Dallas Area Rapid Transit Deploys Video Intrusion Detection System

  • Dec 01, 2010

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has deployed the SightLogix video intrusion detection system to provide perimeter security and prevent vandalism at the transit system’s Northwest Rail Operations Facility (NWROF). 

DART selected the SightLogix solution after a full and open competition, and Kratos Southwest LLC won the public bid for the DART contract. Key to the project’s success was the ability to meet an aggressive delivery schedule on time and within the available budget. Together with SightLogix, Kratos worked with a number of groups within DART to meet compliance requirements related to emergency preparedness, IT, and environmental safety.

SightLogix’ outdoor security performance and its ability to lower total project costs were critical factors in DART’s decision. By deploying long-range Thermal SightSensors, DART was able to complete the project using fewer cameras, reducing the number of poles, power and communications required.

These cost savings allowed DART to procure additional SightSensors within the available budget and extend the security system to cover the entire perimeter. Further cost savings were realized by deploying the SightLogix system over DART’s wireless network, and running a “green” power system from CDM Wireless that relies on solar energy and standby batteries, eliminating the costs to run power and network lines under nearby railroad tracks.

Based on this success, DART is moving ahead with other SightLogix projects.

“Protecting our critical facilities in this manner enables us to run a safe, secure system,” said Jill Shaw, emergency preparedness manager with DART. “With SightLogix’ automated surveillance technology, DART security personnel can preempt potential security policy violations in real-time to ensure the integrity of our rail system.”

“Rail organizations require security solutions that provide situational awareness over expansive outdoor areas,” said John Romanowich, SightLogix president and CEO. “SightLogix technology was specifically designed to provide situational awareness in these outdoor environments which include vibrations from train activity and lighting variations. We’re pleased to have been selected by DART after their thorough evaluation of our capabilities.”

Thermal SightSensors consist of a thermal imager, lens optics, electronic stabilization, on-board image processing, video analytics software, camera control and geospatial target tracking within a ruggedized NEMA 4X nitrogen-pressurized housing.

SightSensors detect objects at long range and operate with accuracy in the dark, a key consideration at the DART site which has limited and variable lighting at night. Due to SightLogix’ open standards approach, video and alarm information was easily integrated for display onto the existing Genetec Video Management System, minimizing the training and support for the DART personnel who were already familiar with the Genetec system. Also, the SightLogix system’s efficient use of bandwidth allowed DART to deploy CDM’s wireless network, realizing further project savings.

Featured

  • 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

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.