Texas School District Uses Network Cameras To Enhance Security

  • May 01, 2009

Axis Communications recently announced that the Deer Park Independent School District in Texas is using its network cameras to enhance the security and safety of public school students and facilities.

Located about 20 miles south of Houston, the school district serves more than 12,000 students. More than 700 fixed, fixed dome and PTZ network cameras have been installed in 16 of the district’s elementary, middle and high school hallway interiors as well as some exteriors.

In addition, the district has placed network cameras in several support buildings. The school selected the Axis’ integrator and application developer partner Lensec for this project because of its vast public school experience.

“Like any public school, we want to ensure that non-students aren’t in our facilities and that our students and staff remain safe,” said Deputy Superintendent for Administration Don Dean. “Axis network cameras provide us with high-resolution images and the flexibility to access images from any location required. From experience, we know that our schools are safer and we can resolve student issues much more quickly and accurately than before. In addition, taxpayers appreciate how cost-effective the system has been while keeping students and staff safer. I give LenSec high marks for examining our situation and making the system work well.”

Nearly 10 years ago, Deer Park installed analog cameras in many of its schools. While that system provided some benefits, it could take hours to track down specific incidents on VHS tapes, and the image quality made it difficult to identify students. Since the school district implemented network video systems, school personnel can get at specific incidents of interest within minutes. In addition, higher quality images enable staff to clearly identify students. Video is often archived for several weeks to enable the school to view incidents that aren’t reported or uncovered immediately.

Before school, between classes, at lunch and after school staff monitor school activities real time. Rather than deploying dedicated safety staff, the district makes it the responsibility of individual assistant principals, secretaries and other paraprofessionals to observe small segments of each school campus via multiple camera views on each monitor during peak times.

Should any incidents occur, they can report them immediately to roaming staff. In this manner, the school can often stop inappropriate activity before it becomes a problem. This also serves as a deterrent, since students know that bullying or vandalism can be identified immediately. In addition, the school has resolved break-ins, including identifying a contract worker who stole musical instruments from a middle school (The instruments were recovered and he was later charged with a felony.).

In addition to indoor activity, the school mounted outdoor cameras to view sports fields and an area along the nearby shipping canal in case of an industrial event that might require an evacuation. The district’s schools are networked together via fiber, which enables key staff, including Dean, to monitor schools at any time from any school facility.

Dean noted that when he learns of serious incidents, he can also have videos emailed immediately to him so that he can review them and take appropriate action. Being able to clearly identify what has taken place and who was involved has enabled him to resolve issues quickly and fairly.

“Lensec serves as a turnkey solution as it is the manufacturer of ‘K12M’ video surveillance software,” said Alan Morris, LenSec vice president of business development LenSec also acts as the surveillance site consultant; installer of structured cabling, cameras, enclosures, and servers; as well as the network engineer, designing the security system, procuring the system and installing it for the district.” “

School safety is a nationwide concern,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications Inc. “We applaud Deer Park for what it has accomplished and look forward to working with the school district and LenSec to complete the rollout of the network camera system in the coming months.”

Deer Park Independent School District’s future plans include expanding its network video system to include all district facilities, including the administration building, transportation department and school kitchens.

Featured

  • 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

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. 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.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 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.