Government & public services security applications

Schools are continuing to upgrade security measures for pupil safety. However, on top of all the fundamental challenges schools face, implementing well-rounded and effective security solutions can seem a great difficulty. Andrew Shaw, architectural consultant for Allegion UK, discusses the advantages of electro-mechanical solutions. Schools can equate to some of the most complex security challenges for architects, specifiers and school officials alike. This is because choosing the right solution requires a comprehensive analysis of a building’s design and layout and the different requirements of each perimeter, alongside specific uses, user groups and opening hours. Different areas and spaces, such as reception areas, entry points or classrooms, each need to be approached differently in terms of safety and security measures. Precautionary lockdown strategy Adequate training also means all staff know how to support an effective lockdown and facilitate a safe escape in the event of an emergency What’s more, if the building is used for out-of-hours purposes, or if contractors are on-site, these issues will also need to be addressed. Simply put, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for schools. Security hardware and a precautionary lockdown strategy are necessities, as they are integral to the safety of teachers, students and visitors. Adequate measures need to be implemented so that schools are prepared for, and safeguarded against, external threats or unauthorised access. Whilst a lot of the responsibility falls on the shoulders of facility managers, it’s also important for teachers and administrators to be aware of, and educated on, solutions and training. This means knowing how certain hardware works and how to spot a faulty product. Adequate training also means all staff know how to support an effective lockdown and facilitate a safe escape in the event of an emergency. Unique building requirements This is becoming increasingly important with newer systems too, especially as the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more commonplace within the industry. Integrating electro-mechanical solutions into existing school security systems is now more commonly viewed as an achievable and viable option. Because an off-the-shelf security solution to fit all doesn’t exist, the benefits of integrating both electronic and mechanical solutions into systems are quickly becoming realised. As such, schools are growing more accustomed to tailored solutions based on their own unique building requirements and budgets. Each school layout is unique and, therefore, must address a range of security factors specific to different areas. Many areas within a school’s building design must accommodate for high capacity, especially in places that may be part of a fire escape route. Mechanical door hardware Schools need to consider the amount of exit and entry points, which will be dependent on the size and layout of the school grounds All schools need to address three different levels of security. The first level is the least vulnerable of the three and concerns the perimeter entry and exit points. The second level is more vulnerable than the first and relates to the point at which people are screened before entering the interior of the school. Finally, the third level - and the most vulnerable - refers to the core of the school that both pupils and staff occupy. The first level of security is the perimeter, and these areas become more important depending on the time of day. Schools need to consider the amount of exit and entry points, which will be dependent on the size and layout of the school grounds. Incorporating some level of electronic access control should be a consideration, whether that is a combination of electronic and mechanical door hardware, or a complete electronic solution. Greater visitor management An electromechanical solution, such as electric strikes, can be beneficial in the effectiveness of perimeter security as they provide greater visitor management and traffic control. Electric strikes are able to control access via keypads, cards and proximity readers. When combined with mechanical locks, they provide the benefits of unrestricted egress. This option also allows integration with central security systems, which can be automatically activated and pre-programmed for regular scheduled control. These solutions help lower the risk of potential unauthorised entry, which can lead to theft of equipment, and compromising people’s safety. They also aid facility and site managers in knowing where potential weak points are in the school perimeter. Because schools will most likely have multiple access points, the combination of mechanical hardware and access control systems allows for both security and convenience, providing greater control and monitoring. Efficient access control A well-designed school with a single-entry point allows for such monitoring, but should also cater to the efficient movement in and out of the building The second level of security is the administration or reception area. As this area will be designed primarily to facilitate visitor entry, it will require adequate monitoring of access control. This area should be able to restrict visitors from freely accessing the rest of the school. A well-designed school with a single-entry point allows for such monitoring, but should also cater to the efficient movement in and out of the building. To do this, the latches used on access-controlled egress doors can be electronically controlled from the reception area or school office. Exit or entry doors can be opened by a push from the inside and, if the entry area is also an emergency exit, electronically-powered panic bars can also provide an effective solution. When using access control solutions, schools are provided with information on who