Theatre Surveillance/Security

A public facility with too much security or the wrong kind  of security can discourage the public from visiting (Photo credit: Steve Williams Photography) The lethal November 2015 terrorist attacks against several soft targets in Paris have inspired changes in security at facilities considered soft targets across the United States and around the world. Today’s security directors well understand that “it can happen here.” To be clear, it probably won’t. But because it can, security directors are moving to harden their soft targets against security breaches, from minor to major. It’s a challenge. Soft targets are typically soft because they must provide easy public access. A public facility with too much security or the wrong kind of security can discourage the public from visiting. Tightening security at Dr. Phillips Center Consider the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. Opened in November of 2014, the centre spans two city blocks, rises three floors and offers three theatres. The Walt Disney Theater, the largest of the three, seats 2,700 people and handles major theatrical and concert productions. The two smaller theatres each seat fewer than 300 people and accommodate private groups such as weddings and corporate events. Construction will begin this year on a medium-sized, 1,700-seat theatre. It will form a wing of the existing building. Another theatre will break ground in several years and attach as a second wing on the other side of the building. "As a cultural and arts centre, the facility hadn’t really focused on security. They weren’t even checking bags at entrances" The main building was up and running when Chris Savard came on board as security director a year ago. He and Andy Frain Services, a security management firm retained by the Phillips Center, worked together to design and implement a comprehensive security programme. “As a cultural and arts centre, the facility hadn’t really focused on security,” Savard says. “They weren’t even checking bags at entrances.” Savard’s first move was to remedy that and begin checking bags. He was stunned to learn that the bag checkers immediately began to collect large numbers of guns and knives that people were attempting to bring into the theatre. The warm Florida climate leads many residents and vacationers to don loose-fitting shirts that aren’t tucked in. So Savard is also thinking about “wanding” visitors randomly (using a metal detector) as a supplementary weapons inspection. “While the building wasn’t designed with security in mind, some of the design features are useful,” Savard says. “For instance, there are tunnels that cross under the building. The purpose of the tunnels is to facilitate moving equipment and set pieces. But it also creates an escape path for people in the building and an entrance for emergency responders.” Any basic training for staff and employees teaches that the first step is to run. If you can’t run, hide. If you can’t hide, fight (Photo credit: Steve Williams Photography) Guarding with security systems and staff training Savard instituted video surveillance, placing about 60 fixed and pan-tilt-zoom cameras throughout every level of the facility and outside the front entrance. The “back of the house,” where cast members are often in various stages of dressing and undressing, has no cameras. Plans include the installation of a guard tour system with more than 30 touch points for security officers to tap with a wand as they patrol. Another of Savard’s main concerns was to develop procedures to protect against today’s security bane of workplace violence. Steps included training security staff and employees to react to various kinds of workplace violence including active shooters. The basic training teaches that the first step is to run. If you can’t run, hide. If you can’t hide, fight. Another element of the training programme covers situational awareness. Employees learn techniques of behaviour pattern recognition to enable them to identify and approach individuals exhibiting behaviour patterns that may indicate security threats. Self-defence training is part of this as well. Security, without compromising comfort Finally, Savard asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a security assessment and make recommendations. During the assessment, DHS developed a 3D virtual analysis of the centre that calls out access points and pathways through the building. First responder teams dealing with emergencies can access the analysis and plan the safest, most effective response. In the end, Savard’s programme touches all the bases without becoming oppressive. The programme provides a tutorial on securing soft targets without harming the appeal of public facilities.

