Page 32 - Security Today, July/August 2021

on the permission levels, we were able to see the cameras live, control PTZ [pan-tilt- zoom] and send any necessary video back to the MCV,” said SDPD Command.
VMS & Mesh Network Vital
With the video and various sensor tech- nologies managed on the backend, SDPD and the different groups involved advo- cated for using radio systems from tech- nology partner Silvus Technologies. When positioned on camera trailers, the Silvus radios created a wireless mesh network that fed seamless video back to the SDPD Joint Operations Center (JOC), as well as the Mobile Command Van (MCV).
This mesh network solution has proven itself in outdoor areas where unreliable Wi- Fi can be a factor. The constant uptime al- lowed SDPD to have real-time situational awareness over the entire tournament. Both solution providers worked with the ABLE team to provide reliable connectivity and video back to viewing stations.
Security Technology
as a Force Multiplier
The top priority of the SDPD and its partners was to keep everyone safe during the week of the tournament. Monitoring expansive grounds and throngs of peo- ple would prove a challenge. The task at hand for San Diego and the PGA Tour of America was not only to run a safe event, but a smooth one, as well.
The design and topology called for cameras in strategic places to moni- tor large crowds and take preventative measures. Beyond the patrons, players and tournament officials, crowd control around the merchandise tent, as well as the golf manufacturer tour busses with high-value items, was also a high priority.
“Public safety and customer needs come first at Airship,” said Paul Allen, president of Airship. “Working side-by-side with our integrator partners to ensure a successful deployment becomes a win-win.”
The topology that allowed for a seamless U.S. Open consisted of five portable surveil- lance trailers, one unmanned drone and one police helicopter (on standby) all connected by a mesh network and a reliable VMS.
In addition, Airship’s past work with the government has resulted in deep inte- grations with the FLIR Star Safire ther- mal/HD camera gimble mounted on the SDPD helicopter. The Star Safire was attached to a Teradek encoder and a Sil- vus 4480E radio, all of which the Airship
EMS solution managed.
“We [Silvus Radio] work with several
different agencies that offer a wide variety of tactical challenges,” said Jimi Hender- son, vice president of sales at Silvus Tech- nologies. “We strive to provide the San Diego Police Department and our part- ner Airship with a reliable mesh network that frees them up to focus on their mis- sion—in this case safeguarding everyone involved in the US Open.”
The Partner Difference
Airship partnered with local network in- tegrator provider AggreGateway, to help deploy the technology needs of the SDPD. AggreGateway already had a strong rela- tionship with the SDPD and was a natural partner.
“They trust us to help design and imple- ment a security solution that will make an event uneventful,” said Octavio Navarro, network engineer and founder of Aggre- Gateway. “Understanding where to strate- gically place surveillance trailers and what combination of technology will work for the different teams is where partnering with Airship has made a huge difference.”
The SDPD and Special Events Team appreciated having this turnkey solution as well.
“We are a resourceful group but [when] managing so many things, it’s great to have subject matter experts help configure, set up user privileges, even help point cameras and PTZs in the spots that make the most
sense,” said the Critical Incident Manage- ment Unit leader. “Not everyone involved in the securing of Torrey Pines [Golf Course] is an expert on Airship VMS but the interface and controls allow us to get new users up-to-speed immediately which is necessary for an event like this.”
Future Plans
While the success of the tournament was worth celebrating, the preparation and wrap-up up of an event of this size is equally important.
“Each year we learn something new about what we can bring back to our day- to-day operational lives with the depart- ment,” said an SDPD Officer. “We intend to expand on our existing Airship system by adding more cameras and spending wisely with new technology. The success of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines begets more budget freedom which, in turn, turns into more public safety efforts across the entire city. The city’s first responders have shown interest in being on the same platform after seeing how easy the interface was to use and how quickly the entire thing can be set up.”
By partnering with Airship Industries, Silvus Technologies and AggreGateway, the city of San Diego and the United States Golf Association (USGA) were able to take advantage of proven, advanced tech- nology to provide safety and security.
Fredrik Wallberg is the vice president of marketing at Airship.
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