entered a part of the premises and when, are able to restrict or limit access to specific times of the day, and easily add and delete users, allowing them to manage access to the building more efficiently. Integrated centralised systems The areas most susceptible to vulnerability are the internal hallways, corridors, stairwells, entry points and restricted areas (such as staff lounges and science laboratories). These are the areas where a school must foster the safest environments for pupils, whilst also providing protection as they often contain confidential information, expensive equipment or chemicals. For these areas, there are a number of different solutions that will be beneficial, whether electronic, mechanical or a combination of the two. For electronic solutions, there are two options available: remote or centralised systems. With remote lockdown systems, individual locks are activated by remote control within proximity to the door. With integrated centralised systems, the access control system is linked to all doors within the school building and locked at the touch of a button.  Mechanical solutions, which include a cylinder lock and key, are also ideal for places such as classrooms, as doors can be locked externally with a key or internally with a thumbturn, to prevent unauthorised persons from entering. When paired with electronic access control systems, mechanical hardware can provide simplified yet improved security levels. Electromagnetic door closers Electromechanically exit devices allow for monitored and safe access, whilst also allowing for an immediate exit In schools, it is often the case that entrance doors will also be fire exits. Electromechanically exit devices allow for monitored and safe access, whilst also allowing for an immediate exit. When integrated with electronic access control systems, emergency exit points become safer and more secure as access control measures can be added, whether for teachers, pupils or visitors.  In the interest of fire safety, and to eliminate the illegal practice of propping fire doors open as well as aid free passage in busy areas, electromagnetic door closers can be linked with the building’s fire alarm system. When the fire alarm sounds (or in the event of a power outage), the electromagnet deactivates, bringing the door to a close in a normal manner, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Building design requirements By design, electronic access control systems are also easy to use and maintain. The reliability and durability of such systems also means that there will be less need for excess time and money spent on maintenance, and there’s peace of mind in knowing the systems are code-compliant. Their flexibility additionally allows for the implementation of a highly-effective bespoke solution. Electronic access control and electronic devices are able to be integrated with or into a variety of other electronic and mechanical systems. This means schools are able to successfully tailor solutions to their own budgets and building design requirements. Fully integrated security solutions and biometrics are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, giving school officials and managing teams greater control over their buildings. These solutions also give them scalability for the future, meaning systems are both future-proof and easily upgradable.

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorisation bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response from the manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centres on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact on contractor business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company statement on the NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision comments on GSX presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

Hanwha Techwin has strengthened its range of Intelligent Traffic Management solutions with the introduction of Wisenet Group ANPR cameras. Taking advantage of a powerful chipset, Wisenet Group ANPR cameras are an ideal edge-based solution for small sites with multiple entrances/exits or roadways.  Camera-to-camera IP communication technology enables up to 4 Wisenet Group ANPR cameras, (1 master camera and 3 slaves) to work together. The cameras recognise vehicle number plates and simultaneously transmit data to a single web-based display. Sharing many of the features and attributes of the Wisenet ANPR single use solution introduced at the end of 2017, Wisenet Group ANPR provides the opportunity to automatically control the movement of white listed cars through barriers via camera relay outputs, as well as provide valuable car park management information, such as ‘time spent’ and occupancy rates. Users can deploy a highly-effective ANPR solution without having to evaluate the myriad of specialist analytics solutions on the market" Intelligent traffic management solutions The comprehensive range of ANPR based Wisenet Intelligent Traffic Management solutions have been developed by Hanwha Techwin in partnership with analytics experts, FF Group. In addition to Wisenet Group and single site ANPR cameras, the range also includes a number plate server solution for large site management and Cloud based options for multiple sites and cameras. “Collectively, these ANPR solutions provide car park access control for business applications, as well as large scale city wide based systems which help local authorities keep people safe, enforce parking regulations and detect other traffic infringements,” said Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., Managing Director of Hanwha Techwin Europe. “The key benefit of the deep integration of FF Group’s analytics with our Wisenet cameras is that users can deploy a highly-effective ANPR solution without having to evaluate the myriad of specialist analytics solutions on the market.”

