Page 42 - Security Today, June 2017

Force Multiplier Surveillance systems works as agency staff always on watch
BPy Dwight Dumpert
ort Angeles, located on the U.S.-Canada border, is host to a thriving maritime port and a significant customs entry point into the United States. This pic- turesque city is located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, opposite Canada’s stunning Vancouver
Island and Victoria, British Columbia. Port Angeles is the gateway to beautiful Olympic National Park, attracting approximately three million visitors during the spring, summer and autumn months. Ferryboats travel the 90-minute route between Port Angeles and Vic- toria several times a day for most of the year, making the small town a popular tourist destination. The city’s harbor is deep enough to provide anchorage for large vessels, such as tankers and cruise ships, making the port a busy location itself.
Security Upgrade
Video surveillance is a powerful tool to enhance border security and public safety. However, outdated video equipment can create critical security vulnerabilities. To ensure the security of the city of Port An- geles, officials wanted to upgrade its aging analog video surveillance system to a solution that provided higher resolution images and remote video access, while remaining easily scalable over time. As the city’s analog system reached end-of-life, officials also desired to improve sur- veillance in high-traffic areas within the city and along the coastline.
“The analog system was obviously obsolete the day they put it on- line,” said Brian S. Smith, deputy chief of police, Port Angeles. “We could only view video from one spot—in our control room.”
Another goal of the upgrade was to allow police officers to stream video from any of the city’s cameras to their patrol cars. This would en- able faster, more effective incident response and serve as a force-multi- plier and situational awareness improvement for the small department.
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“We needed a new approach to leverage our existing law enforce- ment resources to address current and emerging challenges,” Smith said. “We knew that advanced video surveillance technologies could provide a quick return on investment.”
City officials dedicated a significant amount of time, money and manpower to acquire the technology to meet the city’s new security plan. After a three-year process, Port Angeles secured a $400,000 Homeland Security grant. Officials then asked for a security system recommendation from Last Mile Inc., who had previously designed and installed a successful security solution for the city of Seattle. Based in Longview, Wash., Last Mile Inc. manufactures Cyclone wireless network gear, resells high quality wireless network and se- curity equipment, and provides microwave wireless and CCTV sys- tem consulting, design, and integration services. The company has been servicing cities, public entities and private industries for more than 17 years.
Last Mile later met with Port Angeles staff to learn their secu- rity system specifications. Officials sought a scalable, open platform solution that uses IP for monitoring and control, and supports sur- veillance products from many manufacturers. They also wanted to integrate a wireless mesh network, optimized for video applications in outdoor municipal and public safety deployments, to stream live video to police vehicles.
Scalable IP Video Surveillance System
Soon after, Last Mile designed, configured and programmed a com- prehensive IP video surveillance solution consisting of the FLIR Latitude Network Video Management System (NVMS), cameras, and a private citywide HPE/Aruba Networks wireless mesh network for public safety personnel.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
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