CCTV and Austerity 2010: Part 2 - from A to IP

As featured in Info4Security in March

Why and how might end users switch from an analogue to a network video-based surveillance solution? Peter Houlis outlines the reasons why migration is now such a compelling argument for host businesses.

You may recall my article from last August entitled ‘CCTV and Austerity 2010: the end user approach’ wherein the topic of moving to new technology as a way of mitigating costs was introduced.

With a defined history of analogue CCTV systems in the UK, though, how do you actually move ‘from A to IP’ cost-effectively and, indeed, should you even be looking to do so?

Read more are http://www.info4security.com/story.asp?sectioncode=11&storycode=4127013&c=1

2020 Vision On track with New Security Measures

A specialist North Tyneside security organisation has been called in to help step up the security at Redditch Councils Abbey Stadium racetrack.

Security plays a major role in public venues so North Shields-based 2020 Vision were commissioned by the councils Consultants to implement a ‘state of the art’ network video surveillance system to ensure people could enjoy multiply leisure pursuits in a safe and secure environment.

With ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Abbey Stadium the council wishes to obtain public feedback on the proposed facilities and refurbishment works to ensure the new facilities meet with expectations people are being given the opportunity to air their views on the designs and plans for the expansion and refurbishment of the existing Stadium into a new multi purpose leisure venue.

The revamp will eventually see Abbey Stadium transformed to accommodate a 25 metres, six-lane pool with spectator seating and an adjacent café/vending area. The pool will be capable of hosting competitive swimming competitions and there will be a learner pool alongside.

As part of the developments, the exterior of the current Abbey Stadium gym and court facilities will be architecturally re-faced to blend in with the striking design for the new pool. The outdoor athletics track will remain and will also have a facelift by way of a new track surface.

Work will start with a new dance studio, within the current Abbey Stadium, as well as the installation of a new sports hall floor. Both will mark the first phase of this exciting development. It is anticipated that the new centre will be completed and open to the public in late in 2011.

2020 Vision ‘Tickled Pink’

2020 Vision employees are tickled Pink after raising money in support of the breast cancer ‘wear it pink’ day.

Enthusiastic administration staff cooked up a day of smiles and calories baking pink cakes and encouraging staff to dress in pink during the ‘go pink’ day for the breast cancer awareness campaign in October.

General Manager, Dawn McIntyre elicited help and support from a number of our suppliers and gratefully received donations for the day.

The Directors would like to thank all the employees that took part in making this a very enjoyable fundraising event and we would also like to say a special thank you to the following suppliers:

· Norland Electrical, Newcastle
· Veracity, Ayr · Provision, Shrewsbury
· Transend (UK) Ltd, Coventry
· DMG Graphics, Newcastle
· SIS, Preston

UK Threat level Severe

The UK Government has increased the current terrorism threat level to Severe.

The increase from substantial, means that a terrorist attack is highly likely. You should therefore remain alert to the danger of terrorism, look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity you may encounter.

There are five levels of threat:

· critical - an attack is expected imminently
· severe - an attack is highly likely
· substantial - an attack is a strong possibility
· moderate - an attack is possible but not likely
· low - an attack is unlikely

The threat levels are set by Security Service (MI5) and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). Who work together to consider information gathered through intelligence in the UK and abroad and how terrorist organisations have behaved in the past.

The system of threat levels has been created to keep you informed about the level of threat the UK faces from terrorism at any given time. The system helps police and other law enforcement agencies decide how to allocate staff.

Experts predict it’s just a matter of time before the next attack. Whatever your walk of life security is probably more important today than at any point in history and we all need to take responsibility for our safety and security.

Given the increased risk now would be a good time to review your security and make sure its working.

In order to implement a successful security strategy, it is imperative that an audit is carried out and a security management plan be developed. The plan needs to list the risks and actual and perceived threats, along with an operational requirement.

Your audit should be carried out by a security professional with a working knowledge of your industry sector

Remember to contact your local police force and speak to the ‘Counter Terrorism Security Advisor.’

Good physical security will be your first line of defence backed up by electronic security.

The security measures should be multilayered like an onionskin, and backed up by sound management policies and procedures, including staff training.

Fortunately, today’s security professionals can draw from a substantial arsenal of security options with technology, providing many cost efficient ways to improve security for everyone.

