Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Office Breaks Free Of Analog System To Improve Security

  • Jun 17, 2008

The Sheriff’s Office in charge of protecting the Cumberland County Courthouse in Pennsylvania had an outdated analog system that gave them no useful evidence for prosecutions. Implementing a best-of-breed surveillance solution based on the Milestone IP video management open platform has given officials what they need now and in the future, with full overview and proactive control of their security.

Cumberland County Courthouse is a five-story building holding 19 different county offices for 350 personnel, five courtrooms, holding cells, maintenance areas, server rooms and walk-in safes. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for general law enforcement duties as well as serving civil process, prisoner transports and physical security of the County buildings.

“Our previous system was a VHS analog system that was not worth the electricity it consumed. Not once did it ever provide any useful information for prosecution purposes. Within the three minutes it took me to become accustomed to the Milestone software, I was able to review, save the video snippets to a file, and burn them as needed,” said Bryan Ward, administrative sergeant, for the Cumberland County Sheriffs' Office. “On a busy court day we will move as many as 60 prisoners from the jail two miles away to our holding cells, to public courtrooms, and back. We now have the right surveillance to monitor all of this to maintain the safety of everyone.”

Cam-Tek, a certified Milestone Partner, collaborated with Sergeant Ward in the implementation of Milestone XProtect Enterprise. The solution includes more than 30 different network cameras from a variety of leading manufacturers such as Axis, Mobotix, Panasonic and Sony, covering the hallways, elevators, stairwells, and entrances, the sheriff vehicle parking, various alleys and roads that surround the courthouse.

The open platform of Milestone IP video management software is unique in supporting the widest choice in surveillance hardware -- more than 400 network models. No matter which manufacturers come out with new innovations in future, the courthouse officers will be able to stay on the forefront of technology.

Featured

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.