Barker has also received Great Place to Work certification and has been included on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing private companies. 

“Eighty years in, our team is only just getting started,” Proctor said. “I'm energized by the momentum we've built and inspired by our Pye-Barker family of certified technicians, fire and security experts, leaders, and support teams who make it possible to serve thousands of customers every day. As we look forward to the next 80 years, we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth and the ability to deliver even better full-service life safety solutions for our customers." 

Locked doors are a critical factor in reducing school shooting casualties, study finds 

SAN MARCOS, Texas—Locked doors and consistent access control practices play a key role in reducing casualties during school shootings, according to new research from Texas State University’s Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center. 

The report, “The Role of Locked Doors and Access Control in School-Based Active Shooter Events,” was conducted in partnership with the Security Industry Association (SIA) and analyzes 54 school-based active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2025, resulting in 324 total victims. Researchers examined how attackers entered and moved through school buildings, along with the effectiveness of door locks, lockdown procedures and other access control measures. 

Among the study’s findings, 69% of perpetrators gained entry through an unsecured door, while nearly two-thirds (61.7%) of doors involved in incidents were found unlocked or intentionally propped open. No functioning locked door in the dataset was successfully breached by defeating its locking mechanism. 

The research also found that casualty likelihood was approximately three times higher when doors were unsecured compared to secured doors. Nearly half of attacks began in hallways or outside areas, underscoring vulnerabilities in common spaces such as corridors, courtyards and entry points. 

More than half (55.6%) of the incidents occurred in high schools, compared with 18.5% in elementary schools and 16.7% in middle schools. Attacker profiles varied by school type. In middle and high schools, most incidents involved insiders, with current students accounting for 88.9% of shooters in middle schools and 83.3% in high schools. In elementary school incidents, all attackers were outsiders. 

While 75.9% of incidents involved a lockdown procedure, the study found that in some cases lockdowns were not initiated until after the attacks had effectively concluded, limiting their impact. 

“The most common way an attacker entered a space was not by defeating a lock - it was by walking through a door that should have been locked but wasn’t,” said Hunter Martaindale, Ph.D., director of research at the ALERRT Center and lead author of the report. 

The study also highlighted the importance of delay during an active shooter event. Even when attackers eventually breached entry points, locked classroom doors often slowed movement long enough for occupants to initiate lockdowns, notifications to spread and law enforcement to respond. 

The report outlines eight evidence-based policy recommendations, including ensuring every classroom door has a functional lock that can be engaged from inside the room, addressing vulnerabilities in glass features around doors, maintaining consistent security procedures and prioritizing routine maintenance and repairs. The researchers also raised concerns about aftermarket door barricade devices, noting they can introduce safety risks and operational complications. 

The independent research was supported by a grant from the SIA Endowment Program. SIA said the findings are intended to help inform school administrators, security professionals, law enforcement and policymakers as they evaluate school safety best practices. 

SIA will host a webinar on June 18 featuring Martaindale and members of the ALERRT Center to discuss the research findings and their implications for school security. RSVP here. 

Access the full research report here. 

Seoul-based CPRO to go public via SPAC merger with Lakeshore   

SEOUL—CPRO Electronics Holding Limited (CPRO), a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven video and analytics technology, plans to go public on a U.S. exchange through a business combination with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Lakeshore Acquisition III Corp., the companies announced. The transaction values the combined company at an implied pro forma enterprise value of approximately $326 million, assuming no redemptions. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approvals and customary regulatory conditions. CPRO develops edge-based artificial intelligence cameras and analytics software aimed at security, retail intelligence and industrial safety applications. The company said its technology analyzes customer movement and behavior patterns to help retailers optimize store performance, while also supporting safety use cases such as interactions between humans and robots in industrial environments. 

ESA announces 2026 board of directors  

IRVING, Texas—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced the results of its 2026 board of directors election following a successful member voting process that concluded on May 14, 2026. 

The following individuals were elected to serve on the ESA board of directors:   

Integrator directors:  

· Jordan Jackson, CEO of Security Central 

· Neil Atha, president of Atronic Alarms 

· Randall Renfroe, president/CEO of Allstate Security Industries 

National company director:  

· Holly Borgmann, vice president of government affairs at ADT 

Associate member director:  

· Quentin Gunther, program leader at Resideo 

“ESA is fortunate to have such an accomplished and passionate group of industry leaders willing to dedicate their time and expertise to advancing our mission,” said Merlin Guilbeau, CEO of ESA. “These individuals bring diverse perspectives, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to the success of the electronic security and life safety industry. We look forward to the contributions they will make as we continue building a stronger future for our members and the industry as a whole.” 

ESA announces Michael Barnes as recipient of the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award 

IRVING, Texas—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced Michael Barnes as the recipient of the 2026 Sara E. Jackson Award, one of the association’s highest honors recognizing extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication to the electronic security and life safety industry. Barnes will be formally recognized during Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026 in Irving, Texas. Named in honor of former ESA President Sara E. Jackson, the award is presented annually to an ESA member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment through service on ESA committees, task forces, or boards while helping advance the industry and the association. Barnes is the founding partner of Barnes Associates, an investment banking and consulting firm specializing in the security alarm industry. Widely respected throughout the industry, Barnes has spent decades advising security companies on acquisitions, capital formation, strategic planning, and operational performance. 

