On the Case

Airport security is top flight

AIS Ltd has designed and installed an integrated CCTV system for the terminal of the new Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield International Airport, making it one of the most modern anywhere.

The systems incorporated into the "integrated" approach included not only CCTV but access control, voice alarm and public address.

The terminal CCTV system includes 100 Bosch cameras controlled via a 256-way Bosch Allegiant matrix with Intuikey keyboard controllers plus a Graphical User Interface controlled from a touch-screen display.

The CCTV cameras include Bosch EnviroDomes for outdoor surveillance of the apron, goods yards, control point and set down areas. Discrete FlexiDomes with vandal resistant housings cover most of the interior with additional G3 AutoDomes for general coverage.

The concept was for the system to be capable of tracking anyone who uses the airport, from set down through to boarding an aircraft.

South Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Forward contributed funding for an extensive CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition system covering critical areas in the terminal building and all car parking areas on the site.

AIS linked both systems enabling the airport operator to use the cameras in the car parks and also to allow the South Yorkshire Police to share the cameras on the terminal system.

The access control system was also integrated with the CCTV systems.

UK manufacturers CEM supplied the AC 2000AE system combined with ethernet proximity readers and door interface units. Alarm events on the access control system, automatically bring up images on the spot monitors.

AIS' Sales & Technical Director Stephen McCay, said Robin Hood Airport now has "one of the most modern and comprehensive integrated security and safety systems available at any airport".

Skate of the art

A skatepark in Falkirk, Scotland, is now a much safer place for 'boarders', bikers and rollerbladers, thanks to a partnership between installers FES and suppliers, Anixter and Bosch.

The park, opened last year, was designed to provide young people with a safe place to practice and develop their skills. However, some individuals were causing problems by smashing bottles and setting fire to bins, benches and even trees.

Kate Hotchkiss, one of the volunteers at The 3B's Project which financed the park, said: "We turned to FES, as one of Scotland's largest independent services providers, because we knew they would be able to help us find a security solution that would deter the vandals and help us prosecute the small, selfish criminal minority."

FES installed Anixter's CCTP (Closed Circuit Twisted Pair) security solution. This comprised of state-of-the-art digital Bosch EnviroDome CCTV cameras – which can rotate 360 deg and cover the park's entire area – and Anixter's IP-based, fully scalable security infrastructure.

Jim Vallance, Divisional Director, at FES, said the main advantages of selecting Anixter's CCTP solution was that all the power and control functions for each camera could be managed over a single twisted cable pair, dramatically reducing fitting and maintenance costs.

"It also meant that the entire solution could be connected seamlessly into the organisation's existing IT network – so that images could be viewed on any authorised PC screen, rather than at a specific desk."

Court in the act

A building of great historical significance to the Finnish capital, Helsinki, has had a comprehensive fire alarm system installed by Oy Hedpro Ab Security (Hedengren Group) through its local retail dealer Tekmanni Oy, Espoo.

The system is part of a complete renovation of the buildings including the housing of the Helsinki District Court and Prosecuting Authority, containing 30 courtrooms and offices.

A comprehensive fire alarm system comprising Hochiki Europe sensors has been installed.

Special features include sensors sensitive to smoke and combustion gas installed in the ventilation ducts in the cell department.

The installation will be completed in 2006 and will include 4,000 Hochiki sensors and twelve Prodex-500 central fire alarm units, networked into one integrated system by the Prodex Expander.

Handy access

Solution Expert Technology of Hong Kong has implemented a biometric-based system using 90 Recognition System HandReaders. This controls access for 12,000 workers to entrances at a construction site that will become a Las Vegas style strip.

The Venetian Macau will include 3,000 suites, a million square foot convention centre, 15 restaurants, a 15,000-seat arena, a 2,000-seat showroom, and a shopping mall.

Tony Yuen of Solution Expert Technology said contractors are increasingly turning to biometric hand geometry to help them give access to authorised workers only.

