Minnesota School District Selects Hikvision Equipment for Security Overhaul

Hikvision USA Inc., the North American leader in innovative, award-winning CCTV and IP video surveillance products, has provided Becker Public Schools in Minneapolis, Minn. a multi-step security upgrade to protect its students, staff, and facilities.

Shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December of 2012, Becker Public School District decided that their older surveillance system was in need of a serious overhaul and selected Hikvision video surveillance equipment for the project.

 

"We were really looking to expand our camera system following Sandy Hook," said Sumre Robinson, network manager for Becker Public Schools. "It wasn't necessarily to increase the numbers of cameras, but to eventually be able to provide access to the cameras to police in an emergency situation." 

 

Becker School District called on local integrator Security & Sound to complete the installation, and Hikvision surveillance products were selected. A rigorous implementation process ensued and the critical nature of the project propelled the work. Phil Otto, CFO of Security & Sound in St. Bonifacius, Minn., proposed using a multiple-phase installation with Hikvision surveillance cameras to complete the system. The first stage of execution improved visibility around exterior entries. The second stage saw upgrades to interior areas with IP cameras and expanded coverage of hallways and rooms. Challenges to this project included finding cameras that were both durable and unobtrusive, selecting vandal-resistant products for outdoor areas, and securing zero-light areas at night with infrared cameras. 

 

"As with most schools, the Becker School District had concerns about their parking lot surveillance coverage and video capabilities after dark," Otto said. "We recommended Hikvision's DarkFighter line of PTZ cameras in key outdoor areas where evening lighting was an issue but color video was desired. Hikvision's DS-2DF8223I-AEL 1080p PTZ camera was chosen to cover the parking lots due to its color lux rating of 0.002 and built-in tour and auto tracking features. The camera's low light capabilities coupled with the ambient light from the parking lot allow the camera to stay in full color at all times regardless of cloud cover or inclement weather."

 

"Hikvision works to create versatile solutions for diverse applications and vertical markets," said Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. "Video surveillance in educational facilities is essential, which is why we offer solutions to meet the requirements of these applications. It is satisfying to know that our products help school safety and city officials provide safer educational environments for students and staff."

 

In the end, Hikvision's extensive product line provided a full range of networked cameras that fit every requirement from the administration. On top of that, the Hikvision products also met budget requirements – a crucial piece of the puzzle for most schools and school districts.

 

To learn more about Hikvision's cutting edge video surveillance solutions, visit Hikvision's booth at ASIS, #1811, in Orlando, September 12-15.

Featured

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.