Baton Rouge General, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Louisiana, has taken significant steps to bolster its security framework through the adoption of Salient's CompleteView Video Management System (VMS).
This decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to provide a secure environment for over 4,600 employees, as well as numerous patients and visitors, across its facilities. Recognising the necessity for a layered approach to security, the administration has integrated this cutting-edge technology alongside advanced drone surveillance to enhance safety measures.
Modernising legacy systems
Faced with the challenge of monitoring extensive campuses, including wooded areas with low-light conditions, Baton Rouge General identified the need to upgrade its legacy security infrastructure.
The administrative leaders endorsed the security team’s initiative to collaborate with the right partner to procure a robust video management system. Following a meticulous evaluation process by the Security, Facilities, and IT departments, Salient was chosen as the ideal provider.
Integrated security measures
Peter Ochinko, the Director of Security, highlighted the reliability and comprehensive support offered by Salient, stating, “Salient’s CompleteView VMS could do everything we needed it to. When it came right down to it, it was the people. Everyone tends to be on their best behavior before the sale, but Salient proved over and over that they would be at our side during and after the install and they have been.”
Underpinning this choice, Salient's VMS has been embedded within a multi-faceted security approach, including aerial drones equipped with night vision and thermal imaging, which significantly support existing security personnel and resources.
Real-time surveillance enhancements
The integration of Salient’s VMS has enabled seamless coordination between aerial and ground operations
The integration of Salient’s VMS has enabled seamless coordination between aerial and ground operations. Security personnel, including trained bike patrols and 61 officers, now have real-time access to video feeds, allowing quick response to incidents. The leadership's commitment ensured not only the adoption of technology but also the allocation of requisite resources and training to optimise its utility.
Streamlined video search and access control
Further supporting security efforts, the open platform nature of CompleteView facilitates swift searching through video footage to retrieve evidence promptly. Previously cumbersome search processes have been reduced to minutes, enhancing response efficiency. Additionally, the integration maintains the existing access control systems while providing immediate insights, vital for scenarios such as identifying unauthorised access during lockdowns.
A commitment to continuous improvement
Baton Rouge General's leadership has been pivotal in advancing the security program by endorsing innovative technologies and empowering their security teams.
Ochinko remarked on the administration’s proactive stance, “The administration’s commitment to security has been instrumental in the success of our initiatives. By investing in innovative technologies and giving our security teams the resources they need, we’ve not only strengthened our security measures but also built confidence across our staff and patients.” This strategic approach ensures the institution remains vigilant and prepared to adapt its security measures as technological advancements develop.
Baton Rouge General, a not-for-profit healthcare system in Louisiana, takes pride in providing outstanding service in a compassionate and caring environment to the communities that they serve. They are driven by excellence, service, integrity, respect, and professionalism. These core values extend from healthcare professionals and staff to patients, visitors, and anyone else who enters their campuses and facilities.
With over 4600 employees and thousands of patients and visitors to safeguard 24/7, the healthcare system recognised the importance of a robust and layered approach to security. Supported by strong administrative leadership, Baton Rouge General sought to enhance their security posture through the integration of cutting-edge technology, including Salient’s Video Management System (VMS), CompleteView, in conjunction with advanced aerial drone surveillance as well as other security measures.
Legacy security system
With large areas to cover, including wooded areas around the perimeter of some of their campuses, and the need for constant monitoring, an upgrade to their legacy security system was necessary. Low-light conditions, blind spots, and the difficulty of monitoring remote areas were a challenge to achieve the level of safety the healthcare system aimed for.
Administrative leaders recognised the need for innovative solutions and gave their full support to their security team to find the right partner to provide a video management system that would enhance security and optimise resource use.
Under the guidance of the Director of Security, Peter Ochinko and Vice President of Facilities, Peyton Grant, Baton Rouge General took a proactive approach to a security upgrade. Team members from the Security Department as well as team members from Facilities and IT vetted several video management solutions. In the end, they unanimously selected Salient as their video partner.
Existing security measures
On the reasoning behind their choice, Ochinko said, “Salient’s CompleteView VMS could do everything we needed it to. When it came right down to it, it was the people. Everyone tends to be on their best behavior before the sale, but Salient proved over and over that they would be at our side during and after the install and they have been.”
Once Salient’s CompleteView was selected, it was integrated into Baton Rouge General’s layered security defence strategy. This was achieved through integration of Salient’s VMS with an aerial drone surveillance program. This initiative, fully supported by the executive team, allowed for the deployment of drones, very recently equipped with night vision and thermal imaging, to complement existing security measures. Trained bike patrol members along with sixty-one officers can easily access video in real time to address any event.
Ensuring seamless coordination
Salient’s VMS platform provided real-time monitoring of both fixed cameras and drones, ensuring seamless coordination between the aerial surveillance and ground patrols. The hospital’s leadership was instrumental in not only approving the technology but also ensuring that the security team had the resources and training needed to maximise its potential.
Baton Rouge General has taken the posture of making their security visible, both inside and outside of the facilities. They use all tools available to deter security incidents which have become less frequent as a result, a testament to the improved coverage the system provides.
Open platform solution
An additional benefit that CompleteView has afforded Baton Rouge General is the ability to quickly search through and find video evidence of an incident when it occurs. In the past when department leaders requested video from a particular camera to review an incident, the video search task was daunting and time consuming. Now with Salient’s CompleteView, a similar search takes minutes. When it is necessary to review video from a particular time block and area, the officers can access and view the correct video on CompleteView almost immediately.
Because Salient is an open platform solution, meaning it can easily be integrated with other technologies, Baton Rouge General was able to retain their existing access control system but leverage CompleteView to gain immediate insights.
Creating safer environment
For example, when the hospital is locked down in the evening it creates a single point of entry. Prior to using CompleteView, there was no ability to discern whether the door may have been propped open or someone was exiting or entering. Now every time the door is accessed, the camera comes up immediately to the dispatcher who can monitor the activity and react accordingly.
The leadership at Baton Rouge General Health System has played a pivotal role in driving the success of their security program. By embracing advanced technology and supporting the security team’s efforts at every stage, they have created a safer environment for everyone on their campuses. Salient’s VMS, CompleteView, combined with drone surveillance, bicycle patrols, and security officers has allowed the hospital to meet modern security challenges head-on.
Further leverage technology
“The administration’s commitment to security has been instrumental in the success of our initiatives,” said Ochinko.
“By investing in innovative technologies and giving our security teams the resources they need, we’ve not only strengthened our security measures but also built confidence across our staff and patients. We are in a good place security-wise, but we are always looking for ways to improve. In security, our work is never done. With CompleteView, we will be able to evolve our security strategy to further leverage technology and analytics as they become available to anticipate and address risks.”
