In a time marked by escalating global dangers and scattered security approaches, IMSYS Security has emerged as a revolutionary force—the perspective on protection. With an ambitious goal to consolidate video surveillance, facial recognition, and AI-driven analytics into a single integrated platform, IMSYS is transforming the concept of safety. From smart urban environments to crucial government installations, this pioneering company is providing intelligent, cohesive security systems that anticipate challenges—allowing you to focus forward without looking back. Security should not consist of a series of disconnected tools; it should be a strategic asset.

At Business Fortune, we spoke with Jodie Gaffney (Executive Director and Co-Founder), & Heath Gaffney (President), to explore the company’s evolution, its pioneering approach to integrated security systems, and its bold vision for the future of safety and surveillance.

Interview Highlights

Could you share the inspiration and circumstances that led to the founding of IMSYS Security in 2005? What specific gaps or challenges in the security industry were you aiming to address at that time?

Founding Inspiration and Circumstances behind IMSYS Security (2005)

IMSYS Security was founded in 2005 to close a critical gap we recognized in the security industry: the lack of cohesive, intelligent systems that unified surveillance, access control, and real-time monitoring into a single, streamlined platform. At the time, security technologies were fragmented — organizations were forced to juggle multiple standalone tools that left vulnerabilities exposed and made comprehensive threat management difficult.

Our vision from the start was to bridge these gaps by delivering integrated solutions that could not only detect threats but also predict and prevent them. We set out to create smarter, scalable security ecosystems tailored to the evolving needs of businesses, government facilities, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Key to our early development was a forward-thinking sheriff’s office that partnered with us to pilot emerging technologies. In 2007, we successfully implemented RFID tracking solutions to monitor prisoner movements in real-time within a county jail — one of the first real-world deployments of its kind. The success of that program led to an expanded deployment, monitoring over 600 officers, judges, and staff across the entire courthouse system.

Building on that success, the courthouse requested additional integrations, including VOIP communications, advanced door controls, and sensory detection technologies. This evolution became the foundation of our Intelligent Presence Awareness Solutions (IPAS) Platform, which today includes:

• IPAS Secure (Access Control and Visitor Management)
• IPAS VMS (Video Management System)
• IPAS Monitor (Real-Time Monitoring and Incident Response)

Since then, IMSYS Security has remained at the forefront of integrated security innovation, helping organizations move beyond outdated, siloed approaches into a future of smarter, connected protection.

How does IMSYS define modern security, and what problems do you believe most organizations still underestimate today?

At IMSYS, we define modern security as a proactive, unified ecosystem of intelligent technologies that work together to anticipate, detect, and respond to threats in real time. This approach goes beyond the traditional mindset of merely deploying cameras or badge readers. Modern security involves connecting surveillance systems, access control, AI-driven analytics, biometric verification, wireless sensors, and behavioral monitoring into a seamless, adaptive platform.

We firmly believe that security should not consist of a series of disconnected tools; instead, it should be a strategic asset integrated into the daily operations of a business, facility, or government entity. A truly modern security system does not just record events; it actively predicts and prevents them by recognizing patterns, flagging anomalies, and providing security teams with timely, actionable intelligence.

Most organizations today continue to underestimate two critical vulnerabilities:

1. Internal Threats

Many organizations focus their investments on protecting against external intrusions—unauthorized access, perimeter breaches, or cyberattacks. While these are important, the greater and often more damaging risks originate internally. This includes disgruntled employees, misuse of credentials, tailgating at access points, or simply human error. Without a system that can detect and contextualize internal behavior—such as a door being opened out of schedule, a badge being used in an unusual location, or a user accessing multiple secure areas in rapid succession—organizations miss red flags that could prevent insider-driven incidents.

2. System Disintegration

In today’s technology landscape, many organizations have accumulated layers of security infrastructure—surveillance cameras from one vendor, access control from another, and monitoring or alert systems from yet another. These tools are often managed independently, creating gaps in communication, data analysis, and response coordination. The result is a fragmented environment where threats can fall through the cracks, and valuable insights remain buried across siloed platforms.

IMSYS addresses this through our IPAS suite by fusing video, access, and monitoring into a centralized intelligence platform. This enables faster decision-making, automated threat correlation and real-time operational awareness across departments and locations.

Your IPAS suite integrates VMS, monitoring, and access control—what’s the philosophy behind building an interconnected system versus separate tools?

At IMSYS, our philosophy is grounded in the belief that security must operate as a cohesive, intelligent organism—not a collection of disconnected parts. That’s why we developed IPAS (Intelligent Presence Awareness Solutions) as an integrated suite that unifies Video Management Systems (VMS), real-time monitoring, and access control into a single, seamless platform.

In traditional setups, components often come from different vendors, leading to fragmented interfaces, user credentials, and workflows. This creates information silos and delays, increasing the risk of missing critical threats. For instance, a camera may capture suspicious behavior, but without correlating access logs or an automated alert, that data may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

IPAS changes that by ensuring that every security event is instantly linked across the system. If a door is propped open after hours, IPAS not only logs the event but:

• Flags it via AI-enhanced video analytics,

• Cross-references access badge data,

• Sends immediate alerts to on-site personnel or remote monitors,

• And even triggers automated lockdown protocols if necessary.