Biometric technology company Zwipe is proud to announce that Rose Bruford College, London’s International Drama School of Theatre & Performance has chosen Zwipe Access as the preferred solution for the prestigious school’s security needs both for students and staff. The deployment of the Zwipe biometric solution was secured by Kodit Security, Zwipe’s distribution partner and systems integrator in the United Kingdom. Integrated biometric access control Speaking on the selection of Zwipe Access, David White, Facilities Manager at Rose Bruford said, “The reason we chose Zwipe Access for our educational institution is that it is such a cost-effective migration to biometric access control which fits in perfectly with our existing system hardware and software platform.” Kodit Security specialises in electronic and physical security systems and has an extensive client network in the UK. Commenting on the deployment, Jack Reyner, Managing Director at Kodit Security said “Kodit Security UK has always maintained a very strong relationship with Rose Bruford College spanning over 15 years. Zwipe was the most obvious and easiest way to upgrade the institution’s current systems without the cost of upgrading existing infrastructure. The issue we had come across with other biometric solutions was the high cost involved with upgrading readers and software, if not the entire system. When we realised how simple and cost-effective it would be with the Zwipe biometric access card, we grasped the opportunity. The support we receive from Zwipe is unparalleled and having worked with other solutions providers in the past, nothing else even comes close to what Zwipe can offer.” Expanding deployment in education sector Commenting on the order John Laws, Zwipe’s Director of Sales EMEA said, “We are very pleased that Rose Bruford College has selected our solution and are very happy to be working with such a great partner in the UK, Kodit Security. We see the education sector as an ideal use case for Zwipe Access, as it allows institutions to integrate biometric access control in a quick and cost-effective manner with existing infrastructure, either for the entire premises or for secure areas such as labs and data centres. We have seen great interest throughout Europe, and are currently making progress to secure deployments with several other universities.”

The Salzburg Festival is considered the world’s finest drama and classical music festival. Siemens has equipped the specially built opera houses with state-of-the-art technology with advanced systems to ensure the perfect balance of comfort, safety and security. Founded in 1920 by theatre director and producer Max Reinhardt, the Salzburg Festival has grown into a cultural event of international stature. Today nearly 260,000 visitors attend the 14 performance venues where over 200 events take place each year. Cutting-edge technology ensures utmost comfort, maximum safety and security, as well as first-class acoustics. The facilities are equipped with building automation, sound systems, stage management consoles, fire detection technology, access control and evacuation systems. Advanced fire safety and access control The fire detection system delivers maximum safety. Over 1,800 detectors monitor the many different areas throughout the festival halls. Linear detectors, flame detectors and smoke extraction systems offer high level protection of the audience and stage areas. Festival managers also have the advantage of central control and an integrated guard tour system. In an emergency, everyone on site is given clear instructions via a voice alarm system on how to exit the building safely and securely. A Siport access control system ensures that only authorised personnel gain access to the secure areas of the festival halls. Approximately 7,000 photo ID cards are issued across the site every summer across the workforce to personnel such as performers, stage technicians and administrative staff. The photo ID cards cannot be counterfeited as a special security overlay with holographic printing prevents tampering. The same card is also used for time and attendance and cashless vending in the cafeteria. Cameras enable the stage manager to monitor the stage area and other key locations Monitoring and managing safety and security The stage manager is in charge of the overall coordination at the festival. This includes a wide range of procedures such as monitoring the action on stage, alerting performers in their dressing room and issuing light signals. During the performance, all the threads converge on a specially designed stage manager console, complete with touch screen for maximum ease of use. Cameras enable the stage manager to monitor the stage area and other key locations. In an emergency, the stage manager can contact the relevant services and first responders as well as organise safe evacuation over the public-address system. More than 300 loudspeaker circuits were installed for these tasks in the Mozart House and the Felsenreitschule alone. The Great Festival Hall is still being modernised, however once the work is finalised, approximately 400 loudspeaker circuits will ensure smooth operations in this one venue. Digital sound system network A digital network was set up to improve the acoustics in the festival halls. The sound systems and all the required components for the stage and audience arena were also provided by Siemens. Fibre-optic cables transmit all the audio data and control information digitally to the three venues. The system uses a digital time division multiplex process. Each one of the base units used has an audio data bus with 256 time slots, which carry 256 signals simultaneously. Computer-controlled loudspeakers and equalisers ensure that every audience member hears the sound not only at the same time but at the same quality. The system is self-diagnostic and as soon as a malfunction occurs, it sends relevant information to the appropriate personnel. All stakeholders benefit from the new technology; the management team, employees, performers, and audiences Climate control system Precise control of the interior temperature and humidity is particularly important in a festival hall, so that both audiences and artists can experience the performance in comfort. To achieve this objective, Siemens designed a sophisticated climate control system using natural resources. The Alm River flows under the city of Salzburg and cold water is rerouted underneath the Great Festival Hall and used for air conditioning to maintain a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 55 per cent in the concert hall. This automation system also controls ventilation and delivers fresh air to the concert halls continuously and quietly. A management station monitors more than 6,000 data points and will report the slightest disruption or deviation from the specified values to ensure continuity. Integrated technology solutions With a unique, integrated solution that monitors room temperature, humidity, acoustics, stage manager systems, fire detection and access control, Siemens has added considerably to the safety, security and comfort of the internationally renowned Salzburg Festival. The cutting-edge technology guarantees the best acoustics, optimal room temperature and climate, reliable fire safety, controlled access and state-of-the-art evacuation. All stakeholders benefit from the new technology; the management team, employees, performers, and audiences.