Take the no risk option and let 2020Vision review your security issues now. We have the knowledge and experience to solve your problems simply, contact us on 0191 2962662 or visit us at www.2020cctv.com

For further information visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/counter-terrorism or http://www.nactso.gov.uk/documents

There aren't as many CCTV cameras as you thought!

In an exclusive report, first released to CCTV Image magazine and SecurityNewsDesk.com, DCC Graeme Gerrard of Chesire Constabulary reveals the results of new research into the number of CCTV cameras in the UK.

Contrary to the widely quoted figure of 4.2 million CCTV cameras, Mr Gerrard and his co-author Richard Thompson calculated the number of cameras as 1.85 million.

This figure is the best one available so far, and is based on a thorough survey of CCTV cameras in Cheshire. Based on the number of cameras in rural and urban areas in Cheshire, and taking into account land use patterns in the UK as a whole, they scaled up their numbers to arrive at the figure of 1.85 million.

By comparison, the 4.2 million figure was based on a 2002 survey of two busy streets in London, which was then extrapolated to the country as a whole.

The original article is at SecuirtyNewsDesk.com:

http://www.securitynewsdesk.com/2011/03/01/only-1-8-million-cameras-in-uk-claims-acpo-lead-on-cctv/

March Newsletter - In this issue we take a look at PSIM: what's it all about?

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is one of the current buzz phrases in the security industry, but what exactly is PSIM... and what can it do for you?

Situational awareness and visual intelligence is becoming increasingly more important in critical risk management and business continuity, not just in relation to the protection of people and property but also for reputation, brand and business success.

In simplistic terms, situational awareness can be defined as: “Knowing what is going on so you can figure out what to do” (Adam, 1993).

As threats both real and perceived continue to escalate, so developments in technology, security strategy and procedures have evolved to manage situational awareness and combat the increased risks.

As a result, many organisations are investing in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software platforms to manage the huge amounts of data generated by their life safety and security systems.

Managing complex security and safety systems

PSIM software comes into its own when managing complex security and safety systems, particularly in high risk environments or where an organisation has a large real estate portfolio.

Here, PSIM can be used to manage the various systems deployed at remote sites, enabling either common control, operating and response from each location or the centralisation of all control and reporting functions into one Command and Control Centre.

There are also a large number of legacy surveillance systems in existence. Being system agnostic, PSIM software provides a footprint in the road map of migration from analogue to the digital surveillance world.

PSIM software platforms are designed to identify, verify and resolve emergency and business situations in real time by providing integration at data level and the organisation of multiple unconnected security and life safety devices and applications, in turn controlling them through one comprehensive user interface.

Collecting, correlating, analysing

The PSIM collects, correlates and analyses the data, events and alarms from disparate security and information systems: intruder and fire alarms, perimeter detection, access control, video, analytics, intercom, sensors, networks, BMS, concierge, staff safety and other emerging technologies, and then manages the incoming information in order to identify the real situations and their priority.

The relevant situation information is then presented in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions, with set response parameters for verification and resolution of the situation at hand.

The response parameters are Standard Operating Procedures, empowering operators to identify and proactively resolve situations using common and consistent methods based upon step-by-step instructions, Best Practice and a given organisation’s policies when it comes to dealing with emergencies and mission-critical issues.

Aside from the high level of integration provided by PSIM is the comprehensive, integrated audit trail for all activities: tracking information, steps and sequences for compliance reporting, training, post-incident analysis and accountability.

What’s in it for you?

PSIM integration provides numerous organisational benefits, including increased control, improved situational awareness and management reporting.

It’s nothing if not a valuable management tool to be used for providing and controlling visual information and intelligence data, either for real-time use or for post-incident analysis.

It doesn’t affect the individual operation of any of the systems which continue to function independently as they always have.

Rather, it merely collects data from the disparate systems and displays it in a consistent and logical format to the various Control Room operators and other control positions with set response parameters in order to maximise Control Room efficiencies and provide a high level of security and accountability in the event of a critical situation arising.

Implementation will take time

As with any new software system, implementation takes time and a degree of operator training to obtain the optimum results.

The PSIM is an evolving system adaptable as situations change, thus training is ongoing to ensure system users are comfortable with the benefits resulting from the investment in the PSIM system.