This interconnectivity enables security teams to respond faster and smarter, with context and control readily available. Our modular and scalable system allows clients to start small and expand seamlessly, ensuring consistent integration without data blind spots. We view security as a living system that adapts to new threats and leverages emerging technologies. This philosophy is at the heart of IPAS.

IMSYS played a key role in transforming Bergen County’s surveillance infrastructure. What were the core objectives of that project when it first began?

The Bergen County surveillance initiative marked a defining chapter in IMSYS’s early history and helped shape the foundation of what would later evolve into our Intelligent Presence Awareness System (IPAS). When we first engaged with the County, the objectives were clear, ambitious, and forward-thinking.

In the Bergen County Case Study - Looking to scale your security infrastructure? IMSYS delivers results at county-wide scale. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you:

1. Strengthen Public Safety

The county sought to deploy a surveillance network capable of deterring crime, enhancing emergency response, and supporting multi-jurisdictional law enforcement collaboration. At a time when few counties had adopted centralized surveillance, Bergen County aimed to lead by example—creating a system that delivered real-time intelligence and on-demand playback across schools, government buildings, parks, and public spaces.

2. Unify Security Infrastructure

Before IMSYS’s involvement, the region’s surveillance systems were fragmented and limited in interoperability. Our goal was to create a centralized monitoring environment that could bring together video feeds from disparate sources into a single, secure platform—accessible by multiple departments while maintaining role-based permissions. This centralization helped agencies respond more efficiently and improved regional situational awareness.

3. Build a Scalable Framework for the Future

The project's standout feature was its commitment to future-proofing. Collaborating with then-Sheriff Leo P. McGuire, we designed a solution focused on long-term adaptability, which laid the groundwork for IMSYS's Intelligent Presence Awareness System. Sheriff McGuire's leadership was crucial in implementation and creating a tech footprint highlighting integration, intelligence, and scalability. Although Bergen County has switched providers, the vision and design principles developed during this project continue to guide IPAS in large-scale security deployments.

Nearly 20 years later, Sheriff McGuire remains a supporter and contributor, collaborating with IMSYS on new initiatives and continuing to share insights that influence how we serve public safety clients across the country.

The Bergen County project marked the beginning of IMSYS’s transition from a service provider to a pioneer in intelligent, unified security ecosystems—and we carry that legacy forward in every deployment we undertake.

Discover how IMSYS can future-proof your security.

From schools and hospitals to critical infrastructure and defense, we design intelligent systems that think ahead—so you don’t have to look back.

Book a discovery call today: info@imsyssecurity.com

Can you walk us through the scale of the implementation—more than 820 cameras and a petabyte of storage is no small feat. What were the main logistical and technical challenges you faced?

Implementing a county-wide surveillance infrastructure with over 820 high-definition cameras and over a petabyte of storage was one of IMSYS's most complex projects. It covered multiple towns, public buildings, parks, and transit hubs, requiring technical expertise, logistical precision, and inter-agency coordination.

Here are the key challenges we faced:

Network Bandwidth and Infrastructure

We designed a resilient, high-throughput network backbone to support continuous high-resolution video streaming without latency. By utilizing fiber-optic cabling and secure wireless links, we ensured coverage in urban and challenging suburban areas. The network was built to be fault-tolerant, encrypted, and capable of handling hundreds of concurrent streams with remote access for authorized personnel.

Petabyte-Scale Storage and Data Management

Handling such a massive volume of video footage required custom-engineered storage architecture with multiple layers of redundancy. We implemented a distributed storage system with hybrid retention protocols, allowing for immediate access to critical footage while archiving long-term video securely and efficiently. The system also had to meet public safety regulations, which mandated retention periods, chain-of-custody controls, and audit capabilities.

Cross-Agency Coordination

The system needed to serve local police, sheriff’s offices, emergency management teams, and municipal IT. A detailed governance framework was essential to align these groups by defining permissions, access policies, response workflows, and management responsibilities. IMSYS coordinated stakeholder alignment, trained teams, and ensured accountability from site assessment to system launch.

Project Timeline and Resource Constraints

Despite the complexity, the project had to be executed quickly and without service disruptions. We coordinated construction, hardware deployment, and system testing on a rolling schedule to ensure no downtime for public safety operations. Our team worked nights, weekends, and in adverse weather to hit aggressive implementation milestones.

Thanks to careful planning and collaboration with county officials and law enforcement, the system was delivered on time, under budget, and fully operational, earning recognition as a model for multi-jurisdictional surveillance. This project reinforced IMSYS’s reputation as a capable and adaptable security partner.

What role does AI play in improving surveillance outcomes, and how do you ensure it doesn't become invasive or prone to bias?

