A VIEW OF EXPANDING HORIZONS 2002

Jan 1, 2002 12:00 PM, By TOM PATRICK MCAULIFFE

As an industry, using video technology to make a business, facility or location more secure is a rose by many names — closed circuit television (CCTV), video surveillance, closed circuit video or video security. Call it what you will, the New Year is always a great time to assess where your organization stands with regard to using video. Since Sept. 11 arguments against video surveillance have faded.

The jury may still be out on the effectiveness of facial recognition, but not CCTV. From schools, government buildings and public spaces to retail, business offices and manufacturing, video is being used to detect, deter and document operations, security incidents and crimes. There are more than 2 million security cameras in public places like U.S. airports and bus stations. Another 5 million are in private use, according to no less than NBC's Today Show, and Dataquest reports 3-7 million CCTV cameras are in the United States. Those numbers are expected to grow rapidly.

Playing a large role in the growth of video security is the government. A recent Department of Justice report indicated that fixed-position CCTV cameras are in use by law enforcement in all 50 states.

Private enterprise also uses CCTV widely. At last count, 90 casinos in Las Vegas use surveillance video. Harrah's on the strip uses more than 600 cameras recorded by over 200 VTRs and compiles a monthly CD-ROM of video “hits” of suspicious activity, according to Andy Anderson of CDI Inc., a Las Vegas security firm.

Bob Granger, CPP, manager of operation security with United Space Alliance, the private contractor that helps operate the Space Shuttle at Kennedy Space Center, uses CCTV in a big way. “At the Kennedy Space Center we have ‘Ops TV’ with hundreds of CCTV cameras throughout the complex,” Granger says. “That's a lot of eyes out there.”

Naturally, applications as important as space travel merit use of the latest technology. “Today's digital CCTV goes far beyond anything before, both from a cost standpoint and with regard to overall system integration,” Granger says. “Tied into access, motion detection and other physical security solutions, CCTV is an integral part of our overall security and documentation efforts.”

Large corporations are also using the technology. An example is Procter & Gamble, which markets a broad range of well-known consumer products worldwide. “We use CCTV for multiple purposes but have not increased the usage of CCTV since the Sept. 11 events. However, we are continually evaluating our security posture and making modifications as appropriate,” says Ed Casey, director of corporate security-worldwide for the manufacturing giant. “There's no doubt that CCTV is a vital part of our overall security program. Our primary benefits have been in reviewing history after an event has occurred and in using CCTV to permit access through visual observation,” explains Casey.

Whether in the government or the private sector, given the variety of available new technology and the budget realities of today's economy, demand continues to grow.

THE FUTURE IS DIGITAL

An increasing trend is use of the Internet for online monitoring of video surveillance. Now, from anywhere in the world, managers can check on the security of a warehouse or look in on the productivity of a manufacturing line. The World Wide Web is now woven into many of today's video security systems.

As with other areas, there is a migration towards digital technology. From digital cameras with increased resolution to digital video recorders (DVR), committing many hours of footage to a removable computer hard-drive, the industry is switching to newer technology.

Other areas that have seen increased interest include thermal imaging, wireless technology and total system integration.

The tremendous change in CCTV technology over the last five years has caused the security industry in general to change its methods of using cameras, according to Richard D. Maurer, senior associate for Kroll Inc. and vice-chairman of the ASIS Physical Security Committee.

“The introduction of digital technology now allows for pixel change alarms, the recording of only actual activity and Local Area Network (LAN) as well as Internet transmission capabilities,” he says. “CCTV systems are not just being used to record activity for later review, they now can also be used to alert security and management staff on- and off-site to potential physical security problems. With the digital technology, an individual monitoring numerous security cameras only has to look at those pictures where there is actual activity, not waste time and energy keeping an eye on the cameras in stairwells where no one has walked in two weeks. When someone finally walks up those back stairs or opens an emergency door, then the picture is displayed in front of the person monitoring the system,” Maurer explains.

Digital systems also allow for the quick auditing of activity through monitor screen menus and almost instant access to video recordings stored by date, time and location. “This replaces the laborious backing up and fast forwarding through time-lapse video tapes which we have all experienced,” Maurer says. “If you're curious who walked through your warehouse over the weekend, you can review a still picture of each person within seconds instead of fast-forwarding through 48 hours of tape and having to stare at the screen to see when to stop. I've had many headaches carrying out this security management duty. The time it would take to go through the old time-lapse tapes had me finding excuses as to why I didn't need to review the tapes or turning the job over to some poor subordinate,” Maurer says. Recent events illustrate the need to follow through and lend extra vigilance. Video helps with that.

“Since Sept. 11, building owners and managers have become far more aware of the need for adequate security of their facilities and are looking for systems that provide them the best bang for their dollar while reducing the need for expensive human security,” Maurer says. “If one officer can efficiently monitor five entrances instead of five officers monitoring those same entrances, then the long-term savings is immediately evident. When the cameras are tied to access control systems and emergency communication systems, it can be just like having an efficient security officer at each access point. At the same time, the introduction of video cameras at less strategic access points and in semi-public areas of workplaces makes visitors and employees feel that much more secure.”

The integrated approach to CCTV utilization — along with the rapid adoption of digital technologies and the increased vigilance since September — are clearly identifiable trends as the industry enters the new year.

SETTING GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

As we head into the new year, let's take a look at seven things we can do to move video security efforts forward. Here are the CCTV New Year's resolutions for 2002…

Upgrade my CCTV system.

When is it time to go digital? Maybe it's now — prices are low.

Ensure that my staff is well trained.

A system is only as good as the people operating it. Are my security personnel trained? Certified? Doing continuing education and staying up on the latest trends?

Establish video chain-of-custody procedures.

In the event of a security incident, video needs to be treated as legal evidence. Are there procedures to ensure its documented security and transfer?

Offer public notification that my facility is under surveillance.

It's only fair and legally protects both parties. A simple $3.49 sign “This facility under video surveillance” does wonders for people's behavior, as long as there really is a system to back it up.

Establish a routine and preventive maintenance program.

New equipment is expensive, so it's best to take care of it from the start and on a regular basis. Documentation will also make it easier and will keep repetition to a minimum.

Consider ergonomics.

Provide good chairs and consoles for my video security monitoring professionals and provide clear, large color monitors.

Look at future technologies and construct a five-year plan.

Picture where I want to be in five years and work backwards. Make sure to write it down.

FOR THE RECORD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A former editor of Government Video magazine and U.S. Navy photojournalist, Tom Patrick McAuliffe is a contributor to Access Control & Security Systems who also writes for Video Systems, a sister publication.

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