| With the Panasonic network and Milestone’s software platform, Aigle can ensure long-term safety |
The crime situation and the safety objectives
The area around the train station had been the scene of frequent urban violence, requiring a strong police presence. In order to ensure a higher level of security for travelers and to prevent vandalism, the Aigle authorities have developed a security concept that includes a video surveillance installation with globally leading technology. Several potential partners were contacted after Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) approved the project, which required compliance with information-protection regulations, as well as consideration for the populace.
The project decision and acceptance by authorities and populace
Panasonic IXA Systems SA was chosen as the partner by virtue of its concept of security in an overall context and its willingness to assist the town’s officials over a rather significant period. The company’s support is not limited to the technical details of surveillance video, but includes other aspects of security and its enhancement. Thus, IXA Systems SA revealed critical points and helped authorities draft the complex regulations. Thanks to that excellent preliminary work, the city of Aigle has been able to openly inform and protect the populace. The concept of security has thus been embraced and the video surveillance has been widely accepted.
The IP technology security solution
The video surveillance project was completed in three months. IXA Systems installed a network of dome cameras in the area around the station square. Their integrated zoom function allows clear identification of people. Dome cameras, along with several fixed anti-vandalism cameras, are used in the parking area. The two police posts are also under surveillance. The pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are highly sensitive, with very high resolution, and are protected by a robust sealed case. Data transmission is done over a network, and the dome cameras use wireless Ethernet.
The control centre consists of a server running the Milestone XProtect® Enterprise platform. XProtect Enterprise software is particularly suited for large distributed systems, with its many extendable functions. It has refined functions for recording, evaluating and transmitting video data, can be integrated with many other systems and can also be freely configured, thus significantly simplifying eventual extensions. At Aigle, access to the archived recorded data is reserved exclusively to two authorised parties. The images are stocked for a maximum of 96 hours and then irretrievably erased. Private areas within the monitored fields of view are masked to be invisible.
Positive experiences and results
The new solution has been operating since February 2009. The Milestone XProtect® software operation is intuitive and very simple for the surveillance personnel, including a guiding checklist from IXA Systems.
The system proved its worth many times during the initial months: several delinquents were able to be identified and reported to the authorities. Experiences also revealed scope for improvements in the setup, and thanks to the system’s great adaptability, these were able to be accomplished for even better operations.
In summary
In the context of the full security concept, the city of Aigle was looking for a reliable video surveillance system for the area around the railway station. With the Panasonic network and Milestone’s software platform, Aigle can now rely on a solid, modern system, ensuring long-term safety and enabling problem-free extensions should the need arise in future.
Hardware and software
- Panasonic WV-NW960 dome cameras
- Panasonic WV-NW484 anti-vandalism fixed dome cameras
- Milestone XProtect Enterprise IP video management software
- Synologie data storage system