At ISC West 2018, visitors to the Genetec Inc. booth #26065 will be able to learn about the company’s new range of market-specific solutions specifically developed to address the needs of airports, cities, educational institutions, retailers, and transportation customers. “By leveraging the growing availability of valuable yet untapped sources of data, these portfolios create a host of new opportunities for organisations to find synergies between their security, operations, and business intelligence needs,” comments Jimmy Palatsoukas, Director of Product Marketing at Genetec. Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies Genetec Airport Sense At ISC West, airport customers will be particularly interested in looking at Genetec Airport Sense, an advanced operational analytics solution that correlates data provided by existing security sensors to produce actionable intelligence about passenger flow, airport security, and overall operations. Attendees will also be able to see how Genetec Security Center, a unified security platform, Genetec Clearance, a digital evidence management system, and Genetec Mission Control, a collaborative decision management system, are helping leading airports around the world heighten security, improve operations, and grow retail revenue. Genetec Citigraf Already installed in several cities around the world, Genetec Citigraf is a decision support system ideally suited for law enforcement, emergency services, and public safety agencies. Citigraf was first introduced in the city of Chicago, where it is helping to improve collaboration, shorten the first-response time of reported incidents, and significantly reduce crime. Featuring a powerful correlation and analytics engine, as well as a unified view of public safety operations, Citigraf instantly detects and displays relevant information from disparate systems for inter-agency collaboration. The proliferation of new surveillance systems, body-worn cameras, in-car video and mobile phones has created more ways to gather evidence, while exponentially increasing the quantity of data collected. A digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance allows cities, police officers, investigators, and security managers to collect, manage, and share digital evidence from a variety of sources. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense Genetec Traffic Sense The efficient flow of people, vehicles, and goods throughout cities and communities is a fundamental aspect of everyday life and business activities. To help solve challenges such as traffic congestion, roadway accidents, and parking scarcity, Genetec recently introduced Genetec Traffic Sense. This unified traffic operations platform brings together traditional traffic operations systems with security and incident response platforms and uses advanced analytics to detect road incidents and slowdowns, automates response, and provides operators with a consolidated view of events. Genetec Security Center and Mission Control Teaching, research, and learning happen best when faculty, staff, and students feel safe. With thousands of students and staff to protect, sprawling campuses, and emerging threats, campus security is often left feeling overwhelmed. Working together, Genetec Security Center and Mission Control increase situational intelligence and enable security personnel to prepare for, and effectively respond to, common occurrences and emergency situations. By unifying all aspects of campus security, such as access control, video, ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition), communications, and intrusion, Security Center enhances the efficiency of campus police. Not only do they benefit from a global view of all their buildings and campuses, but they are better equipped to centrally act on threats at a moment’s notice. Genetec Retail Sense Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service Retailers today are behooved to gather and rely on the same insightful customer analytics that online merchants can harvest automatically. Security Center offers retailers enterprise-wide visibility of sales floors, point-of-sale (POS) and cash-handling areas, distribution centers, and parking facilities so that they can efficiently safeguard staff, patrons, buildings and equipment. When used with Security Center, Genetec Retail Sense enables brick and mortar retailers to increase operational intelligence to enhance customer service by transforming existing video surveillance content into powerful consumer insights. Genetec solutions are designed to help public transit agencies develop and maintain the most efficient operations and processes to provide passengers with positive experiences in a secure environment. When transit and security personnel manage operations from a single, unified platform, such as Security Center, they have easy access to all the data being collected by their physical security system. With this bird’s-eye-view of their environment, they can respond quickly and knowledgeably to any incidents as they arise.

Vanderbilt, a global provider of state-of-the-art security systems, announced further integration capabilities within their SPC intrusion system. Vanderbilt’s SPC now integrates with Dutch company Triplence Technologies’ Aperium box. This has been established through Vanderbilt’s bespoke communications protocol, FlexC. SPC protects businesses, properties, and assets for users who want an intrusion detection system that offers versatile operation and comprehensive alarm management functionality. Using cloud services, end-user apps, and a dedicated software suite, SPC is at the forefront of modern intrusion detection. FlexC is a multipath, multi-redundant, highly encrypted communications protocol that allows secure monitoring and control of IP communication paths. The Aperium box can use the IP camera Video Content Analytics (VCA) events as an alarm triggers Central Monitoring Station Triplence Technologies’ Aperium box provides a secure network between a customer’s IP devices and a Central Monitoring Station (CMS). The Achilles’ heel of many IP video systems is that they are great for internal use, but can provide a security risk when opened to the internet. The Aperium box sits in between the IP devices and an authorised receiving end and offers fast, low-bandwidth snapshot images, and high-resolution video streams when necessary for an extensive range of IP cameras. The Aperium box can also use the IP camera Video Content Analytics (VCA) events as an alarm triggers. When integrated with Vanderbilt’s SPC intrusion panel, it allows for combining intrusion alarm events with VCA verification and combining non-alarm events like Access Denied, Door Forced, and System Armed/Disarmed. Along with a series of snapshot images, this makes the job of the CMS operator more comfortable and increases the standard of security for end-users. Another positive benefit from this integration is that through the Aperium box, SPC can now be combined with a more significant number of IP cameras of various brands, as well as other major brands of network video recorders. The video content analysis tools found in today’s modern IP cameras can now be an integral part of a secure intrusion alarm system Secure intrusion alarm system “Triplence developed a solution that benefits all parties in our industry: the CMS, the installer, and the end user, by providing a unique combination of Vanderbilt’s SPC intrusion alarm system and a comprehensive range of third-party IP camera solutions. The video content analysis tools found in today’s modern IP cameras can now be an integral part of a secure intrusion alarm system. This is something that has been talked about for years but not seen so far,” states Nick Pegtol, Benelux Sales Manager at Vanderbilt. “Both Vanderbilt and Triplence value state-of-the-art IP architecture and end-to-end encryption. Having smart video analytics (VCA) as an elemental part of their security solution, together we created an unparalled interconnection to the security industry” concludes Angelo Peeters, Commercial Director at Triplence Technologies.

