Did you know that the inventor of the home security system was Marie Van Brittan Brown, a black woman from New York?
Born on October 10, 1922 in Jamaica, Queens, NY, Brown was a nurse who worked late hours, which was a concern to her because of the high crime rates, and how long it took for police to respond to emergencies at that time in Queens.
Her husband, Albert Brown, was an electronics technician who also worked long hours during the night. To ease the anxiety of high crime, the Browns wanted to invent something to protect themselves. Marie came up with an invention that would be attached to her front door.
This invention would have four peepholes with cameras to record anyone walking by the house. These cameras would also be connected to a television monitor and microphone inside her residence. The microphone would allow the Browns to talk to the visitor at her door. This alarm system would alert the police of any intruders.
Image Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
The Browns saw their invention as the first modern home security system. In 1966, the Browns filed a patent for their invention titled “Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance.” People thought the Browns were ahead of their time because of their invention. In 1969, the patent was approved, and their invention gained well-deserved recognition, including an award from the National Science Board. Brown resided in Queens until her death on February 2, 1999, at age seventy-six.
Giving Thanks
Because of this invention, we give thanks to Brown for keeping people safe in their homes. Today, her invention deters criminal activities such as burglaries, theft, and vandalism. It keeps businesses and schools safe from crimes. For schools, it also helped improve emergency preparedness and response, has created safer environments for staff members, students, and teachers, and allows for the monitoring and control of building access. Brown has impacted so many lives because of her invention.
K.D. National Force Security (KDNFS), LLC’s School Security System was specifically developed and custom-designed for Pre-K through 12th-grade educational environments. Educators, law enforcement agencies, parent-teacher associations, the community, and school boards highly regard our tested and proven system. We are a privately owned, bonded, and fully insured company comprised of credentialed and experienced law enforcement experts. Providing school security services for 10 years, KDNFS has set the standard in school security with each of our professional security specialists, who have more than 20 years of experience.
To learn more about how KDNFS can protect you from senseless violence, contact us at info@kdnfs.com or (609) 635-5037.