HandReaders take a three-dimensional reading of the hand and verify the user's identity in less than one second.

Terminals are on both sides, allowing the same turnstile to be used by workers either entering or exiting a site.

A contactless smart card, typically kept in a hip pocket, calls up a stored template, which is validated by placing the hand on the terminal.

Losses cut by half

With shrinkage running at unacceptable high levels at its flagship Regents Street store, Jaeger needed to take decisive action to deter and detect theft.

Working closely with the store management, Steve Hearn, head of safety and security, implemented a plan which included security awareness training for staff and other security measures. But he believes that the biggest contributing factor to the resulting 50 per cent reduction in losses has been the installation of an EAS tagging system.

Steve acted on advice of Hounslow based retail security specialists, Intrepid Security Solutions.

"I thought it was important to work with an installer that had a proven track record of successfully installing and maintaining EAS and who could understand our operational requirements," he said.

Intrepid were able to recommend detection antennas and tags that were effective in detecting theft and were unobtrusive. They installed System 9000 antennas manufactured by Dialoc at the two customer entrances to the store and an additional antenna at the staff entrance.

Working in conjunction with 8.2 MHz hard tags they offer very high detection rates but the in-built advanced technology ensures minimal false alarms. Intrepid has now been awarded contracts to install systems at Jaeger's Bluewater and Manchester stores.

Web opens doors

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Fire & Security Access Control and Video Systems business unit, has supplied the webEntry security solution for installation at Hong Kong Cultural Centre on the Kowloon waterfront.

The webEntry system will secure up to 32 doors at the centre. Employing web-based technology, an IP address permits operation through any networked PC employing Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Operators can add cardholders, edit access levels and time zones of staff and visitors, receive and/or view alarms, as well as remotely open doors. Installation is through webEntry 'plug and play' removing all complex installation.

IP covers city

Telindus is developing a networked video surveillance system for the city of Leuven, Belgium in a deal worth 800,000 euros.

Twenty-one cameras are being installed on the Oude Markt and in Mechelsestraat and when completed the system will be one of the largest and most advanced in Belgium.

The cameras are primarily a tool to assist the police in combating street crime and public nuisance.

The cameras, connected to a fibre optic network, are partly fixed for a general overview and partly movable for a more detailed overview in accordance with Belgian privacy laws.

Images can be downloaded and viewed via the IP network from the police dispatching room.

People count at harbour

CEM Systems, part of Tyco Fire & Security Access Control and Video Systems business unit, has won the contract to supply its PedMon (people counting) system for Dun Laoghaire Harbour, seven miles south of Dublin, Ireland.

The harbour is a popular modern day scenic attraction and has a ferry service to Wales that has been in operation for over 170 years. PedMon is an advanced people counting system that counts and monitors human traffic flow in real time using sensors and system control software.

The system will be used to assess pedestrian traffic flow and occupancy on the East Pier, regarded as "the most walked walk in Ireland".

Measuring the number of Harbour users will help plan for the provision of services for visitors.

Two Pedmon units will be erected on the Pier and via wireless connectivity will communicate captured data back to a standard PC at the Harbour office.

Focus on banks

Lebanon-based JMIG Enterprise, beat competitors to win the open tender contract for a major bank chain in Saudi Arabia

The company used vari-focal lenses from California-based Rainbow CCTV on indoor and outdoor cameras at 400 branches operating throughout the country. Now the client plans to expand the CCTV system with particular attention being paid to ATMs.

Prestigious installation

Alarmtec Ltd from Exeter was appointed to carry out the prestigious job of providing the fire detection system at the UK administrative headquarters of Tesco, the UK's number one food retailer.

The UK administrative headquarters are dispersed between Cheshunt and Welwyn Garden City and at the administrative centre in Welwyn, Hochiki Europe's ESP Range has been chosen for the fire detection system.