The Deutsches Theater is a Berlin landmark of 19th-century Classical architecture. Built in 1849, it is among the most prestigious theatres in the German-speaking world. It has an elegant, classical façade, 3 stages inside and with the help of CLIQ® technology from ASSA ABLOY, its building security and access management is now flexible, reliable and future-proofed for its 21st-century audience. CLIQ mechatronic locking system Security managers at the Deutsches Theater chose CLIQ®, a mechatronic locking system which integrates cutting-edge microelectronics and intelligent data encryption into a high-quality mechanical locking cylinder system. CLIQ® technology provides an extra layer of electronic protection, enhancing high-quality mechanical security by simplifying key management and making access control more flexible. Every CLIQ® key is battery-powered, and can easily be programmed with access rights to suit each authorised keyholder. This is not the only way CLIQ® makes life easier for Deutsches Theater security managers. Fine-grained permission schedules, right down to the individual door, can be set for every employee and contractor. A programmable CLIQ® key can be scheduled to permit entry only at pre-set times—during public opening times, for example, or after hours for cleaning staff. Any permission updates are easily communicated from system to door using CLIQ® programming keys. Power is supplied by batteries inside each key, so it is not necessary to visit every locking cylinder individually to replace batteries and because CLIQ® locks are wireless, no major alterations needed to be made to the existing door hardware or building aesthetics — a critical feature when refitting an historic building like the Deutsches Theater. It is also straightforward to add new CLIQ® locks to more theatre doors, if building management needs to change in the future. Upgraded staff and public security In addition to putting building managers in greater control of their premises, CLIQ® has significantly upgraded security for theatre staff, and for the public who attend its three different auditoriums. If an employee or contractor loses a key, its access authorisation can be withdrawn simply by reprogramming the locking cylinder using a programming key. The lost key would no longer work. With CLIQ® technology, there is no need to replace locking cylinders when a key goes missing — which saves the theatre time and money, too. For more information about CLIQ® please visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/cliq

The 1,850 seat Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the largest theatre complexes in the UK, is home to the acclaimed Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange. It also attracts international companies, top West End productions and full scale ballet and opera. But, it is the new ViconNet digital video surveillance system that is performing everyday behind the scenes. In addition to the main auditorium, Birmingham Hippodrome boasts a studio theatre, rehearsal studios and state-of-the-art conference facilities made possible by a major £30m redevelopment project. The move to replace outdated first generation DVRs throughout the complex has been part of a two-and-a-half year project undertaken by national installer ADT. Sixteen cameras are now linked up to a Kollector DVR Birmingham Hippodrome Director of Operations Mike Bradford, said: “We wanted to modernise the way that CCTV at Birmingham Hippodrome was managed and maintained as it plays an important security and safety role for staff and visitors. Sixteen of our thirty cameras are now linked up to a Kollector DVR and we’ll be upgrading the rest in the second phase.” The Kollector is Vicon’s top of the range DVR capable of recording at up to 400 frames per second with storage configurations up to 1.6TB internally and a further 8TB with optional external RAIDS. When working in conjunction with ViconNet software the result is a total system control station, allowing users to view, control and configure any ViconNet DVR or IP device from any PC workstation on the network. Kollector DVR and ViconNet software will make key tasks easier Having the Kollector DVR and ViconNet software will make key tasks easier for the Hippodrome team, explains Mr Bradford. “We’ve started by linking up the external cameras because those are the ones where the risks are higher and where we are more likely to need to provide evidence for the police. The whole job will now be much less time consuming. The new equipment also gives us improved functionality, better image quality and greatly increased storage capacity: 30 days instead of the three days which the old recorder provided.” The ViconNet software will also allow Mr Bradford or any of his colleagues to view images from any authorised PC workstation, including PC’s at home should that be necessary. As a result, checking, searching through and copying recorded images is much quicker. “In the past it could take us hours to find a particular incident recording and copy it for the police. Now we can do everything in a few seconds, literally by dragging and dropping the icons on our PC monitors.”

