As technology continues to advance, portable security devices have become an increasingly important and useful tool in executive protection and general security. For decades, portable security technology has been used by law enforcement personnel to protect people and secure property in situations where other security is not possible. In 1968, the voice-activated radio dispatched alarm (VARDA), was invented. It is a portable device that, when activated, will broadcast a message to the dispatch channel, allowing officers to immediately respond to the scene for further investigation. Although the VARDA was originally designed for law enforcement applications such as repeat break-ins, domestic violence issues and metal/equipment theft, its concept has been adapted over time to address a variety of needs in the private sector.
The variety of advancements in the technology have made portable security devices function far beyond their original use, becoming a feasible, reliable and efficient solution, not just for law enforcement, but also for the private sector. Clients of private security firms include government officials, celebrities and entertainers, professional athletes, business executives and others. It is reported that these clients pay anywhere between $250,000 to $1.5 million for security, and perhaps even more in certain cases. With such a high-demand market for private security teams, the application of improved security measures, like portable alarms, into the totality of security service, has been vital in creating a safer and seamless experience.