Clear Images Help Troubleshoot Problems
Nearly 200 IP cameras are distributed throughout the campus, including newly constructed buildings. Initially, the cameras were set up on the outside near all the common areas, such as the student centers, call boxes, parking lots and traffic intersections.
Having the cameras near the traffic intersections proved to be effective. As dispatchers viewed areas with high traffic congestion, they were able to send officers out to clear up the blockage. Additionally, dispatchers are able to view accidents and determine how the incident occurred.
Cameras are also installed in the art gallery, dormitories, the front door at the police station, hallways and classroom buildings. Some cameras, both inside and outside, are pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ). Fixed cameras are positioned behind the dormitories to keep track of unauthorized visitors. However, it must be noted that cameras placed throughout the dorms are located in common areas and not in individual rooms, so they do not invade a student’s privacy.
Both Weisner and Hocutt say the outdoor PTZ cameras work great at night. Also, officials at the university couldn’t be happier with the image quality. “We’ve had incidents where people have reported that someone ran into his/her car and left the scene of the accident,” explains Weisner. “We’ll go back and pull the footage and get a good description [of the person] or a partial tag. Then we investigate it and clearly find out the identity of the person who left the scene.”
Using A Local Company Resolves Maintenance Issues
Working with a local company to help design and maintain the solution is beneficial.
CCU understood this. Before the institution worked with Motorola and MBC, if there was a problem with cameras or any solution, it took two weeks for the product to be fixed. However, now that CCU works with MBC, issues with the products can be resolved within 24 hours.
Safety personnel
should also make sure there is a maintenance protocol within the department. At CCU, officers conduct a weekly check to see if the call boxes are functioning. Furthermore, dispatchers check each camera to make sure they are recording. Officers then complete maintenance slips if the utilities need to be fixed. “There’s no use having a million dollar system if you’re not maintaining it,” says Weisner.
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- All American Upgrade
- Network Video Has the Right Answers
Ashley Willis is assistant editor of Campus Safety. She can be reached at [email protected].
