Michigan School District Installs Axis Network Cameras

  • Apr 13, 2009
Axis Communications recently announced that the Chippewa Valley School District in Michigan is using its network cameras to increase public school security in a cost-effective manner.

Located in the suburban Detroit area, Chippewa Valley is the state’s ninth largest school district (out of more than 500), serving 15,000 students.

More than 600 network cameras and video encoders are being installed in the district’s high schools and ninth grade centers, including the AXIS 216FD-V(fixed dome); 216MFD-V (megapixel fixed dome), Q1755(HDTV) and 214 PTZ Network Cameras; and AXIS Q7900 Racks with Q7406 Video Encoder Blades.

Chippewa Valley purchased the Axis network video products from Spiritech Inc., based on a design by the district’s IT consultants Metro Technology Services. Spiritech is installing the infrastructure, Axis network video products and Milestone Systems’ video management software.

Chippewa Valley first sought out a video solution in order to provide good security measures with a reduced need for staffing. Like most school districts, Chippewa Valley is highly sensitive to theft, vandalism, violence and bullying. Its goal is to protect people and property. The school district sought out a network video solution (vs. analog) because of superior image quality, centralized storage and management, integration into the district’s active directory and web integration.

“Ever since the Columbine high school tragedy 10 years ago, school districts have been looking for ways to enhance security in their schools,” said School Superintendent Mark Deldin. “If students do not feel safe in their schools they will be distracted from learning. Our mission is to make students, parents and staff as safe as possible. A strong sense of safety and welfare enhances the educational process and improves our standing with our community.”

Several factors drove the selection of the new network video solution, including the quality of the Axis network cameras and housings, the ability to expand the system in the future, the Milestone Systems video management software’s comprehensive functions, Metro Technology Services’ design criteria and Spiritech’s experience.

The district contracted with Metro Technology Services in order to procure the network video solution because of the size of the project. The specifications accounted for WAN connectivity using the district’s fiber-optic network, proper cameras and locations, and also to comply with state bidding requirements. Based on a complete solution, Axis network cameras were approved.

Until now, the school district has had to rely on hall monitors and security guards to be physically present during school hours and periods of heavy building use, such as concerts and athletics. Once the network video system is fully deployed in the spring, it will help school authorities determine “who did what, and when.” It is also expected to help deter, detect and document inappropriate behavior.

During the design process, school administrators and police liaisons performed building walkthroughs, with a focus on public areas such as hallways, cafeterias, computer labs, media centers, school stores, gymnasiums and exterior coverage. The system will be monitored by officials, including security guards, principals, assistant principals, food service directors, maintenance directors and technology staff. Principals and assistant principals will have dedicated monitors connected to their district computers for viewing, while security stations will be provided with dual monitors. Even the cafeterias will have their own LCD monitors.

“Network cameras are a great fit for schools due to the scalability and superior image quality,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. “We share Chippewa Valley’s concerns for the security of children and look forward to continuing to address those and other school concerns in partnership with companies such as Spiritech, Metro Technology Services and Milestone Systems.”

Featured

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 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.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.