IP Surveillance

ADT Inc., global provider of monitored security and interactive home and business automation solutions in the United States and Canada, has announced that it has completed its acquisition of Red Hawk Fire & Security, provider of commercial fire, life safety and security services and portfolio company of Comvest Partners. Commercial security and fire safety “We are pleased to complete this transaction, which strengthens ADT’s growth in the commercial security market and meaningfully expands the company’s product portfolio with the introduction of commercial fire safety related solutions,” said Jim DeVries, ADT’s President and Chief Executive Officer. He further added, “With the added robust portfolio of fire and life safety solutions, as well as additional scale through commercially-focused sales professionals and technicians, we enhanced our position as a leader in commercial security, just as we are today in the residential market. ADT has a strong track record of successfully integrating acquisitions and we look forward to welcoming the talented Red Hawk team to the company.” Moving forward, Red Hawk’s ability to showcase its products and services to a wider range of National Account and enterprise-level customers will be significantly accelerated with ADT, while also increasing ADT’s technician workforce dedicated to the commercial customer.

CeComunica, a Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) operator in Panama, is slated to launch in December a Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Tier III trunking network supplied by Hytera, global provider of innovative PMR solutions. This new nationwide network will provide advanced and reliable mission and business critical communications services to a large number of users from sectors such as ports, airports, ground transportations, hospitality, retailing and security companies in Panama. DMR Tier III trunking network The DMR Tier III trunking network has been set up with 15 sites of Hytera DS-6210 base station and multiple models of industry-leading digital two-way radios from Hytera DMR portfolio, including PD6, PD7, PD9, X1, MD6, MD7 and its flagship Multi-mode Advanced Radio PDC760 which can provide high quality narrowband voice under DMR protocol and fast data transmission in LTE broadband. To realise the full capability and maximise the productivity, this network can interoperate with other communications systems of different technologies by adopting Hytera SmartOne solution. “We are excited to supply our DMR trunking system and facilitate CeComunica’s further penetration into the PMR operator business, and we have been looking forward to introducing more cutting-edge products and technologies for Panamanian users to increase productivity and security of their daily operation, as well as unexpected scenarios,” said Fernando Camelo, Regional Sales Director of Hytera.

Exeter based supplier of electronic security solutions, Advanced Security Alarm Protection (ASAP), have been awarded ‘key partner’ status with Dahua Technology – a renowned global solutions provider in the video surveillance industry. As a key partner, ASAP will be able to offer the most advanced video surveillance systems available to customers across the South West and further afield including the latest network video recorders and high definition cameras. These can be installed to benefit all commercial sectors from finance and government to retail and leisure. ASAP – Dahua Technology collaboration ASAP have been providing security solutions to businesses across the South West since 1979 and offers a full design, installation and maintenance service to include intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In 2018, a state-of-the-art CCTV control room, demonstration suite and training centre was designed and built at ASAP’s Exeter Headquarters In 2018, a state-of-the-art CCTV control room, demonstration suite and training centre was designed and built at ASAP’s Exeter Headquarters, enabling the newest systems and latest technologies to be demonstrated to clients. Cutting-edge security technology On the announcement of the partnership, Managing Director of ASAP, Andy Fairbanks, commented: “We are continually looking to provide clients with the best possible security solutions and our partnership with Dahua emphasises that commitment.” “Dahua is one of the leading providers of video surveillance equipment in the world and we’re delighted to be offering our customers the chance to experience their range of cutting-edge security technology.” Second-ranked global video surveillance provider Employing over 16,000 employees globally, Dahua’s security solutions, products, and services are used in over 180 countries and regions. The company focuses on quality, reliability and stability and since 2014 has ranked second in the global video surveillance equipment market. As key partners, ASAP will continue to offer full design, installation and maintenance services for electronic security systems, safe in the knowledge that their security provision is of the highest standard available. Dahua’s Sales Director, Steve Norman, added: “I have been impressed with ASAP’s commitment to providing the best possible electronic security solution to end users and look forward to supporting their ambitious growth plans across the South West and further afield.”

Hanwha Techwin America, a global supplier of IP and analogue video surveillance solutions, has announced that Jordan Rivchun has joined the company to drive its most important retail projects and to lead solutions and strategy in the retail vertical and other related customer segments. In his business development role, Rivchun will be instrumental in increasing retail end users’ awareness of Hanwha’s leading security products. Security and loss prevention expert “Jordan is a dynamic leader and is well respected within the loss prevention industry. His extensive experience as a loss prevention executive and practitioner fully supports Hanwha’s mission to engage and listen to our end users to envision the solutions our customers trust us to build,” said Ray Cooke, Vice President of Business Development, Hanwha Techwin America. “He will be influential in making an even stronger connection between our end users and product development team. We are thrilled to have him on board.” Rivchun brings more than 15 years of security and loss prevention experience. Most recently, Rivchun was director of loss prevention with DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), where he was responsible for all facets of the Loss Prevention program including physical security, internal investigations, loss prevention systems and data analytics, as well as the field organisation. Rivchun was also an active member of RILA’s Asset Protection Leaders Council (APLC). Prior to his 8-year career at DSW, he worked for Security Risk Management Consultants, Target, and Nordstrom in both security and loss prevention capacities.

Hanwha Techwin has further strengthened its premium Wisenet P series with the introduction of the ultra-high definition PNM-9320VQP which, with 4 sensors and a separate integral PTZ camera, is designed to provide a highly cost-effective solution for detecting and tracking objects over wide open areas. Ultra HD megapixel camera The option of exchangeable 2- and 5-megapixel lens modules enable the camera sensors built into the H.265 Wisenet PNM-9320VQP to work together to seamlessly capture 360-degree images of up to 20-megapixel resolution. In addition, the PNM-9320VQP’s 2-megapixel 32x PTZ camera element is automatically triggered to zoom in and track a moving object or move to a user-configured preset position, when the motion detection function of the multi-directional camera detects activity. “By placing a PTZ camera at the centre of the PNM-9320VQP we are able to provide a highly affordable and efficient solution for city and wide area surveillance applications such as car parks, shopping centres and warehouses,” said Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “As well as installation and maintenance costs being significantly lower, end-users are able to avoid incurring the higher capital costs of using 5 separate cameras to cover an area and achieve the same level of functionality.” PTZ cameras The IK10 vandal and IP66 weather resistant PNM-9320VQP is equipped with a Gyro sensor which offer accurate stabilisation The PTZ camera benefits from the world’s best Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which performs at up to 150dB to accurately produce images in scenes that simultaneously contain very bright and very dark areas, as do the 2-megapixel lens modules. The 5-megapixel lens module options come with 120dB WDR. The IK10 vandal and IP66 weather resistant PNM-9320VQP is equipped with a Gyro sensor which offer accurate stabilisation when a camera is disturbed by wind or vibrations, resulting in more stable images. Additional key features include 5 built-in SD card slots to help keep data safe in the event of network disruption, defog, which makes corrections to blurry images which are captured in foggy conditions and Lens Distortion Correction (LDC) compensates for the image distortion that can occur with wide angle lenses. WiseStream II compression technology The multi-streaming PNM-9320VQP supports H.264, H.265 and MJPEG compression. Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 99% compared to current H.264 technology when H.265 is utilised with WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image. Hanwha Techwin has also just introduced the Wisenet PNM-9000VQ multi-directional camera, which with 4 exchangeable lens modules that together seamlessly capture 360-degree images of up to 20-megapixel resolution, shares many of the PNM-9320VQP’s features, but does not have a built-in PTZ camera.

