The Growing Importance Of Mobile Video Surveillence
Edward Hill, 02/11/2009, posted in "Analysis"
In February 2009, Plustek UK recruited Edward Hill to focus on its new range of Security and Communications products. With added focus on these products, Plustek is forging ...more info
In February 2009, Plustek UK recruited Edward Hill to focus on its new range of Security and Communications products. With added focus on these products, Plustek is forging a clear and precise market share within the UK IP Security Sector. Edward has also been organising seminars alongside market leaders Axis Communications in order to help raise awareness of this emerging and exciting new technology. ...less info
Video surveillance is on a high growth trajectory, with rising awareness and adoption of Internet protocol (IP) solutions acting as major drivers bolstering growth. Proactive systems capable of performing intelligent analysis are spurring demand for network cameras and recorders.
From office to video surveillance at public events and on public transport, mobile video surveillance solutions are here to stay and will only get better and more affordable in the future. Besides adding a sense of personal security and safety, mobile video surveillance can alert security staff to unauthorised invasions and can also help first responders when they are confronted with a security issue in a public place.
Government research has shown a significant potential for more public transport travel if people felt more secure, and that one of the main concerns centres on the availability and visibility of appropriately trained staff. There are a number of initiatives now in place that contribute to improving personal security on public transport and along the ‘whole journey’. Such initiatives include providing staff to patrol and represent a reassuring presence through a specialist staff team, but the most cost effective is video surveillance.
Through wireless video surveillance technology, video leading up to and after the incident can be relayed back to the command centre. At the command centre, the decision can then be made to send backups to the local authorities or to let the first responder handle the situation. Mobile video surveillance solutions can also make a difference after transportation disaster strikes by quickly imaging the events leading up to the incident and also the damage caused so that it can be accessed quickly.
The European video surveillance equipment market is the most active segment within the security industry in comparison to other building security equipment, and is characterised by a surge of activity in the IP surveillance domain. IP-based video surveillance systems are enjoying huge publicity, with every business thinking of, or already incorporating, network-based solutions into their surveillance systems.
It is evident that awareness levels of the need for video surveillance are at an all-time high, following acts of terrorism, vandalism and violence. In this situation, mobile video surveillance systems capable of capturing, transmitting and recording real-time data are seen as the only solution to deter crime. The difficulty in convincing resellers and end-users, however, to follow the market trend toward IP technology is slowing down the migration to network-based solutions.
The need for public transit surveillance
Public transportation has been a target for terrorists in recent years—bomb scares have been reported in New York City subways and the underground in London has been in a constant state of alert since their transit system experienced an attack in 2005. Underground stations are also popular mugging or pick pocketing locations in larger cities. A comprehensive video surveillance system can help reduce crime or theft opportunities, and can be useful in identifying theft, violence, gang activity or other suspicious behaviour so it may be stopped.
Another problem transport companies face is vandalism, especially at stations and on vehicles. Prominent video surveillance cameras can help to prevent vandals from defacing property and buses with graffiti. Security cameras can also be used to help identify repeat offenders. Even the most large and complex public transportation network is easy to monitor with surveillance. Advances in technology have made it easy for surveillance systems to have multiple types of footage that is centrally monitored.
Setup advice for transportation security systems
If you operate or manage public transport and are looking at a security solution, there are some key factors that you should consider. In order to protect the security of your passengers and employees, make sure that you keep surveillance cameras in public spaces like on buses or subways and in stations and out of toilets and employee break rooms. When placing cameras onboard buses, trains and other forms of transportation, make sure all seats and entrances are in the range of the camera to record each passenger’s face.
Remember, cameras may appear to thieves as easy targets for theft or vandalism. A stolen camera can leave your coach, bus, or train more susceptible to crime. And finally, you’ll need to check your local laws to see if you may record your drivers and operators during working hours.
Defining objectives and matching the approach
One feature of a successful video surveillance initiative is that it has a clear vision of its aims and objectives and how this relates to your organisation’s overall strategy. In particular, there should be clarity about the extent to which the initiative’s aim is to provide reassurance to passengers (addressing fear of crime) and the extent to which its aim is that of enforcement (addressing crime and antisocial behaviour). Issues such as the appropriate powers and training that staff should be given can only be decided within this context.
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