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PROFESSIONAL
Jensen: What has changed over the years in security and video sur- veillance in particular for law enforcement, cities and municipalities?
Guendry: For me, a critical, emerging capability is the prolifera- tion of private- and business-based surveillance systems, and the abil- ity to foster public-private partnerships.
A key strategy espoused by the Department of Homeland Secu- rity, including many local, state and federal law enforcement agen- cies, is the hope that citizens will “say something when they see something.” The premise behind that concept is a strategy designed around “force multiplication.” In simple terms, the more of us that watch for suspicious behavior, the better chance a serious issue can be resolved before it occurs. The same concept is starting to be recog- nized with video surveillance.
As technology efficiencies are incorporated by citizens and busi- nesses, their video surveillance capabilities can be leveraged by local governments and police departments to enhance an existing infra- structure. The key component is for municipalities and law enforce- ment to have a technology backbone through which the private- and public-based solutions can be added. Once that is in place, the ability to stretch a limited and valuable tax base can be expanded through partnerships.
Jensen: What re the key components of a video surveillance sys- tem for cities, municipalities and law enforcement?
Guendry: If a customer were to do their own research and/or talk with a manufacturer or integrator, they would more than likely learn that basic components would include cameras and hardware associated with collecting video feeds, networking components re- sponsible for delivering the resulting video to a monitoring loca-
tion, and computer servers and a software platform for storing and viewing surveillance imagery.
Because I have worked as a member of a law enforcement and have experience deploying and working with video surveillance solu- tions, there are a few additional essential elements I would recom- mend to help achieve citywide safety.
First, I believe an absolute key component in the design and im- plementation of a successful citywide surveillance solution is the use of an educated, committed and service-oriented professionals who have substantial experience in this type of work. Public safety surveil- lance solutions are deployed to improve citywide security and serve as a proactive means through which criminal violators can be ap- prehended and successfully prosecuted. This means any surveillance solution implemented should be capable of providing video when it counts. A team that is not exposed to the many complications that can develop within complex citywide deployments may not be ca- pable of guaranteeing long-term project success.
Second, as simple as this sounds, is the oft-forgotten component of maintenance. Whether it’s updating firmware, monitoring net- working devices for connection issues, or simply cleaning camera domes due to inclement weather, a citywide solution requires a com- mitment to proactive maintenance to ensure effectiveness and reli- ability for the long term.
Finally, the third element is a commitment to understanding the needs of the community in which a video surveillance system is deployed. Through collaboration with key public and private stake- holders, potential concerns about privacy, evidence handling, and video monitoring can be addressed through the incorporation of policies and procedures.
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