Matrix is gearing up for participation in the 12th edition of The International Fire & Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) India Expo. The company will be launching their latest time-attendance and access control device COSEC ARGO, along with exhibiting the new people mobility management and video surveillance solutions. COSEC ARGO access control device At the event, Matrix will be unveiling COSEC ARGO, the company’s latest high performance, design and engineering wonder, equipped with an enhanced IPS LCD touchscreen for a visually splendid experience. The addition of Gorilla glass calls for enhanced toughness. This device has higher processing speed, wall and flush mounting options, and increased fingerprint and event storage capacity. It is specifically designed for serious time-attendance and access control applications. Furthermore, this device offers multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, PoE, and USB. Also, IP65 and IK08 certifications makes it suitable for challenging and outdoor installations. NETRA IP cameras and NVRX NVRs Matrix will be demonstrating their high-end, standalone access control solution and new aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system Matrix will be demonstrating their high-end, standalone access control solution and new aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system. They will also be elaborating on their latest cloud-based time-attendance solution. The video surveillance solutions expert will also be talking about the latest parking management solution, which is fast developing a reputation to easily solve parking woes faced by multi-national organisations. The company’s flagship enterprise-grade IP cameras – NETRA will also be exhibited at the event. NVRX, the high-tech network video recorders, and video management software are also slated to be highlights of the event. “IFSEC is South Asia’s largest security, civil protection and fire safety show, which in turn provides us with a platform to expand our ties with industry experts and system integrators. The event also serves as a great stage for highlighting our well-engineered solutions. We aim to use this opportunity to expand our network and spread word about our technologically advanced Security solutions”, commented Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director, Matrix Comsec.

There are many aspects to consider when developing a retail security strategy, including loss prevention, physical security, asset protection, risk management, and IT. All these areas could be the responsibility of just a few people working to secure a handful of stores or each of these areas could be entirely separate departments, as is often the case for major retailers with locations throughout the country. Regardless of the size of the retailer, there are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention, yet none should be used in a silo. There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together, including enhancing overall safety and security, reducing shrink, and improving operations. There are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention As the existing security infrastructure is evaluated and plans for the future are developed, the team responsible should consider some of the following questions. Are there areas of the store that require greater security? Are there notifications or other technologies that could improve the efficiency of personnel and the safety of shoppers? Are there other departments within the organisation that could benefit from the data gathered by the security technology? Understanding current pain points within the stores and how integrated security solutions can address these is the key to implementing the best solution. Here are a few “hot spots” within a typical retail store that easily demonstrate the power of integrated solutions. Point of sale terminals Whether it’s loss through sweet hearting or other fraud, point of sale terminals present a significant shrink risk for retailers. Integrated systems enhance security at these locations. Video recording of HD or megapixel cameras integrated with point of sale data makes it easy to locate video associated with transactions and exception reporting. This allows for visual verification of each transaction when needed.There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together Other risks like robbery not only result in loss, but also impact the safety of employees and shoppers alike. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk. When the intrusion detection system is integrated with the video system, pressing a panic button or pulling the bill from the sensor can automatically trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the monitoring station to provide verification of the alarm and more information for law enforcement when they are dispatched. Adding audio integration to the intrusion system can also result in a message sent to the store security personnel’s two-way radio when a panic button is pushed, or a bill trap sensor is activated. If no security guard is onsite, video monitoring services can allow the monitoring centre to intervene through audio, alerting the perpetrator that his or her actions are being monitored and that the authorities have been contacted. This may cause the offender to flee the area, helping to mitigate the safety risk as well as the potential for loss. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk High value displays Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communication Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communications. For example, a person standing at a display for longer than a pre-defined time or touching items on display can trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the store manager and an audio message to play through a nearby loudspeaker, such as: “Thank you for your interest in our smartphone selection; an associate will be there soon to assist you.” This not only alerts potential offenders that their actions are being watched, it also serves to improve customer service for legitimate shoppers – as a retail floor associate is notified that a customer may need assistance. Cash office An access control reader at the door to the cash office restricts access to only authorised individuals. Integrating video can automatically capture an image of the person requesting access for verifying an employee’s identification prior to granting access or for retrospective analysis in the event of a theft. Exit doors If an employee props open a back door – either for easy re-entry after a break or to allow access to another person with intentions of theft – integration of the intrusion detection system to the video and audio system can significantly reduce risk of loss. For example, the intrusion detection system can monitor doors for abnormal conditions, even when the system is disarmed.Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door is accidentally left open A door left open for longer than a pre-defined time can cause an alarm on the intrusion panel, which can trigger a nearby camera to send a snapshot of the open door to the store manager and trigger the public address system to play a pre-recorded message through a nearby speaker. This prompts the employee to close the door, reducing risk of theft. Coolers and freezers Loss isn’t just about theft. Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door of one of these units is accidentally left open. The same concept for monitoring exit doors can also apply to doors for coolers and freezers to prevent spoilage. A cooler or freezer door monitored by the intrusion detection system can trigger an alert or chime to play in the area to remind an employee to close the door or to alert the store manager to the issue. While providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can be used to trigger an alert in case the queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold Serving a dual purpose Retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store While the technology solutions described above positively impact loss prevention in a retail store, they can also extend beyond security to improve health and safety and enhance customer service as well as customer engagement and sales. For example, while securing a store’s main entrance with IP cameras featuring on-board video analytics, retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store. This data can help them understand peak days and times when making decisions about staffing. Or while providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can also be used to trigger an alert in case the number of people in a queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold. At this point, the same public address system and loudspeakers used to play background music to enhance the shopping experience could be activated to broadcast a message to request another cash register to be opened, improving store operations. For security and loss prevention purposes, video analytics can also be used to ensure that no one enters or leaves the retail shop using the emergency exit. To address health and safety issues, these same cameras can also trigger an alarm if that emergency exit is blocked by an object – improving the safety of customers and employees. When systems are used to deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost Metadata generated by the cameras can also be used to gather information that when processed with sophisticated algorithms in the cloud can show trajectories of the paths that shoppers take as they travel throughout a store as well as heat maps indicating where they walk, stop and dwell – all while protecting the privacy of individual shoppers. This information can be used by merchandisers to evaluate the success of displays and store layouts, which directly impacts customer engagement and sales. When systems are used for and deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost of the system. This provides an added benefit by relieving some of the cost burden from security or other operational budgets. Product selection Integration is becoming easier using standards and expanding industry partnerships. However, in some cases, choosing systems from a single vendor that are designed to work together can help to speed and simplify installation, while also reducing system costs for both the integrator and the user. Regardless of the products chosen, it will be important for a retailer with many locations to have consistency in the type of equipment installed at each site. This makes support easier and enables a more uniform response to incidents that happen at various stores. As many retailers already understand, there is no silver bullet to reducing loss. However, a combination of the right technologies working together to prevent shrink and improve investigative capabilities can result in smarter and more effective loss prevention.

