Intelligent security solutions: More flexibility and scalability

Can intelligent technology really deliver a high return on investment and what can it offer government and local authorities today? Yvonne Pritchard of Sony Professional Security details the advantages of intelligent solutions within security installations.

Surveillance has long been an essential focus for governments and local authorities at all levels, from traffic and hospital

monitoring to large-scale security operations for one-off events. In the light of recent security attacks worldwide, CCTV surveillance and network video monitoring are under increasing scrutiny, both in terms of the information they can capture and the way in which they allow security teams to react quickly and effectively.

For those responsible for deploying such security systems, Internet Protocol (IP) based network video monitoring offers more flexibility and scalability than ever before. With intuitive features to streamline workflow in control room, the technology performs well against the challenge of increased expectations from the public and government organisations alike. However, whilst security of citizens may be uppermost in the minds of government bodies, budget constraints are not far behind.

Tailored surveillance solutions for every environment

Network video monitoring is effective in various applications, from schools and hospitals to transport systems and construction sites.

Harton Technology College in South Shields, for example, is utilising an intelligent security solution as a deterrent and evidential tool against burglary. The school's previous analogue surveillance system meant time was wasted retrieving relevant footage and considerable delays occurred between the incident and action being taken. Now, using the event-based system, suspicious incidents can be detected more easily, improving workflow as security personnel need only watch clips where an 'event' has been identified. Furthermore, the IP-based surveillance solution resides on the school's network, without unnecessary burden placed on it as bandwidth usage is managed - only when activity is detected is footage transmitted.

Multiple sites can be monitored from a single or a few remote locations

Another benefit of the IP network is that multiple sites on a campus can be monitored from a single, or multiple, remote locations, depending on the organisation's changing needs. To ensure the best possible view of events from the control room, a wide range of security cameras, with functions from PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) to PoE (Power over Ethernet), is available. Additionally, compatibility with both Linux and Windows makes the solutions ideal in a wide range of situations.

Intelligent technology delivers optimum security drawing on its heritage in AV and broadcast technology. If a bag is left unattended at a station for example, Intelligent Object Detection will proactively send an alert to security personnel or even export the recording to the police. With Intelligent Motion Detection, events like a vehicle being removed from a car park can trigger notification, even if there is other movement in the surrounding environment.

Scalability of security solutions for changing needs

Change can happen at any time, and it can happen on a vast scale - as the UK is currently experiencing with the proposals to merge regional police forces in England and Wales into large 'superforces'. Where such significant change takes place, a flexible security infrastructure pays dividends. Scalability through client server architecture allows organisations to increase security systems as needs dictate.

Versatility of intelligent security systems for temporary deployment

The inherent flexibility and scalability of intelligent solutions make them ideal for temporary deployment. In the US for example, public and media interest in the Scott Peterson trial was immense - he was charged with murdering his wife and unborn child and huge crowds were expected at the San Mateo County Court. The Sheriff Department needed extra security without having to massively increase manpower or budget. Within just three days, a Sony intelligent security solution was up and running, providing officers with the latest wireless network cameras, recording software and networking technology, enabling superior surveillance of the event. Advanced functionality of the PTZ cameras allowed personnel to zoom in and

Surveillance has long been an essential focus for governments and local authorities

read a car's registration plate from over 100 metres away, then pan 180 degrees to look at another car's details. Officers could also connect to the surveillance network wirelessly via a laptop, from their patrol cars.

Thanks to the versatility of the solution, the department looked to deploy the system in other locations when the trial finished, providing increased security for the public in areas such as bus stations and government buildings.

Intelligent security cameras help identify problems immediately allowing security personnel to turn their attention to the task of taking action rather than one of continual monitoring. Such investments are also future-proof and can be adapted to changing needs, bringing savings for organisations as the cost of ownership for CCTV systems is reduced. These intelligent security solutions are key for governments as they strive to protect citizens and offer them the best services for their money.

 Yvonne Pritchard
Sony Professional Solutions Europe