Avigilon Corporation (‘Avigilon’), provider of trusted security solutions, announced it will preview the next evolution of its award-winning Avigilon Appearance Search video analytics technology at ISC West 2018. Available in its upcoming Avigilon Control Center (ACC) 6.10 video management software, Avigilon Appearance Search technology will allow users to initiate a search for a person by selecting certain specific physical descriptions, including hair and clothing colour, gender, and age. Ease in searching people The new feature is designed to provide security operators enhanced speed and flexibility when conducting a search for a person. “While investigating critical events, time is of the essence, and security operators are often provided physical descriptions of the people involved,” said Dr. Mahesh Saptharishi, Avigilon's Chief Technology Officer. “Operators can now use those descriptions and within seconds, the Avigilon Appearance Search AI engine can search all cameras across an entire site to find a person of interest.” ACC 6.10 is expected to be available in the second quarter of this year and is a free upgrade to current users of ACC 6.

"Many disasters have occurred in the world, but few have also provided so much delight for posterity." There probably are no better words to describe Pompeii than Goethe’s during one of his trips to Italy – the area of Pompeii encompasses 440,000 square meters that include the archaeological excavations of the ancient Roman city submerged by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, frozen in time by the sudden rain of ash and lava rock that preserved it for centuries. In 1997 UNESCO declared Pompeii a World Heritage Site, on account of the fact that the extraordinary findings in the cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and neighbouring cities buried by the eruption provide a complete and vivid picture of society and daily life that have been preserved nearly intact for two millennia. Presently Pompeii is the flagship of the Pompeii Authority, an Institute of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism provided with special autonomy, which is active in the area of protection, conservation, and public access to cultural heritage sites. The Great Pompeii project: video security needs The need to install a video security system was born of the Great Pompeii project, an undertaking ordered by the Italian Government for the purpose of reinforcing the effectiveness of the conservation actions and programmes in the archaeological area of Pompeii, by developing an extraordinary and urgently needed programme of conservation, prevention, maintenance, and restoration. An important and demanding operation, also in financial terms – €105 million from Fesr and national funding – with the objective of modernising the Pompeii archaeological site, not only by stabilising and restoring decorated walls and surfaces, but also by means of security and leveraging the video security system. Metoda's technical expertise "The reasons underlying theneed to implement a videosecurity system included protection of archaeological findings, to tourist control" The project, supported and accompanied by a suitable scientific and technical study plan for the purposes of identifying, researching the scientific knowledge and guiding the operating choices, called for launching a bid for tenders for a new video security system, which was eventually awarded to Metoda in August 2014. An Italian company in the providing solutions, software projects, and consulting in diverse IT and tele-communications sectors – from mobile payments to building management, including civil protection, security and networking – Metoda employs more than 300 experts, from professionals and specialised technicians involved in the business units dedicated to specific applications, including research and development, which collaborates with prestigious research institutes and universities for many years. "The feather in the cap for Metoda is SOA certification, which was received precisely because of our complex internal organisation and attests to the financial and technical capacity of the firm to qualify for designing and implementing large scale public tenders," explains Cesare Gonnelli, Deputy Manager of Metoda. From "under observation" to "under video surveillance" "The reasons underlying the need to implement a video security system were multifaceted, from protection of the archaeological findings, which are often the object of theft and vandalism, to tourist control," adds Gonnelli. The archaeological site, which may receive up to 15,000 tourists in a single day – a numerical turnout second to only the Coliseum – sends us very frequent reports of graffiti, scratches, and defacing of the walls and frescoes of the Roman Domus villas, which are at the heart of the archaeological site. These acts of vandalism are carried out by tourists with their pens and fingernails when they somehow manage to stay within the walls on purpose even after the site is closed to the public. Furthermore, as a result of the recent terrorist attacks, the Authority evaluated the opportunity of utilizing an advanced video security system in support of the physical surveillance activity of the guards. "In fact one of the priorities was being able to clearly distinguish the face of the people and monitoring behaviour that looked out of place inside the area, as well as any objects left behind and considered potentially suspicious," continues Gonnelli. MOBOTIX video surveillance solution Cameras were installed on light posts along the perimeter, and on the walls of the Roman Domus villas Partnering with MOBOTIX since 2011, Metoda had no doubt about the best product to offer to the Pompeii Authority for implementing the video surveillance project. "MOBOTIX easily satisfied the requirements of the bid for tenders, and was in fact the only technology truly capable of providing an answer to the actual requirements of the Authority. A resounding victory, most of all because of the quality of the images, which completely surpassed all