Artificial Intelligence should serve people, delivering insight without intrusion. Artificial Intelligence plays a crucial role in modern surveillance at IMSYS, transforming security from passive observation to proactive intervention. AI allows our systems to analyze vast amounts of video data in real-time, flagging anomalies and identifying potential threats that might be missed by human operators.

From detecting loitering near sensitive areas to recognizing flagged vehicle license plates, identifying abandoned objects, and analyzing crowd behavior during emergencies, AI enhances speed, accuracy, and situational awareness. It reduces response times and minimizes operator fatigue; ensuring critical events are not overlooked.

Bias Testing and Algorithm Vetting

We carefully evaluate and test all AI engines before deployment, selecting only those that demonstrate consistent accuracy across diverse environments, lighting conditions, and demographic profiles. Our teams conduct independent performance validation to ensure the system’s decisions are based on objective behaviors—not subjective or discriminatory factors.

Data Minimization and Contextual Analysis

We design our AI systems to focus on patterns of movement, anomalies, and context-driven alerts, rather than storing or interpreting unnecessary personal identity data. For example, our platform might alert someone entering a restricted zone after hours, but it won't automatically identify that person unless facial recognition is specifically activated—and only if the use case justifies it under the policy.

Human-in-the-Loop Oversight

At IMSYS, no AI decision stands alone; all AI-generated alerts undergo human verification to ensure fairness and accountability, preventing false positives and protecting individual rights. We maintain transparent audit logs of AI activity, allowing organizations to review and improve their surveillance systems while adhering to regulatory and ethical standards. Our guiding principle is that AI should serve people, delivering insight without intrusion, and always respecting privacy, fairness, and human dignity.

What’s next for IMSYS—any upcoming product releases, expansion plans, or major collaborations we should watch out for?

2025 marks a transformative year for IMSYS as we scale both technologically and geographically to meet the growing national demand for intelligent, adaptable security solutions.

IPAS Secure 2.0 Launch

We’re preparing to release IPAS Secure 2.0, our most advanced platform upgrade to date. The new version will include:

• AI-enhanced threat modeling is capable of learning behavioral patterns and predicting abnormal activity before it escalates.
• A mobile-first access control interface, optimized for administrators, security teams, and end users managing access from anywhere.
• Predictive analytics provide actionable insights by correlating video, access, and location data in real-time.

This upgrade will not only make security more responsive—it will make it intelligent, intuitive, and future-ready.

Geographic Expansion

To meet demand across new markets, IMSYS is establishing regional hubs in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, allowing us to better serve clients in:

• Healthcare, where compliance, patient privacy, and safety are top priorities.
• Education, where integrated visitor management, lockdown automation, and threat detection are now essential.
• Government and critical infrastructure, where our track record with multi-site deployments makes us a trusted partner.

These hubs will serve as both sales and service centers—providing local support, faster deployment timelines, and hands-on technical training.

Strategic Technology Partnerships

Later this year, we’ll be announcing several major collaborations with AI, robotics, and edge computing firms. These partnerships are focused on:

• Enhancing our presence detection and behavioral analytics engines.
• Integrating autonomous drone surveillance.
• Advancing secure wireless infrastructure and post-quantum encryption.

These alliances will keep IMSYS at the forefront of innovation, providing scalable, affordable solutions for enterprise and public-sector clients. Through new software and cutting-edge partnerships, IMSYS is dedicated to delivering next-gen presence-aware security solutions to meet today’s demands and shape the future of security.

Ready to unify your video, access, and intelligence systems? Let IMSYS show you what modern security really looks like. Visit imsyssecurity.com or contact us at 1 877.464.6797 or info@imsyssecurity.com.

Meet the Visionaries Driving IMSYS Security

Jodie Gaffney – Executive Director & Co-Founder, IMSYS Security

Jodie Gaffney is the operational force behind IMSYS Security. With over 20 years of experience in finance, contract negotiation, and vendor management, Jodie has been instrumental in scaling IMSYS from a visionary startup into a trusted name in integrated security solutions.

As Executive Director, Jodie drives IMSYS’s internal engine—overseeing finance, operations, and customer fulfillment to ensure smooth deployments and trusted partnerships.

Guided by the belief that technology should enhance safety without adding complexity, her behind-the-scenes leadership drives ethical, scalable, and human-centered security solutions.

Heath Gaffney – President & Co-Founder, IMSYS Security

Heath Gaffney is a forward-thinking entrepreneur who has spent over two decades shaping how organizations approach safety, risk, and compliance. As President of IMSYS Security, Heath leads the company’s strategic growth, product innovation, and customer engagement.

Heath’s vision to unify surveillance, analytics, and access control led to the IPAS suite—a trusted platform used by public safety agencies, defense contractors, schools, and hospitals nationwide. With deep expertise in compliance and customer needs, he forges lasting partnerships and drives IMSYS to the forefront of AI-powered security innovation.

“Through new software and cutting-edge partnerships, IMSYS is dedicated to delivering next-gen presence-aware security solutions to meet today’s demands and shape the future of security.”