Steve Cernak knows that, in many ways, his port is an open door, welcoming industry and visitors into the U.S. But in today’s climate of heightened awareness, Cernak and directors of ports on coasts throughout the world are working to meet increasingly stringent security objectives. As a result, the Port of Galveston recently implemented Verint’s Networked Video Solution to enhance security of its container facilities, passenger terminals and perimeter.
Located on the upper coast of Texas, the Port of Galveston provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and serves as a strategic port for trade between the United States and its international partners. The port stretches across an 850 acre campus and includes facilities handling all types of cargo including containers, dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, roll onroll off, refrigerated and project cargoes, two cruise ship terminals handing more than 370,000 passengers per year and access to two national railway systems with direct connections to major US cities. The Port is a significant contributor to the strong economy of the Galveston-Houston marketplace, and annual business through the Port totals approximately $14 million.
“Our mission is to act as an economic catalyst to the City of Galveston and the region, and security is integral to this charter,” Cernak says. “We researched video surveillance solutions and, working with Johnson Controls, we found that Verint offered the solution that provided all of the key elements we need. Technologically and economically, Verint offered the best solution given the vastness of the system we require. Because of the port’s size and scope, we found that the only way to connect to the system was using wireless technology. In addition, the size and complexity of the system required an intelligent solution to manage all of the components.”
Port of Galveston’s Video Surveillance Solution
Verint’s Networked Video Solution enables the Port of Galveston to enhance the security of its facilities by networking video across multiple locations using wireless and wired equipment. By applying advanced content analytics to extract actionable intelligence from live and stored video, the system helps secure the Port’s facilities and extensive perimeter from one central location. Cernak says the Port of Galveston used a proprietary software analysis tool to determine the most effective and economical camera placement.
By alerting security personnel to potential security threats as they occur, the Verint solution is designed to help the Port of Galveston prevent security breaches and improve response time. In addition, the system is integrated with the Port’s infrared illumination technology for low light visibility.
Goals of Video Security for Ports
- Deal with expansive and hard-to-wire perimeters
- Integration of video solutions with existing security infrastructure- Prevent security breaches
- Improve response time
- Protect passengers and property
- Comply with government regulations
- Reduce cargo theft and vandalism
- Deter terrorism
- Provide superior security within budgetary constraints