On another occasion, there was a report of someone driving by the school, rolling down his car window and talking to students. After the incident was reported to the principal and on-site officers, cameras provided multiple clear images of the car, including make and color. The video even showed the suspected predator rolling down the passenger window and leaning over. TV stations publicized the incident, and an arrest was made. “It was very rewarding to get that information to the police,” said Diehl. “The cameras helped us see the vehicle go by and provided key images which helped the police in apprehending the suspect.”
IP System Advantages
Among the advantages of using an IP-based networked system is the ability to troubleshoot cameras across the network. Panasonic Network Cameras provide built-in notification capabilities to send an email across the network if one or more cameras are down. Also, the network administrator can “ping” a camera to confirm its status. Another advantage of a network solution is the integration between systems; in this case, Panasonic engineers worked to develop an interface with the DSX access control system.
Share says that using an end-to-end Panasonic system offers an additional level of comfort, eliminating the possibility of finger pointing by suppliers of various system components in case of a problem or failure.
Panasonic coordinated with distributor ScanSource to supply cameras that were preprogrammed with the web address (also listed on the box) to facilitate installation. Installers merely had to match each camera to its location based on the system drawing. “When you’re hanging 1,800 cameras, getting that done at a central location saves a lot of time,” said Peloquin.
The integrator and end-users also work closely with John Dobradenka of Open Door Inc., Panasonic’s manufacturer’s rep firm, in case technical issues arise. Open Door provides local support for Panasonic’s products.
During the time it has taken to install the system, the quality of the images has become even better, say the end-users. For example, the newer megapixel cameras provide even better images and get critical close-up shots. Also, higher-resolution images enable fewer cameras to be used on some sites to cover the same area.
What Comes
Next
The principals and administrators who use the video have suggested a number of additional locations where cameras can be added to view a specific area, subject to NVR capacity. Because the schools are not exactly alike, district-wide standards are used as guidelines to determine the level of surveillance at each school.
Under an ongoing maintenance contract, Amer-X will support the system during a warranty period. One maintenance challenge in the desert is dust collecting on the exterior of camera domes, which can degrade the camera image. Especially during the Arizona monsoon season, the occurrence of dust storms necessitates that cameras be cleaned at least twice a year. Amer-X is working with the schools to develop specialized equipment to clean the domes — configuring a power-sprayer on an extension pole to make it easier to reach the domes. But, Panasonic’s weather-resistant cameras are expected to hold up well even in the harsh outdoor environment.
Sara Chaput is the vice president of public relations for LRG Marketing Communications.
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