With increased demands being placed on safety and security globally, and supported by advancements in IP cameras and 360-degree camera technology, the video surveillance industry is growing steadily. Market research indicates that this worldwide industry is expected to reach an estimated $39.3 billion in revenue by 2023, driven by a CAGR of 9.3 percent from 2018 to 2023. Video surveillance is not just about capturing footage (to review an event or incident when it occurs), but also about data analysis delivering actionable insights that can improve operational efficiencies, better understand customer buying behaviours, or simply just provide added value and intelligence. Growth of Ultra-HD surveillance To ensure that the quality of the data is good enough to extract the details required to drive these insights, surveillance cameras are technologically evolving as well, not only with expanded capabilities surrounding optical zoom and motion range,4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021 but also relating to improvements in signal-to-noise (S2N) ratios, light sensitivities (and the minimum illumination needed to produce usable images), wide dynamic ranges (WDR) for varying foreground and background illumination requirements, and of course, higher quality resolutions. As such, 4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021, representing an astonishing 170 percent growth per year, and will require three to six times the storage space of 1080p video dependent on the compression technology used. Surveillance cameras are typically connected to a networked video recorder (NVR) that acts as a gateway or local server, collecting data from the cameras and running video management software (VMS), as well as analytics. Capturing this data is dependent on the communications path between individual cameras and the NVR. If this connection is lost, whether intentional, unintentional, or a simple malfunction, surveillance video will no longer be captured and the system will cease operations. Therefore, it has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism. Despite lost connectivity to the NVR, the camera can still record and capture raw footage locally until the network is restored, which in itself, could take a long time depending on maintenance staff or equipment availability, weather conditions, or other unplanned issues. Since microSD cards play a critical role as a failsafe mechanism to ensure service availability, it is important to choose the right card for capturing video footage.  It has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism if an NVR breaks Key characteristics of microSDs There are many different microSD cards to choose from for video capture at the network’s edge, and they range from industrial grade capabilities to commercial or retail grade, and everything in-between. To help make some of these uncertainties a little more certain, here are the key microSD card characteristics for video camera capture. Designed for surveillance As the market enjoys steady growth, storage vendors want to participate and have done so with a number of repurposed, repackaged, remarketed microSD cards targeted for video surveillance but with not much robustness, performance or capabilities specific to the application. Adding the absence of mean-time between failure (MTBF) specifications to the equation, microSD card reliability is typically a perceived measurement -- measured in hours of operation and relatively vague and hidden under metrics associated with the camera’s resolution and compression ratio. Therefore, when selecting a microSD card for surveillance cams at the edge, the choice should include a vendor that is trusted, has experience and a proven storage portfolio in video surveillance, and in microSD card technologies. Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites possible before the card can no longer store data correctly  High endurance Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites (program/erase cycles) that are possible before the card can no longer store data correctly. The rewrite operation is cyclical whereby a new stream of footage replaces older content by writing over it until the card is full, and the cycle repeats. The higher the endurance, the longer the card will perform before it needs to be replaced. Endurance is also referred to in terabytes written (TBW) or by the number of hours that the card can record continuously (while overwriting data) before a failure will occur. Health monitoring Health monitoring is a desired capability that not many microSD cards currently support and enables the host system to check when the endurance levels of a card are low and needs to be replaced. Having a card that supports this capability enables system integrators and operators with the ability to perform preemptive maintenance that will help to reduce system failures, as well as associated maintenance costs. Performance To capture continuous streams of raw footage, microSD cards within surveillance cams perform write operations about seventy to ninety percent of the time, whereas reading captured footage is performed about ten to thirty percent. The difference in read/write performance is dependent on whether the card is used in an artificial intelligent (AI) capable camera, or a standard one.   microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius Finding a card that is write-friendly, and can provide enough bandwidth to properly capture streamed data, and is cost-effective, requires one that falls between fast industrial card capabilities and slower commercial ones. Bandwidth in the range of 50 MB/sec for writes and 80 MB/sec for reads are typical and sufficient for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras. Temperature ranges Lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments As microSD cards must be designed for continuous operation in extreme weather conditions and a variety of climates, whether located indoors or out, support for various temperature ranges are another consideration. Given the wide spectrum of temperatures required by the camera makers, microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, or in extreme cases, as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Capacity Selecting the right-sized capacity is also very important as there needs to be a minimum level to ensure that there is enough room to hold footage for a number of days or weeks before it is overwritten or the connectivity to the NVR is restored. Though 64GB is considered the capacity sweet spot for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras today, lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments. In the future, even higher capacities will be important for specific use cases and will potentially become standard capacities as the market evolves. When choosing the right storage microSD card to implement into your video surveillance system, make sure the card is designed specifically for the application – does it include the right levels of endurance and performance to capture continuous streams – can it withstand environmental challenges and wide temperature extremes – will it enable preventative and preemptive maintenance to provide years of service? It is critical for the surveillance system to be able to collect video footage whether the camera is connected to an NVR or is a standalone camera as collecting footage at the base of the surveillance system is the most crucial point of failure. As such, failsafe mechanisms are required to keep the camera recording until the network is restored.