Videx expands its presence with Protectorcomms at student accommodation in Cardiff University Videx, provider of door entry systems, has recently fitted out a large scale student accommodation development in partnership with Welsh installation company Protectorcomms for Cardiff University students. The development consists of 320 apartments as part of an ongoing accommodation project, which is designed for those who have chosen to live and study in Cardiff City. VX2200 digital door entry system Talking about the project, Mark Gibbon, Midlands and Wales Sale Manager at Videx, said, “In partnership with Protectorcomms, we recommended and installed our flagship VX2200 digital door entry system to ensure the safety and security of students but also allow easy and convenient access. It was a large scale and complex project but by working closely with Protectorcomms we ensured that any issues faced or challenges presented were overcome quickly and smoothly. The appropriate requirements - physical, technological and legal - were met and the door entry installation was completed successfully.” Secure and easy access solution The 320 apartments are within a high-end student accommodation building that includes a cinema, party room, games room and events calendar, laundry room, quiet study areas, courtyard garden and lots of state of the art communal chilling out areas. Lloyd Harding, Technical Director at Protectorcomms, added, “We have looked to Videx on several occasions over the years to provide reliable and robust intercom systems for both construction and retro-fit projects we have undertaken. We have always found their equipment and support to be of a first class nature.”

Built in 1991, LaSalle Plaza is a 30-storey office tower in the heart of Minneapolis’ bustling theatre district. A 600,000-square foot building that spans an entire city block, LaSalle Plaza is home to many businesses as well as retail locations and restaurants that cater to the city’s theatre crowd. Connected by a seven-mile long skyway to an apartment building, the YMCA, a theatre, and the Target head office, LaSalle Plaza accommodates more than 16,000 people every day; making patron safety and security a challenge. Avigilon HD surveillance system Because the building’s aging analogue surveillance system was unable to capture clear image detail, was difficult to use, and costly to maintain, LaSalle Plaza upgraded its entire system to the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system for its exceptional image clarity and advanced management features that improve investigations and response times to ultimately boost overall security. Open until 3:00 a.m. for restaurant and theatre-goers, and again at 6:00 a.m. to welcome the building’s workforce, LaSalle Plaza is not a typical office tower. “LaSalle Plaza presents unique challenges from a security perspective because of its hours, retail locations and Skyway; which attract a range of patrons and a lot of traffic,” explained Kelly Lentz, General Manager at LaSalle Plaza, part of the Zeller Realty Group. Monitoring the site with its 20-year-old surveillance system was also challenging because the image detail had deteriorated. “LaSalle Plaza presents unique challenges from a security perspective because of its hours, retail locations and Skyway; which attract a range of patrons and a lot of traffic” Avigilon Control Centre 5 Enterprise Edition The building upgraded to a DVR-based system ten years ago, but sourcing replacement parts was becoming difficult. After receiving bids from three vendors, LaSalle Plaza chose to work with ECSI, a local provider of security system design, installation and support, who recommended the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system. The team delivered a solid presentation that was easy to follow and clearly demonstrated the Avigilon advantage. “ECSI even beat out our previous integrator—a major testament to their expertise and Avigilon’s performance,” added