Because maintenance costs are a significant consideration in Tesco's Fire protection evaluations, the company recognised the advantages of Hochiki's position as a supplier of 'open protocol' products which permits interfacing with leading independent control panel manufacturers.

In addition, an 'open protocol' like Hochiki's ESP provides a greater choice for system design, installation and maintenance.

To date, more than 80 Tesco Express stores are also protected by Hochiki technology with hundreds more scheduled.

Tesco have strongly supported the BAFE SP203 scheme for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

£60K hotel upgrade

Reflex has carried out further installation work to Moat House Hotels as part of a £60k plus contract to upgrade systems at three hotels in Stoke-on-Trent, Elstree and Bolton.

Moat House Hotels is a key strategic business partner of Reflex with more than 30 hotels around the UK having electronic systems installed and maintained by the company.

This latest work covers video surveillance and night-time lighting and coverage of car parks.

Dave Kynman, Reflex group sales director, said: "Like many other major organisations in the hotel and leisure sector, Moat House Hotels' system requirements have become more sophisticated in recent years and continue to change in response to customer demand."

Up to strength

Haitian security integrator Secur-I-T s.a. has installed Extreme CCTV's ZX20 ballistic cameras for critical airport surveillance at The Aéroport International Toussaint Louverture at Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

The ZX20's replace conventional CCTV surveillance cameras which were being destroyed by sabotage and vandalism.

The ZX20 is a double-walled bullet-proof camera constructed from 1026 Cold Drawn High Strength steel for two-stage body protection that will neutralise destructive bullet forces.

The ZX20 Ballistic camera was tested for performance during field trials at the Quantico Marine Corps base.

Paradise found

MEL Secure Systems are providing Domehawk CCTV cameras for perimeter and site protection for The Paradise Project, Europe's largest city centre regeneration initiative in the heart of Liverpool. The project, covering 42 acres, is scheduled for completion by 2008 when the city will be the European Capital of Culture.

As well as being used in fixed locations such as street furniture, the MEL Domehawk wireless cameras have the flexibility to be rapidly deployed to new locations as the development progresses. Being wireless, they can withstand the rigours of busy construction sites to deliver high quality, reliable images direct to a central security lodge.

On track of trucks

An old analogue CCTV system was not adequate at the DFDS Transport headquarters in Copenhagen. The system could not hold data long enough, it sometimes crashed and data was lost.

With thousands of shipments occurring daily and hundreds of drivers trafficking the 150,000 sq m area round the clock, good surveillance was critical.

Installers, Plahn Systems and EET Nordic were appointed to replace the old analogue DVR system with a network-based system using Milestone XProtect Enterprise software and a mix of their existing analogue cameras operating via Axis video servers plus new Axis IP cameras.

Milestone has a user interface where security information is gathered to give an overview of all the buildings at once.

Now DFDS has a flexible and user-friendly network-based system that can be easily used to follow the progress of goods and activities in all their locations. The new system also functions as prevention, with most drivers aware that cameras are monitoring around the clock.

According to Finn Nielsen, DFDS Technicak Manager, one of the biggest advantages with the IP network approach is the flexibility.

"If we get some very expensive products coming into storage for several days, it is easy to add some cameras and just plug them into network connections. We can simply set them up then take them down again later. That would have been a nightmare with the old coax cables."

Dusty duties

Lenses from Rainbow CCTV are being used on the Irish rail network by the country's railway authority Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).

Used in challenging conditions involving significant dust and vibration, many of the units have been installed at level crossings and are operating with ½ inch day/night cameras, recording to DVRs

Project consultant is Des Carrick of converge.ie which combines CCTV distribution with systems-based solutions on major infrastructure projects. The company is closely involved with the training of the end-user's engineers on all its installations.

With a focal length of 8.5-85mm the 'vari-zoom' lenses used on the application are direct drive with an F1.6~F360 iris and built-in ND spot filter, and are compatible with 1/3 and ¼ inch cameras.