The end result of the new system minimises the need for specialist operators specifically trained for the management operation of the various separate systems by converging the information data and output from these systems, available logically to any of the Control Room operators.

Ultimately, you realise a flexible and adaptable control and command system which provides a high level of security and improved response times, minimising manpower while also enhancing operator efficiency and providing accountability.

Peter Houlis Managing Director of 2020 Vision Systems as featured in www.info4security.com 23rd February 2011

U-MIX 2020 Vision’s route from CCTV to Network Video

2020 Vision has a large and diverse customer base that relies on CCTV as part of their overall security strategy. Generally, due to a strict maintenance regime these legacy systems work perfectly well. However with the demise of analogue CCTV and the convergence of IT and video it is our job as a professional security systems house to guide our customers through a jungle of new technology and hype and provide them with a strategy for change.

Analogue CCTV systems are reaching the end of life and our industry is moving rapidly into the digital age with Network Video. Emerging technology and developments will not follow the analogue path, as we are already seeing analogue based products are disappearing from the supplier’s catalogues and service parts are starting to become more difficult to source.

You see evidence of this in the high street; try buying an analogue TV or Camera, its almost impossible. If you did, in a short space of time service parts and film will become impossible to source. Our industry is directly fed from the consumer market drive for HD quality, PC based applications.

Following discussions and consultation with a number of our key clients 2020 Vision in conjunction with Software House I-Comply has developed U-MIX a system agnostic video management platform, which facilitates a managed migration from analogue security to intelligent network video surveillance extending the life expectancy of legacy systems.

Network Video provides our customers with many advantages particularly in terms of picture quality and the ease of transmitting streaming images around a network. Expanding the scope of their surveillance systems beyond security into operational use, combining safety, security and operational management to deliver visual intelligence upon which informed decisions can be made. Typical examples would be assisting in Health and Safety, productivity, personnel management and marketing and we fully understand this rational.

2020U-MIX provides command; control and management of disparate CCTV and related security systems to maximize return on investment and future proof the system. It bridges the gap between technology and the operator, mixing legacy systems, new IP digital systems, network video and other life safety and security devices, providing a true cost effective road map for migration to digital technology and the advantages it offers.

2020U-MIX is designed to be simple and intuitive in operation, it knits together all security applications into one integrated, unified front end. Hosting all common data, to all applications, through one database; bringing together buildings, locations, access rights, people and workflows.

The U-MIX application platform provides uncompromising ‘real time’ security management and creates the perfect centralised control room, converging (transparent to the end user) diverse security technologies.

Comprehensively integrating them into a powerful, simple, user friendly, front end control application.

Peter Houlis 2020 Vision’s MD said “It is true to say that a large proportion of our customers have legacy systems which work perfectly well and still meet with operational requirements. However, in order to cater to our customers future needs and provide an ongoing service of true value we needed to provide them with a cost effective route of implementing digital technology, after all in these austere times not many people have the budget to strip out their legacy system and install a new digital system simply to do the same job.

We needed to provide them with a series of cost competitive steps to the new technology and give them advantages in changing by way of add on applications, which is were our development of U-MIX came in. In its simplest form it is an overarching software system, which replaces the existing analogue CCTV switcher. As a customer’s budget becomes available we can add various applications such as control of DVR/NVR’s, alarm inputs, etcetera.

By implementing U-MIX we prove true commitment to our valued clients by managing their system life cycle and maximizing return on investment”.

Find out more about U-MIX and its applications by contacting 2020 Vision on 0191 2962662

2020 Vision secures leading roll at The City Hall

A specialist North Tyneside security organisation has been called in to help step up the security at one of Newcastle’s premier music venues following a minor back stage incident, which could have been serious event. North Shields-based 2020 Vision has been commissioned to ramp up security measures at The City Hall.

The City Hall was opened in 1927 as part of a major development, which included the City Pool. In 1928 a Harrison and Harrison Organ was added making it Newcastle’s first dedicated concert venue. Since then it has developed a rich and varied history and a list of world-class performers gracing the stage.

The system consists of a number of strategically placed colour cameras sited to provide visual intelligence and pictorial evidence. Of particular concern is the rear stage area where the cameras are used both operationally as a management tool and for security of the artists.