Lentz. LaSalle Plaza installed 48 Avigilon HD 1 MP cameras throughout the building, with the majority monitoring the retail space and Skyway on the first two floors. Avigilon HD 1 MP cameras monitor the 343-space underground parking garage and four Avigilon HD 1 MP cameras were installed in the loading dock area. Two operators manage the surveillance system using Avigilon Control Centre 5 Enterprise Edition (ACC) software with High Definition Stream Management (HDSM) live 24x7 and store 45 days of continuous surveillance footage on an Avigilon Network Video Recorder (NVR). Lentz and one other manager can also view the system from their laptops. Excellent image quality ECSI installed the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system on the building’s existing network without causing any disruptions to normal business operations and delivering reliable system support when needed. “We were also looking for strong vendor support after installation,” noted Lentz. “We’ve been very pleased with both ECSI and Avigilon.” “We can easily identify intruders, watch them as they move through the building and involve the police if a problem arises” The Avigilon high-definition surveillance system is used to monitor individuals moving through the building to ensure their safety, so it must deliver irrefutable image clarity. “Video quality is the most important feature for us,” stated Lentz. Located in the downtown core, LaSalle Plaza attracts a transient crowd, particularly over the cold, winter months when individuals may be looking for a warm place to stay. To ensure patron safety, security officers constantly monitor for trespassers and issue warnings or contact local law enforcement if necessary. “With Avigilon’s excellent image quality, we can easily identify intruders, watch them as they move through the building and involve the police if a problem arises,” explained Lentz. “The picture quality is so good that we know we will always be able to clearly identify an individual.” Quicker identification Avigilon’s image clarity, combined with the system’s ease-of-use has had a huge impact on the building’s overall security. “Before, it was extremely time-consuming to search, find and identify usable footage,” noted Lentz. “All of our operators say finding footage is now a significantly faster process.” In addition, operators can view all cameras on fewer screens for a better overview and faster response. Previously, operators had to scroll through several screens to see all the cameras, slowing down the search and playback process. “Because our previous system was so deteriorated, our operators were amazed at the improvement in quality and manageability Avigilon delivers.”With clearly identifiable images of known trespassers, security officers are better positioned to make faster and more accurate decisions that improve the safety of its tenants, patrons and passers-by. “We can share images between shifts and easily track individuals throughout the building to keep them moving and prevent any potential incidents,” claimed Lentz. “Our tenants appreciate that we are constantly upgrading our building—from IT to security, making sure it’s the most comfortable, effective and safe workplace possible.” “The new Avigilon system is reliable and easy to manage and support, reducing maintenance requirements and costs” Lower cost of ownershipLaSalle Plaza has also realised some cost savings since deploying the new Avigilon system. “We were starting to incur costs to repair and replace our old DVR-based system, which we no longer have to worry about,” remarked Lentz. “The new Avigilon system is reliable and easy to manage and support, reducing maintenance requirements and costs.”The building also uses the Avigilon high-definition surveillance system to investigate slip and fall claims which could lead to further cost savings. “With Avigilon cameras, we can clearly investigate a situation and more confidently defend against a false liability claim,” confirmed Lentz. “The more detailed information we can provide to the insurance company, the better off we are.”According to Lentz, the real business benefit that Avigilon delivers is the ability to better move unwelcome people through the building to keep tenants safe. “With the best tools at their disposal, security officers can monitor our entire building much more effectively than before for a higher sense of security,” concluded Lentz. “When it comes time to renew leases, we don’t have to worry that our security efforts will come into question—our tenants simply cannot say that they feel unsafe.”