the expectations of the customer.". The installation of the first video cameras – almost all of them D15, with the exception of about ten D25 chosen to blend with the architecture and style – started in July 2015, but already in December Pompeii was under surveillance by 240 video cameras, with the objective of reaching more than 380 before the end of the summer, installed both on the light posts placed both along the perimeter of the archaeological site, and on the internal and external walls of the Roman Domus villas. In any event, the video security system is a much more complex IT and telecommunications project, as it required the implementation of a complex network support infrastructure (12 fibre optic rings and 88 nodes) thanks to the strong expertise of Metoda in networking, with a department specifically dedicated to software development and the integration of IT and telecommunication systems. Event-activated video surveillance The video cameras are in operation 24 hours a day, but with the exception of special particular requirements, are only event-activated, in order not to overload the storage, notwithstanding the 700-TB NAS archive system. The recordings can later be viewed on nine 42-inch monitors in a dedicated control room provided with four workstations dedicated for the monitoring personnel. The cameras are event-activated, in order not to overload the storage, notwithstanding the 700-TB NAS archive system No issues were encountered during neither the installation phases nor the deployment of the system, thanks also to the technical expertise of Metoda. "Likewise, no complaints from the personnel in charge of using the system (for the time being the same guards at the park), who received a minimum amount of training, but certainly cannot be called ‘expert’ in the utilisation of advanced technology systems. The ease of use of MOBOTIX solutions certainly gave us an advantage in the quick deployment of the project," concludes Gonnelli. High image quality As in most of the projects implemented by MOBOTIX, the praise should also be attributed in this case to the excellent quality of the images, which cannot be compared – also according to Metoda – to any other system available in the market. Certainly the decentralised concept of MOBOTIX played an important role in promoting all the virtues of the system, especially because of the number of video cameras involved, which prevents overloading the network under "critical" utilisation conditions. Both Metoda’s and the end user’s needs have been satisfied – a fact only confirmed by the idea that considerations are being made to implement a video analysis system to support the anti-graffiti activities, with the objective of studying behaviours considered "suspicious." As such, they could prevent acts of vandalism that could cause irreparable damage to the artistic and cultural heritage.

Security expert Abloy UK has supplied South Staffs Water (SSW) with a bespoke PROTEC2 CLIQ® electromechanical security system for 91 of its operational sites. SSW supplies high quality drinking water to approximately 1.3m people and 35,000 commercial customers over 1,500 square km in the West Midlands, South Staffordshire, South Derbyshire, North Warwickshire and North Worcestershire areas. The SSW clean water sites include treatment works, reservoirs, pumping stations, boosters, and water towers. PROTEC2 CLIQ® electromechanical locking system The installation of the PROTEC2 CLIQ® system, which was completed by Lincoln Security, comprised of 600 Padlocks, 392 Cylinders, 200 User Keys and four Desktop Programmers. In addition, 10 Wall Programming Devices were strategically placed at offices and depots throughout the SSW geographical area to allow key holders to re validate when required. The locking systems are now fully operational, securing and maintaining the safety of equipment - such as pumps and telemetry units - operational apparatus, chemicals, and potable water within reservoirs. There is also scope for the system to be expanded to fulfill additional security and site access requirements, as they are needed. CLIQ®-powered electronic security Abloy’s PROTEC2 CLIQ® cylinder system was chosen because it is specially designed to provide the highest level of security for the most sensitive areas; it offers a patented disc controller structure that requires a moving element in the key. PROTEC2 CLIQ® also possesses key and key blank patent protection to prevent systems from becoming compromised through the unauthorised duplication of keys. The patent, which lasts until 2031, is one of the longest in the industry and covers the entire range. "We chose the Abloy PROTEC2 CLIQ® system because of the versatility and flexibility it offers" In a PROTEC2 CLIQ® locking system, different products can be keyed into the same master key system, meaning all products can be operated with just a single key, simplifying the locking system and key management. In addition, there are 1.97 billion different key combinations; providing the possibility to create extensive master key systems that fulfill the clients’ exact specifications. Versatility and flexibility Kate Wilkes, Resilience and Security Manager at South Staffs Water, said: “We chose the Abloy PROTEC2 CLIQ® system because of the versatility and flexibility it offers – our employees can use just one key for every site they need to gain access to. Individuals that only need to access certain assets can have a particular level of key and other employees can have a higher level where required.” Rob Bennett, Senior Market Development Manager at Abloy, added: “There are a number of specific requirements when securing water sites, and it can be difficult to maintain access to all areas without the risk of keys being lost and a system becoming compromised. “A web-managed, patent protected master-key system that combines electronic access control with the strength of Abloy’s mechanical locks is the ideal solution, as it reduces the number of keys carried by individual employees or contractors, offering a convenient and flexible high security provision.”