As anyone who has ever flown on a commercial airline since 2001 knows, security measures at airports are well enforced and the emphasis on traveller safety is all around the airport and its grounds. Mass transportation, meanwhile, presents a special but not any less significant challenge when it comes to determining security issues. These facilities need to develop the means to protect a constantly changing and large population of passengers. And unlike airports these facilities often have hundreds of points of entry and exit on multiple modes—buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, even ferries. About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation. In fact, statistics have shown that nearly 11 billion trips are taken on public transportation every year. In some large metropolitan areas in North America where mass transit is well established, more than 20 percent of the area’s inhabitants get around via public transportation.About 2 million Americans will use the nation’s airways on a given work day, while 35 million people will board some form of public transportation Solving mass transit security For transportation officials and their security providers, solving the mass transit security issue begins with determining the key concerns and then creating the proper responses via security systems, policies and procedures to mitigate the risks. Although vandalism and graffiti are very visible signs of criminal behaviour in mass transit settings such as bus stops and subway stations, this is not where transportation officials typically focus their energy. Fences and gates can secure out-of-service buses and train cars, as can remote surveillance methods to keep such vandalism at a minimum. Instead, it is the day-to-day safety and security of transit riders and employees that should become the highest priority. This begins with creating the safest environment possible that is highlighted with appropriate signage and, when necessary, audible warnings, and supporting that with technology, such as surveillance cameras, that will document what has happened if an incident occurs.Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Crime prevention in transportation Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package Incidents of concern within a transit setting can take several forms, ranging from legitimate accidents or crimes to false claims such as faked fall down the stairs to potential and actual suicides. Bus and subway stations also have become magnets for homeless people who may put themselves and others in harm’s way by trying to access less secure public areas within a station as temporary shelters. If someone is injured on a subway platform and the transit provider is held liable, it could be on the hook for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. Suicides are a major concern for operators, with personnel now being trained to look for individuals who seem distressed, are loitering in the area or are intentionally putting themselves in a dangerous situation, such as standing too close to the edge of a platform. The deployment of video analytics, which can be programmed to send alerts when certain pre-set actions occur, can help determine when such dangerous behaviours come into play. Analytics can also be useful in alerting security about other suspicious behaviours at a transit stop, such as an untended bag or package or a person going into a restricted area. Whether it is on the bus, train or ferry or at the stops themselves, cameras and intuitive video management systems are the key to both active and forensic transit security. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras Train security and safety By using the proper cameras and recording systems in a transit environment, quick-acting personnel can locate a person of interest who boarded a train at one station, follow him during his trip and produce a crisp, clear identifiable image at the end. Those setting up the system thus should keep in mind proper camera positioning, resolution and motion-based changes to framerates or other compression settings. A typical 30-foot bus often has six cameras—one each at the front and middle doors, two more within the bus and then one looking forward and another looking behind the bus. The latter two are important in the event of accidents to verify liability. Some cities use buses that are up to 60 feet long and those can be equipped with up to a dozen cameras.Train stations often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image Train cars are similarly equipped with two to four cameras to view activity down the centre aisle. Within the stations themselves, there can be from 15 to 30 or more cameras capturing wide-angle shots. Train stations, which have a restricted point of egress, often deploy high-definition cameras to better support facial recognition software to get that actionable image. Installing the right technology for the solution Although bandwidth and storage can be a concern, with motion-based recording, the resolution can be bumped up during event, resulting in a 1-megapixel stream jumping to 4 or even 8mbps when needed. By changing the resolution on demand, end users can cut their storage needs significantly. Transportation settings often rely on the same technology used in other security installations, primarily mini dome cameras, although there are some mini transit domes built specifically for the environment with the proper aesthetics. Because of vandalism threats, transit typically avoids pendant mounts, which can be more easily grabbed and damaged. Temperature ratings for cameras also come into play in cold climates with cameras often getting outdoor exposure.Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage As trains and buses move along their routes, especially those that service outlying areas, Internet connectivity becomes an issue as well. Because it may be difficult for video to be sent in transit, security bus barns are equipped with Wi-Fi so video from onboard cameras can be downloaded at the end of the day. And the use of hardened recorders at the stations allows security personnel to retrieve recorded video. Transit security with modern technology Today’s new buses and trains are constructed with the cameras onboard and newer stations also take security into consideration at the earliest design stage. Older infrastructure from long-standing subway and bus terminals can prove to be a challenge when adding security, but these issues aren’t insurmountable. Often the solution is to add more cameras to cover the same square footage because of less-than-ideal sight lines and to place conduit wherever it works best, which may mean positioning it under platforms or in other out-of-the-way places within older stations. Looking ahead, transit security will continue to evolve, not only as new stations and modes of transportation are added to the system, but in terms of communicating with commuters. People can expect to get mass notification alerts on their mobile devices, and those same devices can provide vital data to transportation entities to better develop their overall systems.

IFSEC International 2018 kicked off last week at London’s ExCel Centre. Visitors were lucky enough to experience a rare three days of British sunshine as they came together to discuss the latest trends and technologies in the physical security industry. Many exhibitors commented on how the show seemed smaller than previous years, with stands more spread out, and fewer ‘double-decker’ offerings than earlier shows. Although exhibitors represented all aspects of physical security, including access control and intrusion detection, the show was largely dominated by video surveillance. Video manufacturers Avigilon and Dahua were key sponsors, while the largest stand by far was occupied by Hikvision. Rather than hosting large product portfolios, exhibitors chose to demonstrate how integrated solutions could provide a more holistic solution If stands seemed more modest than in previous years, this may be a reflection of the industry shifting away from its long-standing product focus. Displaying large product portfolios takes more exhibit space. In an increasingly commoditised market, security integrators are combatting price erosion by emphasising holistic solutions rather than products and features. While some manufacturers have responded by collaborating with partners to offer a broader portfolio of solutions, others have invested in building end-to-end systems. Both these trends were reflected at the show; rather than hosting large product portfolios with a wide range of features, exhibitors chose to demonstrate how integrated solutions could provide a more holistic solution to end users’ challenges. Integrated systems approach One manufacturer opting for a solutions focus was security, access control and door entry systems provider STANLEY Product and Technology. The stand was represented by a range of STANLEY brands including PACOM and PAC GDX, as well as technology from recent acquisition 3xLOGIC. The PACOM team was on hand to demonstrate integrations of PACOM’s Graphical Management System (GMS) with workflow management software from RightCrowd, and biometric authentication products from EyeLock. PACOM Systems’ Commercial Director Gary Rowden explained that the stand was designed specifically to showcase all of STANLEY’s brands and partners in one place, encouraging customers to buy into the STANLEY solutions approach, rather than focusing on specific products. The show was largely dominated by video surveillance, with video manufacturer Avigilon a key sponsor Connecting with partners Another company emphasising partner solutions was Milestone Systems. Milestone’s Vice President for EMEA, Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft, who joined the company in March, explained how IFSEC International continues to be a key show. It was an opportunity to meet with Milestone’s expansive community of existing partners, as well as connecting with new partners and end users. Milestone hopes to enable community customers to process more video data with fewer servers, increasing scalabilityIn February this year, the company launched the Milestone System Builder initiative, allowing partners to optimise their hardware to pre-load Milestone’s XProtect VMS software. Several system builder partners were present at the Milestone stand. By collaborating with NVIDIA, Milestone hopes to enable community customers to process more video data with fewer servers, increasing scalability and reducing the total cost of ownership of its partner solutions. The stand showcased Milestone’s latest XProtect 2018 R2 VMS that leverages NVIDIA’s high-powered graphics processing units (GPUs), which can handle up to 2,000 video streams on one single server. Commitment to open systems MOBOTIX took this year’s IFSEC International as an opportunity to spread the word about its increased commitment to open systems. Since the company’s majority acquisition by Konica Minolta in 2016, and the subsequent addition of CEO Thomas Lausten last year, the company has undergone a significant change in approach, all-the-while guarding its core decentralised IP video product offering and made-in-Germany DNA. Lausten was previously a key figure at Milestone Systems and has brought to MOBOTIX a new approach focused on collaboration. Partners present at the MOBOTIX stand included Milestone, Kentix and Wavestore. The company also demonstrated its commitment to open systems by unveiling MOBOTIX MOVE, the manufacturer’s first line of ONVIF G compliant cameras. Visitors were lucky enough to experience a rare three days of British sunshine at IFSEC International this year Security system provider Vanderbilt had many new developments on show, including integrations both within Vanderbilt systems and with partner systems. The company’s SPC intrusion detection system now integrates with Milestone software, allowing SPC users to trigger events and control alarm systems from within the Milestone platform. A further highlight was Vanderbilt’s ACTEnterprise access control system, which now integrates with ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio wireless locking solution. Vanderbilt hopes that the integration will provide customers with faster, more cost-effective access control installations.Vanderbilt hopes that the integration will provide customers with faster, more cost-effective access control installations Reducing costs, increasing ease-of-use Many exhibitors were keen to demonstrate how integrated solutions could reduce costs for integrators by unifying systems on one easy-to-use platform. Arecont Vision unveiled its new Contera cloud-based video management solution at ISC West in April, making IFSEC the technology’s first outing in the European market. Contera is Arecont’s first video management offering and will allow customers to benefit from end-to-end solutions from the US-based company. Since the Contera system is designed to be web-based from the start, integrators will not be faced with the additional cost of adapting a legacy VMS system to the cloud. IDIS was another manufacturer highlighting their enhanced user experience and reduced cost offered by end-to-end systems. Visitors experienced demonstrations of the IDIS Center video management software, which is designed to offer smart user experience controls, and a user-friendly interface. Also on display were the company’s latest ranges of analogue and IP cameras. The IDIS system allows users to ‘mix-and-match’ HD analogue and IP video depending on the requirements of the project, with all surveillance operated from the same IDIS software interface. The mix-and-match approach avoids the additional cost of unnecessarily ripping and replacing legacy analogue systems. IFSEC 2018 presented a snapshot of how manufacturers from across video, access control and intrusion detection are continuing to innovate and collaborate to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging market, without losing sight of the most pressing needs of end users and integrators.

