Making a Break

Sheriff's department makes move to digital surveillance

  • By Del V. Salvi
  • Jun 30, 2008

Rewind to the year 1991. Literally. After 14 years of overused VHS tapes, programmable VCRs and older matrix switchers, the Dearborn County, Ind., Sheriff ’s Department was overdue for an upgrade to its video surveillance system. The deputies and officers wanted a security system that would allow them to depend less upon manned in-house security and more upon digital, PC-controlled cameras and recorders.

Through the direction of representatives at NORCOM Inc., an authorized Sanyo security products dealer, a networked video surveillance system was installed in the county law enforcement center. With state-of-theart security resources now in place, deputies are better outfitted to monitor the building and protect public access areas more efficiently.

“We looked into a few other companies that did this kind of security system updating,” said Capt. David Wismann, jail administrator. “We went with the Sanyo solution from NOR-COM because it had so many features above and beyond what anyone else offered. The networked video surveillance management platform far surpasses any of our product expectations. Our facility is set for the present and future needs of the department.”

NOR-COM, originally established as Northern Kentucky Communications in 1971 as a services and maintenance organization, provides equipment and system integration expertise to the business, industrial, healthcare, educational and entertainment markets. For more than 36 years, NOR-COM has focused its efforts on providing cutting-edge technology to clients, as well as full backup and product support. Working closely with the county, NOR-COM created an affordable security and communications system solution for the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center.

Out with the Old
 The first phase of the upgraded Dearborn system included the installation of eight Sanyo high-performance DVRs. Antiquated analog VCRs were replaced with DSR-5016 DVRs to provide crisp, clear digital recording with real-time monitoring at 120 ips. The DVRs also are equipped with telemetry to provide PTZ control over dome camera systems, making them ideal for the most demanding surveillance applications.

“The DSR-5016 DVRs incorporate a unique feature called region of interest area designation that was particularly attractive to us,” said Capt. David Hall, who also is a jail administrator. “We are able to obtain better picture quality for preset screen areas along with the ability to optimize file sizes for more efficient storage and transmission.”

The DVRs are complemented by 45 color digital vandal- proof cameras installed at the main jail, courthouse and administrative buildings. Featuring innovative Pan- Focus™ Technology, the new security cameras can focus on every object in their field of view—no matter how close or far away it is from the camera—effectively increasing the coverage range of the cameras relative to conventional image-focusing techniques. Additionally, the dome cameras do not require manual adjustments and are able to keep the full frame in sharp, clear focus at all times. The coverage capabilities of the Pan-Focus cameras reduce the number of cameras required for typical video surveillance coverage and make unmanned surveillance more efficient.

Future Ready
The video surveillance system better prepares the facility for the seamless integration of future upgrades. Pan- Focus technology cameras that were purchased for analog functionality in their existing surveillance setup can easily be converted to networked digital cameras by adding an optional network IP board.

“In the future, the Dearborn County Sheriff ’s Department will be able to easily and cost-effectively upgrade their existing video surveillance system and migrate to a networked digital operating platform,” said Jim Kelley, installation manager/coordinator for NORCOM. “With the installed Pan-Focus cameras, the Dearborn facility is already network-ready with the simple addition of the Pan-Focus IP boards.”

Also added in the recent system upgrade at Dearborn is Sanyo’s Video Pilot enterprise control software. The PC-based solution allows officers to view, monitor and control their entire video surveillance system from one PC with a high level of convenience and flexibility. Video Pilot features a graphical user interface that is designed for easy navigation with features like file-free architecture, multiscreen configurations, drag-and-drop camera placement and a convenient desktop tool bar for regularly used functions. With Video Pilot, officers are able to view live video streams from virtually anywhere via the Internet, record video from multiple sources and play it back locally or remotely. Previously recorded video also can be exported for archival storage or to present as evidence in court.

Mission Accomplished
“The software is so user-friendly. It’s so easy to operate,” Wismann said. “In our business, we have a built-in turnover of employees, with more than three shift changes every 24 hours, so it is important for us to have a video surveillance system that’s easy to learn and use so employees can get up and running without a tremendous amount of training.”

NOR-COM’s technical support team provided the sheriff ’s department with a touchscreen and joystick controller to further improve ease of operation and overall monitoring capabilities. The VSP-9000 interfaces with a digital multiplexer for selectable camera call-up of any camera in the system as well as control of all system DVRs. Additionally, two 32-inch color LCD video monitors are installed in the main control room, providing large, crisp reproduction of all live and recorded video images.

“Sanyo’s video surveillance technologies and NORCOM’s technical support have combined to provide us with an outstanding solution,” Wismann said. “Additionally, they have been there after the sale to ensure we are fully familiar with all of the system’s capabilities. They have done everything in their power to make this a positive experience.”

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.