The municipality of Haarlemmermeer wanted to replace the existing access control system and bring city hall security up to modern standards. They looked for a system that could manage all municipal buildings centrally. For this reason, the system had to be easily expandable. The access control system also had to include camera supervision of employees' sign-in and sign-out process. Existing access control infrastructure When implementing the new system, the municipality wanted to reuse existing infrastructure and to be flexible in terms of the types of card readers that could be connected; an unambiguous design was preferred. Furthermore, the system had to be able to be expanded to include burglary protection and parking control in the future. There was also the desire to scale down and improve management of the current key plan. Integrated video management The municipality uses access control and IP video on the AEOS platform. AEOS also takes future desires into account such as intrusion detection, lockers and filing cabinets, wireless online locks and key cabinets. All this functionality can be implemented at a later date using the same AEOS platform and the same controller by adding the desired software components - also new locations can be easily added. AEOS was implemented in November 2010 with reuse of the existing infrastructure. AEOS provides access control and IP video management in a single integrated system. In this manner, cameras can be operated from a single location and the foundation is laid for simple, efficient integration and expansion with other systems in the future.

The municipal council of Odense, Denmark’s third biggest city, uses Vanderbilt’s SPC Connect to help monitor and maintain public buildings such as schools, libraries, museums, gyms, housing, and government offices. Remote and instant access Due to the number of buildings under their authority, the municipality of Odense needed a security solution that would provide remote and instant access to deal with potential alarms from any location, at any time. For example, a janitor in charge of maintaining several buildings throughout the municipality, could not be in all places at once should an alarm trigger. Or, if an alarm triggered in the middle of the night, the team leader at a government office might have to leave their bed and drive into the workplace to investigate. SPC Connect is helping to solve this problem. Vanderbilt's SPC currently protects 36 buildings in the municipality of Odense. Therefore, upgrading to SPC Connect was a natural progression for the municipal council. SPC Connect SPC Connect is a cloud-based service that can be used by installers or end system users to access their SPC systems securely. The SPC panel and Connect communicate using FlexC. This is a powerful protocol and can be used to support multiple paths such as Ethernet, GRPS, and 3G. This ensures the system is always connected.SPC Connect is a cloud-based service that can be used by installers or end system users to access their SPC systems securely With SPC Connect, the municipality of Odense’s end users are benefiting greatly from the SPC Connect app. This can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app provides them with an interface that contributes clearer arming and status information and allows for remotely carrying out tasks such as controlling doors, setting or unsetting an alarm, or isolating a zone. This instant and remote access to any potential alarms helps save a huge amount of time for those involved in maintaining the system. For example, say a caretaker oversees maintenance for a dozen or so buildings, and an alarm is triggered in one of the buildings. If he happens to be working on the other side of the town and physically getting to the incident is logistically difficult, all he needs to do is take out his smartphone, access the SPC Connect app, view the event investigate further remotely. Simple as. Real-time security alerts The SPC Connect app allows you to receive real-time security alerts. You can then immediately investigate the issue and act if necessary. When an alarm is triggered, you will receive an email notification to your smartphone and then, with your IP cameras connected to SPC, you can check the live video feed on your smartphone to examine the alert further. It saves a lot of time and money, but it also brings comfort and peace of mind to the end user as well. All the user’s interactions through SPC Connect are secured with financial grade SSL security, giving peace of mind alongside powerful control.