Craig Thelen named 2026 NFPA Electrical Inspector of the Year 

QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that Craig Thelen, executive director of the State of Nebraska Electrical Division, has been selected as the 2026 NFPA Electrical Inspector of the Year. Thelen will be honored during the Stars at Night awards gala on Sunday, June 21, as part of the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Thelen is being recognized for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to the electrical inspection profession. Since becoming executive director of the Nebraska Electrical Division in 2020, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing electrical safety, supporting electrical inspectors throughout the state, and upholding the principles of the National Electrical Code (NEC). In addition, Thelen contributes to the profession by teaching code classes and sharing his technical expertise with others. He serves on the board of the National Electrical Reciprocal Alliance, promoting regulatory consistency across more than 18 states. He also serves as a principal member on Code Making Panel 15 and an alternate member on Panel 10, further demonstrating his commitment to public safety through the codes and standards development process.

NetOne appoints Brian Duffy as board chair  

RALEIGH, N.C.—Brian Duffy, CEO of Per Mar Security Services, has been appointed as board chair of NetOne in establishing strategic direction, identifying new opportunities for growth, and guiding the organization as it adapts to a rapidly changing electronic security market. Duffy’s leadership will support NetOne’s long-term value for its 23 shareholder companies by strengthening communication and alignment and enabling member companies to operate as a unified network. Over 7,000 NetOne employees serve more than 1,200,000 customers throughout North America, helping the companies achieve gross revenues exceeding $1.85 billion annually. “It is an honor to serve as chairman of NetOne. NetOne is made up of the finest independent security companies in the country,” said Duffy. “I look forward to fostering even deeper relationships amongst the shareholders, and ensuring NetOne helps us remain competitive, growing companies in this fast-changing world. I will do my best to build upon the incredible foundation we have at NetOne.” 

Semtech Corp. joins Z-Wave Alliance board of directors 
 
SAN RAMON, Calif.—The Z-Wave Alliance, the standards development organization (SDO) dedicated to advancing Z-Wave technology for residential, commercial, multi-dwelling and hospitality markets, has announced that Semtech Corp. has joined as a new member and will serve on the board of directors. Fully ratified as an SDO, the Z-Wave Alliance actively seeks out leaders in the IoT and connectivity space to join, direct, and contribute to the completely member-driven organization and chart the future of Z-Wave technology across all applicable markets. As a provider of high-performance semiconductors powering AI data center networking, IoT connectivity, and intelligent connected devices worldwide, Semtech brings deep silicon expertise and a unique perspective to the Alliance that will help shape direction and strategic initiatives across standards development, certification, and overall ecosystem expansion.  

DMP appoints Patrick Cooke as director of sales, South Central 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has announced the hiring of Patrick Cooke as director of sales, South Central. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Cooke will provide exceptional service to the regional sales managers of the South Central territory. “I take pride in helping organizations solve complex security challenges, while empowering dealers to differentiate themselves and win in competitive markets,” said Cooke. “I was drawn to DMP because I can make a direct impact and compete at the highest level alongside a team that values innovation and execution.” Cooke’s experience includes mentoring high-performing sales teams, as well as designing and delivering highly integrated and scalable enterprise-grade solutions. He will play a key role in supporting regional sales managers and elevating strategies and results at DMP. 

Echodyne partners with Axon to expand public safety drone radar capabilities 

KIRKLAND, Wash.—Echodyne and Axon have partnered to support expanded use of radar in public safety drone operations, with a focus on improving low-altitude airspace awareness for law enforcement and homeland security applications. Under the agreement, Echodyne’s radar technology will support Axon’s drone ecosystem, including its Axon Air platform and Dedrone counter-drone solutions. The companies said the collaboration is aimed at helping agencies operate drones more safely while also detecting and responding to unauthorized or potentially malicious drone activity. “Radar is the cornerstone of airspace awareness, particularly in low-altitude environments where remotely piloted and increasingly autonomous drones will operate,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “Our work with Axon is focused on delivering solutions that support public safety agencies securing communities and infrastructure.” 

ECAM launches ECAM Central platform  

DALLAS—ECAM, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven live surveillance technology solutions provider, has announced the launch of ECAM Central, an operational intelligence platform designed to give customers real-time visibility into how their video security operations are managed across monitored properties. The company said the platform allows users to see the full lifecycle of a monitored event - including what triggered a detection, how operators responded, whether deterrence measures were successful and how the incident was ultimately resolved. “Most organizations that invest in monitored video security have no way to verify what actually happens when an alert occurs,” said Chris Brooks, COO at ECAM. “ECAM Central changes this dynamic by putting the customer inside the operation. Every detection, operator decision and outcome is visible in real time and documented for analytics.”