Since its founding in 2020, Action CS has been at the forefront of revolutionizing active crime deterrent systems. By integrating strobe lighting, audio deterrents, and advanced camera technology, the company has positioned itself as a leader in proactive security solutions. In this exclusive interview with SVIP, Eric Lars Larson, Founder of Action CS, dives into the origins of the company, its innovative product development, and future strategic goals.

Origins and Mission: The Birth of Action CS

Q: What inspired you and Justin Gant to establish Action CS in 2020? What core challenges in the security industry were you aiming to address?

Eric Lars Larson: The idea for Action CS was born out of necessity. In 2020, Justin and I were living in Seattle during the CHOP/CHAZ incidents when the police station was taken over. We saw firsthand how ineffective passive surveillance cameras had become as deterrents. One day, I got a call from Clara, a building owner near the protest zone. She had security cameras, but they weren’t preventing repeated break-ins.

Clara wanted more than just video evidence—she wanted an active deterrent. She asked me if her cameras could notify her when someone entered after hours and if she could activate strobe lights and an audio warning remotely. I realized then that the security industry was lacking proactive solutions. We set out to create a system that not only recorded incidents but actively deterred crime before it happened. That’s how Action CS was born.

Developing a Game-Changing Product

Q: Could you elaborate on the development process of your active deterrent units and how they seamlessly integrate with existing camera systems?

Larson: The development process has been iterative. Our goal was to ensure compatibility with various camera systems while making installation straightforward. Our units integrate seamlessly using existing camera “pigtails,” eliminating the need for additional SIP or HASS configurations.

We’re also excited about our latest product, which will debut at ISC West. It features a larger unit with an adapter plate, supporting enhanced speakers, multicolored RGB strobe lights, and more. These innovations set us apart and ensure our solutions remain versatile and effective.

Competitive Edge in the Security Market

Q: In a competitive security market, what key features set Action CS apart from other providers?

Larson: Our system is the only strobe and speaker combo that operates on a single Ethernet connection, supporting multiple camera brands and video management systems. We’ve also introduced an audio card that enables tiered messaging, full RGB color control, and dynamic strobe patterns. This means our system can escalate deterrence measures based on threat levels—getting louder, brighter, and more aggressive until the threat is neutralized.

Target Users and Distribution Model

Q: Who are the primary users of Action CS products, and how do you cater to integrators, resellers, and distributors?

Larson: While end users ultimately benefit, our primary customers are integrators and distributors. We work with major partners like Everon, ScanSource, Wesco Anxiter, and AIN Group, offering wholesale pricing and flexible distribution models. We also collaborate with Access Communications to expand our reach.

Ensuring Compatibility Across Camera Brands

Q: How does Action CS ensure compatibility with a wide range of camera brands? What role does plug-and-play functionality play in your offerings?

Larson: Our systems are designed for universal compatibility. We offer multiple adapter plates and NPT adapters to fit various camera types, from PTZs to multi-lens units. We also provide wiring diagrams for major brands like Axis, Bosch, Hanwha, Avigilon, and Uniview. Our plug-and-play approach simplifies integration, making our solution an easy addition to existing security infrastructures.

Collaboration with Axis Communications

Q: Can you share insights into your collaboration with Axis Communications and its impact on your product offerings?

Larson: We’re proud to be one of the few certified technical partners with Axis. One standout development is our Ultra PoE product, designed to support high-wattage cameras like the Axis Q6010. This model, with its multi-lens IR ring and PTZ, draws over 60 watts, exceeding the typical PoE++ limits. Our Ultra PoE solution doubles power capacity, allowing high-wattage cameras to operate efficiently over a single Ethernet connection. This has been a game-changer for deployments requiring high-power solutions.

ISC West 2025: A Major Showcase

Q: With Action CS participating in ISC West 2025, what are your objectives for the event? What can attendees expect?

Larson: We’re making a big splash at ISC West 2025. Our booth size has doubled, and our partner, Vorp Energy, will have a trailer featuring our full RGB deterrent system in “disco ball mode.” It will be impossible to miss us!

Beyond the spectacle, our primary goal is to educate integrators about the benefits of active deterrence and remote video guarding. We want them to see firsthand how our solutions can transform security infrastructure from passive recording to active intervention.

Leveraging Social Media for Market Growth

Q: How does Action CS utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to engage with your audience and promote your mission?

Larson: I personally have 14,000 LinkedIn followers, and we’re aiming for 4,000 on our company page. LinkedIn is our primary platform for engagement, but we also use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We hold weekly cadence meetings to strategize messaging that resonates with our audience. Our goal is to increase visibility and educate the market on proactive security solutions.

Future Strategic Goals and Emerging Trends

Q: What are Action CS’s strategic goals for the next five years, and how do you plan to adapt to emerging trends in the security industry?

Larson: Over the next five years, we plan to continue innovating and expanding our integrations with AI-driven analytics, 3D LiDAR, and gunshot/weapons detection technologies. We’re also exploring potential acquisition opportunities. While I can’t disclose all our upcoming projects, I can say that we’re committed to staying at the forefront of security technology, bringing groundbreaking solutions to market that redefine crime deterrence.

Final Thoughts

With a focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, Action CS is certainly reshaping the security industry. Their active deterrent solutions go beyond passive surveillance, providing businesses and communities with tools to help prevent crime in real time. As they prepare for ISC West 2025 and beyond, their commitment to cutting-edge technology and seamless integration remains unwavering.

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