Decommissioned in San Diego, California, the USS Midway served from 1945 until 1992, as the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The historic naval ship museum opened to the public for tours on June 10th, 2004, and receives 1,000,000 visitors annually. The USS Midway’s mission is to preserve, inspire, educate, and entertain visitors as well as serve as America’s living symbol of freedom. Video surveillance system Throughout USS Midway’s 47 years of service, the aircraft carrier played key roles in the Cold War, served with the Atlantic Fleet, was combat deployed in Vietnam as well as the Arabian Gulf for Desert Storm, and many other operations throughout the world. The aircraft carrier is home to flight simulators, a gift shop, café and a theatre, measures 1,001 feet long, and contains 18 decks. The large number of tourists, volunteers, and museum staff occupying the facility, along with the many events held on-board on any given day, make safety and surveillance a top concern for the museum’s Board of Directors. Earlier this year, Director of Safety and Security, Bill McClurg, with the full support of the CEO and the museum’s board, led a team of USS Midway department directors including information technology, finance, and operations, and launched a project designed to update and improve the museum’s existing video surveillance system. The process culminated in the selection of VIVOTEK’s valued partner, Layer3 Security Services, a systems integration company headquartered in San Diego that serves companies, government agencies and institutions throughout Southern California. Network cameras The new video surveillance system features dozens of VIVOTEK network cameras including fixed domes, box cameras, and Pan Tilt Zoom models. “There were many reasons for selecting VIVOTEK for this demanding application,” said Dario Santana, President of Layer3 Security Services. “These include the breadth of VIVOTEK’s product line, the high degree of integration with ExacqVision’s VMS platform, and the products’ superior price and performance. In the end, it only made sense to select VIVOTEK for the USS Midway upgrade,” concluded Dario. In the end, it only made sense to select VIVOTEK for the USS Midway upgrade" VIVOTEK’s FD8365HV and FD8338-HV fixed dome network cameras were also positioned in areas in need of surveillance. Both camera models are able to withstand inclement weather and the IP66 and IK10-rated housing protects the unit against acts of vandalism, making these units a great selection for installation aboard the aircraft carrier. A variety of camera models were chosen to monitor specific areas of the museum and surrounding areas. VIVOTEK’s FD8373-EHV fixed dome network cameras were installed throughout the premises due to the 3-megapixel wide dynamic range CMOS sensor’s excellent ability to adjust to challenging lighting conditions. The WDR Pro feature allows the camera to capture both the dark and bright areas of an image and combine the differences to generate a highly realistic representation of the original scene. Zooming capabilities Working closely with Layer3, Bill McClurg also chose SD8364E, speed dome network cameras for the zoom capabilities in parking lot as well as ship deck monitoring and IP8155HP, box network cameras. VIVOTEK’s SD8364E 1080p full HD resolution speed dome delivers superb image quality with its 30x optical zoom lens, perfect for monitoring wide open spaces. SD8364E’s IP67 and NEMA 4X-rated housing protects against rain, dust, and corrosion as well as operates under extreme weather conditions making it suitable for San Diego’s climate. The IP8155HP professional box network camera offers 1.3-megapixel resolution and WDR Pro II providing extreme visibility in high contrast environments. “Layer3 Security Services and VIVOTEK far exceeded our expectations with the installation of our new upgraded surveillance system. Layer3’s ability to translate our needs into a workable design and their recommendation of VIVOTEK’s superior yet efficient product line led to a successful deployment. Effective video surveillance on a museum, whose mission is to be, ‘America’s Living Symbol of Freedom,’ is an essential element in preserving it for generations to come,” said Bill McClurg, Safety Director.

Public safety and the protection of property initiatives led the city of Mankato, Minnesota to deploy a city-wide IP-based video surveillance system. Founded in 1852, the city is the seat of Blue Earth County. It encompasses 18.26 square miles of land and water, and supports a population of about 41,000 (2015 US census estimate). Home to a variety of natural landmarks and higher educational institutes, Mankato provides a dynamic lifestyle for its citizens all year round. Surveillance for key community areas The new city surveillance system uses a range of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras to cover key areas of the community, with the largest concentration of cameras deployed in the popular downtown entertainment district. Surveillance is also in place throughout Mankato’s city hall, civic event centre, shopping areas, parking ramps, public safety centre, municipal water plant, public works centre, regional airport, and for multiple public parks and community streets. The limitations of the previous surveillance system inspired extensive enhancements and capabilities for the new project. The original system NVR supported primarily analogue technology cameras, with a small percentage of early generation IP cameras supporting only JPEG video. The image quality of megapixel cameras could not be matched by this system, nor could it be cost effectively grown to address city requirements. In order to enjoy enhanced security, increased public safety, and the protection of property, a more modern and capable surveillance system was required. The city thus engaged security and communications integrator WW Communications to design and deploy such a project.The limitations of the previous surveillance system inspired extensive enhancements and capabilities for the new project WW Communications WW Communications’ COO Mike Bales led the effort and selected Arecont