As ISC West opens today in Las Vegas, many companies will be introducing new products. But the announcements today from Arecont Vision will have a larger impact, and they involve much more than new products. In fact, the megapixel camera company is staking a claim to a broader slice of the market, and expanding its go-to-market strategy in the process. “The industry has changed, and the amount of competition out there today is significantly different and more pervasive,” says Raul Calderon, Arecont Vision’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “We decided essentially to meet the market head on. It’s like a rebuilding and reshaping of our organisation to be more competitive and solutions-based for the future.” The details of that reshaping are playing out in multiple announcements at ISC West. Arecont Vision is announcing a new group of cameras, the Contera line, made in China, which includes single- and multi-sensor megapixel dome and bullet cameras. Also, expanding beyond its core camera business, Arecont Vision will introduce a Contera video management system (VMS) and cloud-managed video recorders (ConteraCMR) to round out a complete solution to address traditional and cloud-based video surveillance project requirements.The industry has changed, and the amount of competition out there today is significantly different and more pervasive”  Remote access and management The cloud component of the new Arecont Vision platform is ConteraWS (web services), which enables local video recording and stores user profiles and cloud information for remote access and management. Management through the cloud means local administration is not required, thus reducing complexity and staffing needs. The system can be securely operated from a thick client, mobile app, Apple TV app, and/or a multi-browser web client. To ensure cybersecurity, ConteraWS has multi-factor authentication, NIST-compliant data encryption, transport layer security and requires no open inbound ports. Providing multiple system components enables customers going forward to buy end-to-end solutions from Arecont Vision. The online SysCon System Configurator simplifies selecting the best ConteraCMR platform for specific project requirements. The VMS, CMR and Web services components of the new end-to-end solution are rebranded by Arecont Vision in an OEM agreement with OpenEye. Providing multiple system components enables customers going forward to buy end-to-end solutions from Arecont Vision Enabling seamless integration As historically a camera manufacturer, why has Arecont Vision decided to embrace the trend toward end-to-end solutions? “The industry has spoken,” says Calderon. “Customers want to have a seamless integration with one provider of goods and services. We are adopting the mentality the broader industry has had for some years now.”Customers want to have a seamless integration with one provider of goods and services. We are adopting the mentality the broader industry has had for some years now” The “hybrid” platform involves video recording locally on premises (no bandwidth issues), but managed through the cloud by Amazon web services. There is an active connection between each recorder and the cloud. All administrative and access rights are managed in the cloud. A user can log into a web services account, which makes a connection to the recorder. This alleviates the requirement for any port forwarding or VPN. From an integration management standpoint, customers can manage all their clients and their recorders through a web services account. They can give permissions to local users to access only the recorders on their premises, but they can access centrally all the recorders they have deployed. From a maintenance and management standpoint, the approach allows an integrator to offer a true recurring monthly revenue (RMR)-based video solution. An integrator can charge for the web services access on a monthly basis, and/or provide other services such as health monitoring, or archiving critical video clips in the cloud. “This is a new take on the way VMSs work,” says Calderon. “It’s a new take on how we are delivering solutions to the market. We are driving toward a new way of doing business. The right integrators will see it as an opportunity to grow and develop their business — before someone else does.” The Contera cameras, the existing Mega camera line, and the Contera VMS, CMRs, and Web services are integrated for sale as end-to-end solutions. In addition, each component could also be deployed alongside other third-party components using ONVIF standards and leveraging Arecont Vision’s MegaLab program that tests and certifies third-party systems in the company’s Technology Partner Program. The Contera cameras will be assembled overseas and use industry-standard ASIC IC architecture We were able to develop, design, implement and manufacture the product in a more fast-track kind of way" New surveillance camera technology Unlike Arecont Vision’s existing Mega IP camera family, the Contera cameras will be assembled overseas and use industry-standard ASIC IC architecture, a system on a chip (SoC) platform that allows for a more affordable price point. The new cameras will also use Sony sensors. “We were able to develop, design, implement and manufacture the product in a more fast-track kind of way,” says Calderon. In contrast, the Mega IP camera family is Made in USA and uses Arecont’s MPIP (massively parallel image processing) architecture and FPGA IC chips, which offer “ultimate” cybersecurity, says Arecont Vision. “On the camera side, we have always had parts of our cameras manufactured in Asia, and did all the final assembly and PCB programming and even fabrication in the United States,” says Calderon. “With the new line, we decided to have some designs manufactured in Asia so that we can compete from a labour cost perspective. A partner we have worked with for 10 years — a Taiwanese company with a factory in China — is doing the turnkey assembly work for us. It is a collaborative development, and we are able to reduce costs significantly. We are concentrating on 10 models for which we can drive volumes and drive prices where they need to be. We will not compete at the lowest end of the market; we will be competing in the mid-tier. That’s our goal, to maintain a mid-tier presence in the market with a more competitive product.” He says some 300 units in the existing Mega camera line will continue to be assembled in Los Angeles.