Hand reader saves dollars

Biometric HandReaders from Recognition Systems are being used to track the time and attendance for 400 hourly employees at a manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, resulting in annual payroll savings of $20,000.

HandReaders at the Dresser Wayne facility automatically take a three dimensional reading of the size and shape of a hand and verify the user's identity in less than one second.

The technology eliminates the problem of lost or forgotten badges and the practice of employees clocking in and out for each other.

With its 400 workers spread across four buildings at the Austin facility, Chris Walter, manufacturing systems engineer, needed a more efficient method of collecting time and attendance records and readying the information for payroll.

Before installing the biometric solution, hourly employees completed paper timesheets, signing in and out each day.

"It doesn't sound like much when you look at it from one person's time savings. But give back 10-15 minutes per employee to the manufacturing process every two-week period-and reduce the time the team captains have to review the numbers from an hour to 30 minutes-and we achieve an annual savings of a little more than $20,000", said Walter.

Legiant, based in Austin, Texas, specialises in the development of web-based time and attendance tracking and introduced Dresser Wayne to its biometric solution.

The Legiant Timecard system allowed the customer to track its staff accurately and develop efficiency reports for accounting.

Recognition Systems is part of Ingersoll-Rand Security Technologies.

Fit for purpose

D.E.S. Electrical Contractors have installed Videoswitch's VDC digital video recorders in 150 Fitness First clubs. Fitness First is one of Europe's largest chains of gym and fitness centres with over one million members in 15 countries.

The installation programme was carried out over a seven months period as part of a process of upgrading the CCTV at each of the centres from analogue to digital systems. D.E.S., a Lancashire-based consultant, has built a strong reputation for providing CCTV solutions in the health and leisure sectors. The VDCs record images from cameras located at the clubs' reception areas, fire exits and front entrances.

Andy Fieldings, a Director of D.E.S, said: "We assessed a large number of DVRs looking for a unit that not only produced the right results but was easy to use. Videoswitch met these twin criteria. Given the client's large number of outlets, managers and staff frequently move from one location to another so the controls needed to be intuitive."

With ergonomically designed controls, the layout of the VDC's keypad makes it easy to configure and operate.

3,000-camera gaming

California-based San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino has created the largest distributed IP video system in the US gaming industry.

The casino chose Endura, the distributed network-based video security system by Pelco, as the focal point of their surveillance in the 3,000-camera system.

Scott Bartlett, of integrator Southwest Surveillance Systems of Las Vegas, said working with Pelco on putting together this system within the timeframe required by San Manuel went well.

"For such a large system, Endura was extremely quick and easy to install."

“This is the largest system of this kind that I'm aware of."

San Manuel Surveillance Assistant Director, Tom Naoum, said they were looking for a reliable, flexible video system that would utilise the IT infrastructure to its fullest – with expandability and adaptability to evolve as needed. The output of high-quality images was an overriding factor in making their decision to go with Endura.

Emergency lanes observed

Tyco Integrated Systems (TIS) are carrying out CCTV work throughout the Dutch motorway network.

The 10-100mm motorised zoom lens units from Rainbow are being mounted on purpose-built CCTV poles, gantries and bridges at motorway junctions in areas including Arnhem, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague.

The lenses are part of pan & tilt assemblies and operate from IP67 housings created by TIS. The units are being used with Bosch LTC0620 cameras while the telemetry controller is Tyco's own bi-directional TIB interface board.

TIS's client is Rijkswaterstaat, a Dutch authority responsible for infrastructure and civil engineering.

Anton Depenbrock, a project manager with TIS, said the motorway system was overcrowded and the highway authority decided to use the hard shoulder as an additional driving lane during rush hours. CCTV was used to observe the status of emergency lanes.

Tourists return to crime-hit city

Rising crime in the South African city of Pietermaritzburg was affecting tourism, reducing income of local businesses and resulting in businesses leaving.

The amount of violence used in opportunist crime was becoming a major concern and incidents such as burglary and robbery frequently involved firearms. Criminals were operating without the fear of detection, resulting in witnesses being unwilling to come forward.

