Australia's Oldest University Reduces Crime by 25 Percent with Avigilon HD Surveillance System
Avigilon, provider of high definition (HD) and megapixel video surveillance solutions, recently announced that the University of Sydney, Australia's oldest university, has deployed the Avigilon HD Surveillance System across its Camperdown/Darlington and Cumberland campuses with plans to expand across the entire 530 hectare property. The Avigilon HD Surveillance System is a key element of the university's campus-wide security plan to create a safe and open learning environment.
After undergoing a thorough review of seven HD surveillance system manufacturers, the University of Sydney selected Avigilon for its superior image quality, ease-of-use, and cost-effectiveness.
"We wanted to find the best way to achieve our surveillance goals for the best value," said Morgan Andrews, manager of the campus security unit at the University of Sydney. "It made more sense for us to deploy a higher grade system like Avigilon's than one that would require multiple, less powerful, cameras-and the resulting image quality is phenomenal."
With 32,000 full-time students, 16,000 part-time students, and 16,000 staff and affiliates, the University of Sydney faces the same security risks as a small city including theft, disorderly conduct, assault, and vandalism. The university deployed 100 Avigilon HD cameras ranging from 1 MP to 16 MP to provide coverage of its two main campuses, monitoring all entry and exit points, 24-hour learning areas such as computer labs and libraries, and much of the high use open areas. The university uses Avigilon HD 360 Panoramic Dome Cameras to monitor smaller classrooms and labs. To improve the performance of its existing 190 analog-based cameras, which are located within campus facilities, the university installed more than 45 Avigilon analog video encoders. Security officers monitor the Avigilon HD Surveillance System 24x7 from a central control room using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise Network Video Management Software (NVMS) and the university stores 30 days of continuous surveillance footage on virtual servers that are located offsite. The university plans to expand the HD Surveillance System to 400 cameras over the next couple of years.
Leveraging Avigilon's superior image quality and zooming capabilities, the university was able to install fewer Avigilon HD cameras and leverage its existing network infrastructure to save on installation and maintenance. Security officers have improved investigative capability and reduced investigation times from days to minutes. By integrating surveillance with its access control and intruder alarm system, guards can be better prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies. The Avigilon HD Surveillance System has also played a key role in reducing crime by 25 percent year-over-year since 2009.
"The Avigilon HD Surveillance System delivers superior image quality and advanced management features with lower installation and operational costs," said Keith Marett, director of marketing and communications at Avigilon."By deploying the Avigilon HD Surveillance System at its two main campuses, the University of Sydney has demonstrated a commitment to providing a safe and secure environment in which staff and students can achieve their teaching, learning, and research goals."