In a significant move for the video security market, BCDVideo has announced that it is set to become Dell EMC’s OEM partner in the video surveillance space. For nearly a decade, the Chicago-based company has been known as a key OEM partner of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), providing storage and networking technology to security integrators on a global scale. This latest partnership will allow BCDVideo to take their offerings to the next level. BCDVideo Vice President Tom Larson spoke to SourceSecurity.com to discuss the reasoning behind the deal, and how the programme will benefit partners, integrators, and end-users alike. Expanding BCDVideo's product offering For BCDVideo, the HPE OEM programme has been widely acknowledged as a success, allowing the company to leverage a globally recognised brand and provide high-quality, reliable solutions across video networking and access control. Nevertheless, explains Larson, HPE server solutions are primarily suited to large-scale enterprise projects, and are therefore unable to accommodate for the growth in small- and medium-sized surveillance applications. The global collaboration with Dell EMC will allow BCDVideo to open up a broader product offering, building on success in the larger enterprise market to offer tailored solutions to SMEs. Our aim is to look at all best of breed technology to serve the video surveillance marketplace, and that means multiple partnerships” Support for integrators By leveraging Dell EMC’s sophisticated digital storage platforms, BCDVideo will now be able to offer a more cost-effective solution to integrators, without sacrificing the resilience and IT-level service that BCDVideo is known for. With access to Dell EMC’s expansive global sales and technical teams, the company hopes to expand its reach, all-the-while providing partners with around-the-clock technical support and a five-year on-site warranty. Customers should be reassured that BCDVideo will continue to offer HPE platforms, service, and support. “Our aim is to look at all best-of-breed technology to serve the video surveillance marketplace, and that means multiple partnerships,” says Larson.  “The addition of Dell EMC to our portfolio is a major win for BCDVideo, for Dell EMC, and for our integrators.” The global collaboration with Dell EMC will allow BCDVideo to open up a broader product offering Meeting surveillance market demands At the technology level, assures Larson, Dell EMC’s server offering is well suited to handle the increasing video resolution and growing camera count demanded by the surveillance industry. At the larger end of the spectrum, the company’s Isilon Scale-Out NAS solution can handle tens of petabytes of data, making it ideal for large-scale security applications such as city-wide surveillance and airport security. Dell EMC storage solutions are already proving successful at major international airports including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, each with a camera count in the 1000s.Dell EMC and BCDVideo together are ensuring our customers get the right solutions designed for the surveillance market” For Dell EMC, the new partnership means the ability to expand on this success in the enterprise market, leveraging BCDVideo’s surveillance expertise and high-level customer service to offer tailored solutions for lower-volume applications. Since its inception, BCDVideo has differentiated itself in the security space by providing a high level of IT service to integrators making the transition to IP systems. By combining resources, the partners will be able to service VMS and analytics companies, software vendors, and access control providers, as well as traditional business integrators. Ken Mills, General Manager Dell EMC Surveillance, explains: “Surveillance storage is not just about capacity, it is also about performance and reliability. Dell EMC and BCDVideo together are ensuring our customers get the right solutions designed for the surveillance market.” Accomodating for growth BCDVideo is well placed to accommodate this anticipated growth. Last year, the company opened a new 51,000-square-foot global headquarters in Illinois, home to 90 separate stations within their Innovation Center where each system is customised according to integrator needs. The new facility allows for expanding business with new and existing partners in the security market.

From 2019, Airbus will embark on the modernisation of the PMR (Professional Mobile Radio) network of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) public transport company. By 2020, the PMR provider will have overhauled the network infrastructure and converted the system to Internet protocol (IP). Airbus has also concluded a service agreement with the BVG until 2025. Airbus will provide the Berlin-based company with advice and support over the course of the modernisation process. The entire contractual package also comprises, alongside the technical retrofitting, the supply of the latest technology, such as an IP-based switch and an in-service maintenance and service provision. Communicate more securely The partners have also agreed to the possibility of progressively expanding the network with other base stations and to run these using the simulcast technology. Simulcast, also called Single Frequency Network, allows all base stations to transmit on the same frequency. This means that signals can be propagated very well over large areas. With the upgraded Tetrapol network, drivers and the control centre will be able to react more efficiently to all kinds of situations Since the network was rolled out in 2001, Airbus has partnered with BVG and, with its modern radio technology, it will make a further important contribution to the efficient running of Berlin's bus traffic. With the upgraded Tetrapol network, drivers and the control centre will be able to react more efficiently to all kinds of situations and to communicate more securely. Safe transport system The modernisation also implies an increase in the system’s capacity so that it can transmit even greater volumes of data. For approximately 2,100 radio users at the BVG, the Tetrapol network was made even more robust and user-friendly. A total of around 14,600 people work for the BVG and its subsidiaries to provide an environmentally friendly, reliable and safe transport system for more than a billion travellers each year. To coordinate the complex bus traffic in Berlin, the company built the Airbus Tetrapol network around nine base stations. Buses run on more than 150 lines over a catchment area of approximately 1000 km². The BVG also operates night buses on more than 60 lines, along with 22 tramway lines.

