Market Focus

Oct. 27, 2008
A roundup of recent security applications and installations

Mobile Content Management
Emergency responders from Oakland County’s hazardous materials response teams have deployed TransViewer software from AirVisual Inc., to deliver pre-recorded and live video and other critical information to the responders’ computer terminals and mobile devices. The mobile content management software enables users to share critical information from one vehicle to another on a peer-to-peer user platform while sharing that same information with remote command centers. Built to reside specifically on vehicles, the software turns the vehicle into an information collection point, sending and receiving sensor information, GIS/GPS, video, audio, SMS, alarms and user updates. Additionally, the platform connects to remote video sources, access control, RFID, and performs adaptive routing, optimization, distribution, and delivery of content based on a rules- and permissions-based system.

Video Management in Savannah
The city of Savannah, Ga., has deployed IP video cameras in key locations in the city, connected to Tropos MetroMesh routers to provide law enforcement officials with real-time video monitoring capability for crowd control and live viewing of suspicious or criminal activity around town. Video from all cameras is recorded and delivered to users using the NetDVMS enterprise-class management solution software from On-Net Surveillance Systems (OnSSI). In the control room, OnSSI’s NetSwitcher enables instant access to video from any of the cameras (supplied by Axis Communications), which can be routed on-event to a video wall monitor or networked PC. The system also incorporates video content analytics for automated detection of exceptions, such as motion into restricted areas, loitering, crowding and others.

Automated License Plate Recognition
Five independent police departments within the State of Texas have selected AutoVu, an advanced license plate recognition (LPR) solution from Genetec, to automate the recovery of stolen vehicles. Currently, Houston PD, Corpus Christi PD, Del Rio PD, El Paso PD and Montgomery County Sherriff’s Department have chosen the technology, which can read up to 3,000 plates per day – as opposed to 100 plates being checked per day without the automation. “In case the State of Texas decides in the future to switch to flat plates, this technology will not become obsolete and we will not lose our investment,” says Detective David Mercier of the Del Rio PD.

Oklahoma City Installs Biometrics
The City of Tahlequah, Okla., has installed 11 Schlage HandPunch 3000 terminals to track and manage the city’s 129 employees. Eight of the hand geometry terminals reside on the city’s network, while three remote locations use dial-up mode to transfer time-and-attendance data directly to the HR Department.

California City’s Surveillance
The City of Montebello, Calif., has chosen Axium Technologies Inc. to implement a video surveillance and graffiti detection system. The system includes graffiti detection systems for Whittier Boulevard, cameras to monitor illegal dumping activity, and camera systems at city parks and recreation areas. The system is based on the supplier’s centralized video monitoring software called “Maximum,” which provides interoperability for digital security and surveillance products from diverse manufacturers, and its graffiti detection system.

Mobile ID Verification in Virginia
To improve the accuracy of ID discovery by officers in the field, the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department (FCPD) is has deployed the DSV2+TURBO handheld biometric terminal from Datastrip Inc. The unit features a fingerprint scanner and card reader, and it can also take photos on the scene. For FCPD, the units were loaded with custom software to interface with department’s Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and to perform facial recognition against its Viisage software-enabled mugshot database. The device can positively match a photo and/or fingerprints in about 30 seconds.