Business Against Crime Pietermaritzburg was instrumental in a project to collate information regarding criminal incidents in the city described by the Heritage Resources Agency as 'one of the most important high character cities in Africa.'

Using police statistics, concentrations and categories of crimes were plotted using GPRS maps and specific areas were identified as being in need of security.

In 2002 a 16 camera CCTV system was installed, including a control room and fibre network. A second phase extended the system by 18 cameras, providing an overlap between camera locations and eliminating blind spots.

A recent addition of ten cameras has included Synectics' SynergyPro control software which allows further refinement of event information. Detailed daily reports are generated for nine categories of crime.

SynergyPro's reporting is used to collate numerical and graphical reports.

Fully automated management audit trails provide reports and logging of all operator activity in connection with any incident; by its nature, location, actions taken, and, who dealt with it, including the downloading of video evidence. The information can also be used to rapidly identify crime hot spots. Reports that previously took days now take minutes.

Each camera in the system is assigned a preset 'operational sweep' so potential offenders never learn its pattern. With one operator to every 12 cameras, the installation allows manual control in a random order from any one of the four Synergy control stations. The investment in the system has seen a reduction in crime and businesses are returning to the area.

Commenting on this year's stage of the system, Pieter van Rensburg, of C&V Consulting Engineers said:

"The quality of intelligent statistics generation means that we can better identify the areas needing surveillance, providing logical, generic growth of the system throughout the city."

Festival CCTV rocks

With the popularity of the Carling Weekend Reading & Leeds Festivals growing year on year, the need for effective security has become essential.

At both festivals, Crimesecure of Northhants installed temporary CCTV systems based on Network Video Technologies equipment.

Crimesecure has been designing and installing temporary surveillance systems to cover the Leeds Festival since 2003.

Both temporary CCTV systems were installed to provide surveillance of the interiors and exteriors of each location. At Leeds, the exterior role was to monitor the perimeter fencing, mainly to prevent fans without tickets from gaining entry, whilst internally it monitored health & safety issues, and human traffic movement.

The Leeds CCTV system allowed organisers to spot incidents such as festival goers massing into groups. This allowed stewards to act to disperse them before the situation had a chance to escalate.

Images from the CCTV system could be relayed directly to the West Yorkshire Police at the nearby Wetherby Police station, allowing quick deployment if necessary.

Throughout both the events, temporary onsite control rooms consisted of hi-resolution colour monitors, whilst Honeywell controllers managed fifteen dome cameras covering each of the sites in their entirety. The cameras were connected to control rooms using NVT video transmission equipment and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables. Chris Healey of Crimesecure said the cost savings over a coax-based system were substantial, with the added advantage of quicker and easier installation – vital for a temporary system with minimal set-up time.

"Camera positions can also be relocated easily if necessary, whilst any damage to the system can be rectified with minimal disruption, unlike coax where the complete cable would have to be replaced. With NVT/UTP, we just join cables with an in-line connector, with no loss of image quality."

Other advantages were a consistent level of camera image quality, with no problems of picture interference a hostile transmission environment.

Invisible asset

Bosch fire detectors have been installed at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. The 500 Series fire detector was chosen because it is practically invisible once installed in the ceiling of the historic building.

The 500 Series closes the gap between architecture and modern detection engineering with discreet and aesthetically pleasing design and detectors are suitable for galleries, museums or luxury hotels.

Installation took place during restoration work which recreated central parts of the building in their original state.

Barbara Van der Wee, professor of architecture said: "The 500 Series fire detector is ideally suited for architecturally demanding buildings such as the Centre for Fine Arts. It would have been a shame to mar its beauty with the usual detectors."

The 500 Series can be set flush into ceilings and shows only a discreet flat front panel. With decorative surrounds colour-matched to the ceiling, the fire detector is barely distinguishable from its surroundings.