Denmark’s Evotec chose Idesco readers to complete their cargo securing system they had designed for transport companies’ vehicles. Evotec’s system does more than merely preventing cargo theft. Drivers also feel more secure when delivering because hijack risks are also reduced. This is because cargo is robustly secured when drivers leave vehicles behind. Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles Danish cargo companies had been struggling with regular delivery cargo thefts. Drivers did not feel secure when delivering and financial losses were growing. Evotec decided to develop a novel vehicle security solution for cargo companies. As part of their solution, Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles. Idesco readers have since been installed on several hundred Danish cargo trucks and vans. Early in their design process, Evotec had seen a clear need to strictly limit access to vehicle’s cargo space to authenticated personnel only. They had known RFID technology could provide accurate, secure user identification and authentication. They learned that Idesco’s MIFARE DESFire readers, paired with 128-bit AES-encrypted DESFire transponders, would easily repel transponder hacking or cloning. Best of all, they learned Idesco designed many of its readers for installing outdoors, reliably resisting impacts, moisture, dirt and temperature extremes. Security Key Management service Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources"Bo Schønning, Evotec Aps CEO, described the subsequent cooperation of Idesco with his company, “We got great assistance in choosing the correct solution for our system”. In addition to coded readers, Evotec ApS also subscribed to Idesco’s convenient Security Key Management Service for ensure compatibility with every vehicle’s readers. Since DESFire demands readers and transponders be encoded with matching security keys, Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources, freeing them to focus exclusively on installations for their customers’ vehicles without worrying about managing DESFire keys themselves. “We feel safe when Idesco handles this data for our customers”, says Bo Schønning. The cargo drivers of Evotec’s customers are assigned vehicle specific transponders to carry, which open the cargo space when presented to the reader guarding it. For increased security, the driver cabin locks automatically when the cargo space unlocks. Additionally, cargo doors automatically lock when they close and will remain locked when the vehicle’s engine is running. The system works equally well in vehicles equipped with liftgates. Opening the vehicle’s driver cabin with the ignition key doesn’t affect its cargo space: it remains continuously locked. If needed, a vehicle’s cargo space could be opened remotely via fleet management software. If a transponder is stolen, a vehicle’s readers can be reprogrammed to not recognise the transponders. Fleet management and vehicle tracking Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes. The fleet software’s online tracking and route reporting also provides cargo companies a powerful fuel control ability that can reduce fleet costs. “This system has significantly increased drivers’ security at work while reducing costs caused by theft”, notes Bo Schønning, CEO, Evotec ApS. “Fuel costs have also been reduced, as the cars aren’t left idling anymore. It is easier to control the fleet, and our customers can also follow the quality of deliveries with this system”, he continues.” RFID technology Founded in 1989, Idesco is an experienced company in the field of RFID technology. From the very beginning, Idesco was a pioneer in using RFID, deploying it for identification in industrial applications. Down through the years Idesco continued expanding its reputation as a pioneer provider by innovating numerous technological alternatives and multiple technologies for a variety of different application areas. Every day, Idesco devices collect data and enhance security for a variety of access control, vehicle identification, logistics and inventory control systems.

Cosmo Music was established in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada in 1968. Its current 56,000 sq ft store opened in 2008, making it the largest music instrument store in North America. It is also home to the Cosmopolitan Music Hall venue. Needing to replace a 20-year-old analogue video system, Cosmo Music Vice President and COO Rudi Brouwers, started researching modern video management software (VMS). Initially he intended to purchase IP cameras and a basic VMS with the ability to record and playback. But Brouwers soon learned of the vast capabilities of modern systems. He turned his focus to finding one that went beyond basic video management to offer business intelligence. Identify suspicious customers Brouwers ultimately decided on Axis cameras and Senstar’s Symphony VMS with its Face Recognition analytic In particular, he was interested in face recognition, which would enable Cosmo Music to identify suspicious customers to prevent shoplifting. Working with integrator Northern Alarm Protection Ltd. (NAP), Brouwers looked at a number of different systems, and ultimately decided on Axis cameras and Senstar’s Symphony VMS with its Face Recognition analytic. “I was sold on Symphony when I got to actually use it,” said Brouwers. “It floored me how easy it is to work, how straightforward it is. It is so user friendly it is unbelievable.” Brouwers likes several of Symphony’s core features, including: the ability to save video for up to six months (he had been hoping for 90 days) customisation options (for example, recording only when motion is detected) ability to bookmark video the mobile app, which lets users connect to Symphony via a smartphone or tablet to view and playback video, control pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, manage I/O devices, receive alarm notifications, and more. Face recognition analytic Before implementing Senstar’s Face Recognition video analytic, when a suspicious customer was identified through video surveillance, Brouwers would screen capture an image, email it to staff, and ask them to keep an eye out for that person. With Senstar’s Face Recognition video analytic, Brouwers can flag suspicious customers in Symphony. When that person enters the store again, Brouwers is automatically notified. One of our staff had a full beard one day and it was shaved off the next day and the system still picked him up" Brouwers tested the analytic thoroughly and was amazed by its capabilities. “One of our staff had a full beard one day and it was shaved off the next day and the system still picked him up,” said Mr. Brouwers. “That’s what sold me on it.” Symphony and the Face Recognition analytic, deployed on Senstar’s R-Series network video recorder (NVR) hardware, have been running at Cosmo Music since April 2018 and Brouwers couldn’t be happier. Business intelligence applications “It’s everything I dreamed of and more,” he said. From an integrator perspective, NAP, who had significant VMS experience but never used Symphony, thinks the product is a great option for business intelligence applications. “Symphony is the right fit for any application that requires enhanced security such as analytics. It’s superior to many other systems out there,” said NAP President and CEO Dave Koziel. “From a deliver what is promised standpoint, it’s 12 out of 10 on the scale.” Senstar’s Face Recognition analytic adds an additional layer of security to any video surveillance deployment Identify known and unknown individuals Create allow and deny lists, and be alerted when someone on that list is identified Save time and resources with a robust search functionality that lets users look for registered and unknown people in video Search across multiple cameras, and filter search results by match score or date and time Two-factor authentication processes for access control applications

Vega Systems Inc. has announced that their Redundancy Management Framework (RMF) software has begun operations at a prominent airport in the Middle East. The airport surveillance software plugin for Milestone XProtect enhances video security. Typically, without the software system, video surveillance down-times at critical infrastructure locations have the potential to create security loopholes. Vega Systems' RMF reduces live video disruption to milliseconds during server failure episodes while simultaneously providing uninterrupted access to all archived footage. This, along with other beneficial features, mitigates the impact of server failures on security. Vega Systems' RMF RMF is a novel, few-to-all approach towards enhancing XProtect Recording Server Redundancy through dual recording. A few redundant servers can handle concurrent failures of all primary servers. Offering a live view recovery almost instantaneously following the recording server failure, the system works two orders of magnitude faster than fail-over recording. RMF is a result of collaboration between Vega Systems Inc in San Jose, California, Sunjin Infotech based in Seoul, South Korea, and Milestone Systems' Middle East offices. The product is a plug-in framework for the Canon subsidiary Milestone Systems' XProtect software.