Vision’s IP megapixel cameras as the core of the new project. With regards as to why Arecont Vision was selected for the project, Bales explained: “A variety of factors led to the use of Arecont Vision, not least of which was the commitment and quality they provide as an American-based manufacturer. They are one of the few vendors who design and build their cameras in the U.S., and their cameras’ features and reliability reflect that.” Delving further into what features specifically appealed to them, Bales concluded, “Simplified installation features such as remote focus, along with advanced features such as true WDR (wide dynamic range) were key factors in the decision. Additionally, the SurroundVideo camera series’ cost effectiveness and coverage capabilities placed Arecont Vision ahead of its competitors for the job.” SurroundVideo cameras were first designed and pioneered in the surveillance industry by Arecont Vision in 2006. Now in their fifth generation, they provide non-stop coverage with four individual megapixel sensors for superior situational awareness and image quality while reducing the total number of cameras required for surveillance projects. After deciding on a manufacturer, Milestone Systems was then brought on as the video management software for Mankato’s new surveillance system. Arecont Vision and Milestone are proven integration partners, having completed thousands of seamlessly-integrated city surveillance projects around the world. Arecont Vision and Milestone Systems Additionally, Milestone is a top-tier participant in the Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program and its VMS software is among those used in Arecont Vision’s MegaLab. “The close technology and support integration between Arecont Vision and Milestone helped ensure that a best-in-class surveillance system was delivered to the Mankato,” commented Bales. “The result is a single system for the city that is second to none in capabilities and can grow with the community’s needs.” The surveillance system has exceeded the expectations of the city to protect both people and property City surveillance project phases Phase one of the project included deploying thirteen cameras to the newly-built public safety centre. Phase two resulted in the deployment of thirty-seven cameras to the city’s entertainment district. The effectiveness of these cameras led to additional installations at city sites which greatly assisted in reducing common vandalisms and other public safety crimes. Phase three of the project involved the installation of twenty-three MegaDome 2 single sensor cameras onto the fourth floor of a brand-new, four-storey parking facility in the downtown area. Surveillance of the structure was further enhanced through use of a SurroundVideo Omni — a unique omni-directional camera introduced to the industry by Arecont Vision in 2014. Unmatched surveillance capabilities The Omni camera series offers four megapixel sensors that are mounted on three-axis gimbals inside a low-profile dome enclosure. The sensors can be individualised to cover virtually any direction, providing unmatched surveillance capabilities with a single high-resolution camera that is fully integrated with the VMS. With the recent Public Works Centre campus construction project, another three MicroDome G2 and five SurroundVideo Omni cameras were added to the city’s overall surveillance system. Five SurroundVideo Omni cameras and MicroDome G2 cameras were also installed along a pedestrian walkway that stretches from local hotels to the city’s civic centre and entertainment district. The system is expected to continue growing in order to address public safety and property protection concerns as they arise. Security and city-wide situational awareness After a Mankato bar closed for the night, a major altercation took place, where the Arecont Vision Cameras were crucial in solving the crime Depending upon the location and local requirement, the Mankato’s city surveillance system uses a range of Arecont Vision cameras. These include single sensor 2 – 5MP MegaDome 2 and MicroDome G2 cameras. 20MP SurroundVideo multi-sensor cameras provide 180° situational awareness coverage, while omni-directional SurroundVideo Omni G1 and G2 cameras cover an even wider range of deployments. The city surveillance system is managed and monitored from a command centre with a multitude of large screens displayed across a wall. “The surveillance system and the screens are critically important during high-traffic events in the city,” said Mr. Bales. “With three colleges here in town, homecoming is a very busy time of the year. There are also numerous festivals that take place in the city combined with a very dynamic downtown. Our staff is able to view the activities as they happen, enhancing security and city-wide situational awareness.” Video streaming to mobile devices It is not just the security centre that can monitor this system either — video can also be streamed to mobile devices and can be monitored for official use all over the city. The system provides public monitoring as well. There are about half a dozen locations downtown with indoor walkways and skyways that are covered by Arecont Vision cameras with live video, providing the public with supplementary awareness and security. The surveillance system has exceeded the expectations of the city to protect both people and property. An example of the system’s usefulness was evident in a recent incident that made national news. After a Mankato bar closed for the night, a major altercation took place, where the Arecont Vision Cameras were crucial in solving the crime. The city surveillance system caught the incident on camera, providing detailed video evidence which assisted law enforcement in proceeding accordingly. The cameras prompted the ideal outcome in an unfortunate situation, helping make the legal process more efficient and serving to greater deter the occurrence of future incidents. When probed on how the system has performed to date, Bales responded that Arecont Vision “exceeded the expectations.” Arecont Vision looks forward to continuing this legacy throughout its work with the City of Mankato.