Organizing the Surveillance

The security industry is huge, and I often depend upon others to send me leads and tips about possible stories. This is the case with education and security, as the two go hand-in-hand.

In this issue’s cover story, I was alerted to a recent install at the Garfield Public Schools in New Jersey. Mary Wilbur, the vice president of marketing at Salient Systems, brought to my attention an overhaul at all 14 schools and two administrative sites.

What makes this story interesting is the fact that the schools worked with Jim Kane, a consultant working exclusively with the National Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. This agreement means a job is spec’ed out, and already meets established criteria for purchase and install of new equipment. The best part, Garfield schools will not only save money, but they get best-of-breed equipment, too.

Garfield Public Schools has been searching for a more responsive video with reduced bandwidth consumption. When all is said and done, the schools will have installed more than 400 Sony IP networked cameras and will be using Salient Systems VMS. More intriguing is the VMS’ Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS) option. According to Brian Carle, Salient’s director of product strategy, DRS will scale the video to the server and to the screen that an authorized person will be viewing. It will send only the resolution that is necessary, keeping bandwidth usage to a minimum.

I hope you enjoy our Campus Security and Life Safety specialty publication. There are a number of takeaways from this issue, including helpful case studies about campus emergency notification stands (Sam Shanes, Talkaphone) and card-based identification (Brett St. Pierre, HID Global). Our other authors have poured knowledge and experience into their submissions, which I’m sure you will enjoy, as well.

We’re all in this together, making the campus a safer and more secure environment.

This article originally appeared in the November 2014 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

  • Securing the Future

    Two security experts sit down with Security Today’s editor in chief Ralph C. Jensen to discuss what they see emerging and changing over the next several years along with how security stakeholders can harness these innovations into opportunities. Read Now

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • 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.