Nestled on the banks of the river Thames, Kew Gardens in southwest London is home to the most diverse collection of living plants anywhere in the world. At 330 acres in size, it’s London’s largest UNESCO world heritage site, and has a history stretching back more than 250 years. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, attracts more than 1.6 million visitors every year, coming to see the 30,000 different kinds of plants, and to visit the Herbarium, which has over seven million preserved plant specimens. As an internationally important botanical research and educational institution, Kew’s library contains more than three quarters of a million books, along with more than 175,000 prints and drawings of plant life. 24/7 video surveillance coverage Kew Gardens hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts and art exhibitions, as well as learning experiences for all ages and interests, in addition to the garden attractions. A need was identified to upgrade the existing legacy analogue CCTV system to one capable of transmitting and recording in true HDThe site is accessible via London Underground, Overground, buses and river services in summer, and the public can enter via four separate gates: the Elizabeth Gate, the Brentford Gate, Victoria Gate and the Lion Gate. There are also a number of other access gates to the gardens which are not open to the public. Because of the sheer volume of visitors and the multitude of public and trade entrances to Kew Gardens, the site requires around the clock video surveillance coverage, seven days a week. Analogue to IP CCTV system Kew’s CCTV control room operations team works to monitor the safety and security of the park, but a need was identified to upgrade the existing legacy analogue CCTV system to one capable of transmitting and recording in true High Definition. Security specialist firm The ITS Group was called in to help. The ITS Group is comprised of ITS Fire and Security, ITS Electrical, ITS Fire Training and ITS Building Services. The company has 20 years of experience within the fire and security industry, and provides CCTV, intruder alarms, barrier gates, security lighting, panic alarms, access control, and door and video entry, alongside a swathe of other services. ITS Group Director Tim Dyer said the Kew project required upgrading equipment in the Gardens’ security control room and providing site-wide cameras which can be used to view all entrances for both public and trade, as well as various strategic locations throughout the Gardens. Challenges in system installation The results were achieved in the process of implementing a Hikvision IP HD video surveillance systemThe massive 330-acre site is a huge area to monitor in itself, and Tim Dyer says the very public nature of the Gardens and its operations meant the actual video system installation posed some security continuity challenges. “Because the control room needed to be in operation 24/7, close co-ordination was required between ITS and the security team on-site,” he says. “We needed to maintain the CCTV in line with the changing site requirements on a daily basis. This, coupled with access issues and working in a public environment, was very challenging, and the fact that we were able to achieve such good results is testament to the close co-ordination between the site team and Kew security.” Those results were achieved in the process of implementing a Hikvision IP High Definition video surveillance system, which included new 43-inch and 22-inch HD monitors for the control room, along with new touchscreen network keyboards and joysticks. HD images in low light When there’s no light at all, the Darkfighter cameras switch to IR mode and record black and white images at 0 LuxControl room operators monitor images from a number of different Hikvision cameras. These include an initial 48 DarkfighterX network speed domes, which provide colour HD images in light levels as low as 0.001 Lux. That’s pretty dark. And when it gets darker still, they provide black and white images in light levels down to 0.0001 Lux. When there’s no light at all, the Darkfighter cameras switch to IR mode and record black and white images at 0 Lux. In addition, they offer 25x zoom capabilities and Deep Learning-powered target classification for automatic tracking and perimeter protection. They’re complemented by 29 Darkfighter 2 megapixel motorised varifocal lens cameras, 21 ultra-low light smart bullet cameras, and six low light smart cameras. Images are recorded to Hikvision 16-channel Turbo HD digital video recorders which support analogue, HD-TVI, and IP cameras, H.264, H.264+ and dual-stream compression, and can output at up to 4K resolution. Improved picture quality The Gardens now have a full HD system which can be expanded with additional cameras in the future"The resulting system is not only powerful and effective in the short-term but is purposefully planned to incorporate forthcoming changes. “The Gardens now have a full HD system which can be expanded with additional cameras in the future,” Tim Dyer says. “It allows them to take advantage of technology advances and newly developed functionality on any cameras or devices they add to the system in future.” Tim Dyer says the Hikvision system has revolutionised Kew’s video picture quality and functionality. “Making the change from an old analogue system to installing a new Hikvision IP system has transformed the Gardens’ picture quality, both during the day and at night,” he says. “The zoom facility is amazing and precise, and the reliability of them is second to none, making the work of the control room operatives a much easier role.” The HD surveillance system has been received exceptionally well by those whose opinion matters most: the security team at Kew Gardens. John Deer, Head of Security, said: “I am delighted with the installation of Hikvision cameras at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They are of the highest quality, which has enhanced the overall security across the 330-acre site.”

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is the first Ambulance Service to trial body worn video cameras in a scheme that launches this week. Approximately 40 of the Trust’s frontline staff will be trying out the use of body cameras in a bid to offer them greater support against the rise of incidents of violence and aggression. Alan Gallagher, Head of Risk, said: “The health, safety and welfare of our staff are of utmost importance. We want to take every precaution possible to ensure that our employees are safe whilst at work.” NEAS staff adorn body worn cameras “Our staff are reporting more incidents of this nature and we are working closely with the police and other partners to respond to those perpetrators with warning letters and, where necessary, criminal action. From previous reports, we know that most of these circumstances happen away from CCTV covered areas so using body worn video cameras will mean that our staff can record evidence of abuse or assaults when they happen, such as when they are in a residential property attending to a patient." We will continue to work on measures to reduce assaults and liaise with police colleagues" "This move is designed to help us bring more prosecutions against people who put our staff at risk and reduce the assaults and abuse they are currently facing in the line of their work. There really is nothing more disheartening than being hurt by someone that you’ve gone to help, particularly when they already work in such challenging circumstances.” Fighting crime “We will continue to work on measures to reduce assaults and liaise with police colleagues to ensure action is taken following any criminal acts against staff or the Trust. We encourage all valuable NHS colleagues not to tolerate such behaviour.” The number of reported physical assaults on NEAS staff has increased by 23% compared to last year. The numbers of addresses across the North East flagged for the potential caution or violence has also increased. This sits against a backdrop of more than 350 prosecutions that have been brought for attacks on ambulance staff over the last year nationally. The scale of the problem is believed to be much greater. Emergency workers’ safety This follows a new law that was recently introduced, the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill, in which individuals who assault, or attack emergency workers will face longer jail terms if found guilty. The Bill was designed to recognise the debt of gratitude the public feels towards emergency services, and for the courage, commitment and dedication they show every day in carrying out their duties. Footage will be admissible as evidence in the court of law utilising Edesix VideoManager software platform Mr. Gallagher continued, “We welcome anything that will help to deter people from abusing or assaulting our staff and we hope that by reporting incidents and providing credible evidence where we can, courts might be able to be much tougher when sentencing those found guilty of assaulting and threatening our staff, prosecuting those people to the full extent of the law.” Edesix VideoManager software Footage obtained in the event of an assault or abuse will be admissible as evidence in the court of law utilising the features available in the Edesix VideoManager software platform. It will only be used for the purposes of providing evidence to the Police in any enquiry intended for the health, safety and protection of staff. The tamper proof cameras, software and support for the three-month trial have been provided free by Edesix. Richie McBride, Chief Executive Officer of Edesix commented, "We're pleased to provide the North East Ambulance Service with our cameras to enhance the protection of staff and to deter any aggressive behaviour towards NEAS workers."