We analyze the role and impact of intelligent video systems in citizen security programs.
By Juan Carlos George*
The political climate in Latin America in recent months has forced cities and municipalities in the region to focus on one issue: security.
Protecting people, buildings, public transport systems, and in general any infrastructure, is a priority for current governments and their corresponding security institutions.
Considering the above, it is worth asking: what role do intelligent video systems play in citizen security programs? To address the challenges described above, intelligent video monitoring systems play a critical role. They can help cities proactively and more efficiently and effectively address all of these needs.
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Characteristics of an optimal system
Well, first of all it should be noted that systems must be flexible, scalable and based on an open platform to ensure protection against vandalism, theft and all other forms of crime.
First, the city needs extensive camera coverage and reliable VMS (video management software) to make such protection of property and people possible.
These elements make up a system that should be easy to use; this with the intention of minimizing the need to train staff.
Likewise, analysis tools are key to the success of an urban video surveillance project. Operators are having difficulty attending to the increasing number of video streams they receive, so video analytics tools free staff from this task and allow them to perform other functions until they receive a notification of an incident that requires viewing.
With these tools it is possible to configure automatic functions or rules to send alerts when unusual or suspicious activity is detected.
By installing or transitioning to open platform IP video surveillance, cities can significantly improve the effectiveness of their monitoring and thus strengthen security and have a better overview of their operations.
The importance of the open platform
Based on the TCP/IP network protocol, IP video surveillance allows a locality to design its video surveillance system using video equipment and standard computers.
An open platform VMS provides access to a flexible platform that supports a wide variety of offerings from video camera and server manufacturers. In addition, integration with other systems through application programming interfaces (APIs) allows data to be shared between other systems, devices and components to achieve an efficient and unified solution.
Open platform systems can be scaled up in stages, from one to thousands of cameras as needed, so installations can be carried out in stages. Video encoders can be used to incorporate previously installed analog cameras, thus creating a hybrid system that preserves the existing investment in the security system.
It is almost always cheaper to install a hybrid IP video surveillance system and gradually replace existing analog equipment with the excellent functionality of networkED IP cameras and other components, rather than making a substantial replacement of an existing analog system with the latest digital technology.
Scalability and consistency
With a scalable VMS, a city can easily add or remove third-party cameras and features from software without affecting the core software platform. In addition, the interface remains consistent, so authorities can have different departments running different levels of management software and still easily share information across their networks.
IP networks allow you to use existing infrastructure, such as servers, switches, and cabling.
Optimize resources and added values
By combining the software with video analysis tools and network cameras with HD and PTZ capabilities, it is possible to monitor larger areas with fewer staff, which is an excellent solution for metropolitan areas.
IP video centralizes surveillance operations even if you have thousands of cameras and multiple locations.
With IP video surveillance systems, cities can take advantage of the network storage solutions best suited to their budget. Later, when a new technology or product is introduced to the market, technicians can add or migrate to them, regardless of the brand of the previous storage system.
Video and its benefits
Among many benefits, cameras connected to a VMS can give security managers a clear picture that allows them to take the right actions, before things get worse.
Also, the video is useful to recognize the environment, which helps the authorities to send for example an ambulance, a van with special forces or a fire truck as the case may be.
After an incident, an optimal video system helps officials immediately discover what happened through an investigative analysis, take appropriate actions and share evidence to resolve the situation or make the necessary changes to prevent such an incident from recurring in the future.
Another important aspect is to determine responsibility, if a citizen is injured in a situation, who is responsible? The video has the answers.
Regardless of the political or social situation, crime and other threats to public safety and infrastructure can be a constant in urban areas of the world. However, technology is dramatically increasing the performance and value of video surveillance to help combat risks, making the people and communities where we live and work much safer.
* Juan Carlos George, Milestone's sales director for Latin America.