The cameras specified are 1/3” format colour mono CCD’s providing high-resolution images in all expected lighting conditions. They feature a 2.9 to 12mm varifocal lens set to capture the optimum views. The camera lens assembly is housed in a discrete aesthetically pleasing vandal resistant dome.

All cameras images are digitally recorded for post incident analysis and where necessary for video evidence.

Managing director at 2020 Vision, Peter Houlis said: “There is no doubt that The City Hall is one of Newcastle’s best known venues. It is renowned for showcasing some of the finest acts from around the world, be it Rock, Pop, Comedy or Musicals the biggest names play at The City Hall and I have been privileged to see some of them over the years”

“We are thrilled to have had this opportunity to work closely with City Hall management on providing some specialist and bespoke solutions to the very particular security requirements they have.”

Valleywatch - monitoring your assets with 2020 Vision

Rising manpower costs and the Working Directive means professional remote site monitoring using CCTV surveillance is an efficient and cost effective way of watching your assets and protecting your people. Valleywatch is our preferred remote video monitoring centre (RMRC) the following is an extract from their recent news letter for you interest.

Services on offer

Valleywatch offers a unique combination of services to business operating on Team Valley. This includes key holding and alarm monitoring; 24-hour surveillance by efficient and highly trained staff; a modern monitoring centre and highly visible patrol vehicles which provide a rapid response to any incident spotted by the camera operators.

The company also maintains a high level of liaison with Northumbria Police, including the provision of facilities for the local Beat Officer, and hosts the successful Shopwatch Scheme.

"The cost effective service provided by Valleywatch delivers on many levels and is integral to the continued success of the business community," says Cyril Deeming. "However, while many businesses on the estate are a part of the scheme, some companies still don't contribute.....but we are working on them."

Working with 2020 Vision

CCTV provides the ultimate deterrent that is both visible and effective and is considered crucial in both crime prevention and detection. 2020 Vision Systems Limited is the company which installed Valleywatch's system of 24 CCTV cameras on the Team Valley back in the late 1990s. Since that time, the company have carried our planned preventative maintenance on the system.

"2020 Vision does a great job to ensure that all cameras on the Team Valley are in full working order at all times thus helping us keep crime on the estate to a minimum," says Cyril Deeming. "It is one of a number of companies we work with and we are grateful for their help and support."

Cultural and Heritage Security - 2020 Vision keeping watch on our past

CCTV installed at The Great North Museum secures our past and provide greater accessibility to exhibits find out how at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/7304f068#/7304f068/20

And read our article in M&H Magazine. M&H pulls together all the latest news, features, products and videos from across the industry to for professionals working in the museum and heritage sector.

Route to Success

Leeds Bus Lane ANPR project is the latest route to success for systems integrator 2020 Vision Systems.

Leeds City Council partnership is extending their CCTV scheme to cover the cities bus lanes.

The initial scheme incorporates six new ANPR cameras located at various points throughout the city. The cameras will transmit back to the Leeds City Watch UTC control room via new radio links.

The operator workstations will be provided by the client in the Control Room, full camera control and picture display configuration will be provided by VideAlert Ltd and City’s Pro Security Management System.

The system which has been designed in accordance with the DfT and Leeds City specification document is to form an important role in the management of the Bus lane City safety, infringement and enforcement ANPR strategy, playing a critical function in the City’s environmental management policy.

Winter Service a real gritty performance from 2020 Vision

Thirty six fault calls logged from our valued clients last week required our service department to show true grit, responding to system breakdowns in the worst December weather experienced in over a decade. The problems reported ranged from a weather related fault on a camera monitoring an exit barrier to the removal of an external camera to allow ongoing building works, were all rectified and cleared off on the days they were reported, leaving customers confident that their systems where fully operational and their security strategies intact.

Peter Houlis Managing Director said ‘I am proud of our staff they showed true dedication to our valued clients in extreme conditions. The team showed great determination in getting to work even being pulled out by 4x4 jeeps and helped by neighbours they have not met before. It’s testament to our company service ethos ‘brilliance is our benchmark’.

‘Dealing with high risk high profile clients means we know what we do is of crucial importance. When a CCTV or security system fails commitment, professionalism and experience have to be second to none. Credit where credit is due, we had NO snow related accidents and there was a real positive effort from all members of staff during these difficult times’. Reported Service Manager Mick Lynch