Page 58 - Security Today, May/June 2024

COVER STORY
fees and video analytics tools are not necessary for every zone. By evaluating and understanding these zones of protection and identifying the specific video security requirements for each zone, security teams can optimize their resources and surveillance coverage to achieve optimal results.
UNDERSTANDING THE ZONES OF PROTECTION
It helps to visualize a campus environment much like a fortress where penetration becomes increasingly difficult moving from the perimeter towards the center. This is intentional, as the most valuable assets are typically located furthest from the perimeter and entry points. As such, the video security measures deployed at each level serve different functions based on varying priorities.
The ultimate goal is detecting and mitigating potential threats at various lev- els or zones of protection. Using a multi- layered approach, let’s explore six critical zones of protection and supporting surveil- lance technology most appropriate for each.
It is important to note that there is no blueprint for selecting the best solutions for each zone of protection on a campus. The following highlights select video sur- veillance technologies and products that are increasingly prevalent in large cam- pus system deployments for considera- tion when evaluating your system needs.
To keep things simple, this article di- vides the campus into three basic zones: the perimeter, general grounds and interior locations. However, when designing a cam- pus wide surveillance solution, it is advisable to subdivide these three primary zones into multiple sub-layers on a facility or building by building basis to address the specific challenges and needs of each location.
ZONE 1: THE PERIMETER
Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID) is available in many form factors ranging from simple fences to radar and advanced sensors, but video surveillance remains a mainstay technology for mainstream
physical security applications. A critical layer of defense for campus safety, here are three video solutions that offer robust and comprehensive perimeter protection.
AI classification tools. There are a number of highly advanced AI tools now embedded in IP cameras that automati- cally identify humans and vehicles from animals and/or objects that may be lurk- ing beyond the perimeter of a campus and trigger specific alarms or events.
For example, a guard house can be outfitted with an AI embedded camera that automatically sounds an alarm if a car or human approaches the entrance of a campus during off hours. Once detected, an alarm can be sounded to alert security personnel in a remote security operations center (SOC ) of a potential intrusion, sound an audible alarm or strobe light at the site of the event, or initiate some other predetermined action. To help elimi- nate false alarms, the AI cameras can be masked to limit their detection range to include only very specific areas of inter- est not impacted by nearby roads, bicycle paths or other areas prone to high traffic.
Deploying AI embedded cameras with intelligence at the edge provides sig- nificant cost savings in large systems versus system wide analytics by allowing users to deploy analytics on an as needed basis.
Night vision. The ability to detect and view images clearly in the dark is critical to perimeter security. This can be accom- plished in several ways without the need for expensive exterior lighting that is limited in range. One such solution is Lightmaster technology, an advanced chipset-based solution that sees into virtual darkness over long distances without supplemental sources of illumination or the artifacts cre- ated by traditional IR lighting. This is critical for analytics to perform properly at night when the threat potential is typically higher than during daylight hours.
Long-range imaging. Esteemed for their competency for long-range surveillance, bullet cameras with 12X electronic zoom and
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WIDE AREA COVERAGE
IS AS IMPORTANT
TO MONITORING
INTERIOR CAMPUS
SPACES AS IT IS
FOR OPEN EXTERIOR
AREAS OF INTEREST.
4K resolution are a preferred camera con- figuration for perimeter applications like remote parking lot surveillance. Their elec- tronic zoom capabilities deliver long range image capture capabilities with great detail.
The extended field of view, combined with AI embedded features and night vi- sion capabilities, can autonomously alert security personnel of impending threats 24/7, while facilitating deterrence, video audits, and enhanced data for forensic investigations. It is also important to se- lect outdoor imaging devices that are IP66 rated to protect them from water and dust, as well as IK10 rated for impact resistance.
License plate recognition (LPR).
Cameras with embedded LPR technology enhance both security and access control, ensuring that all vehicles are documented with the appropriate levels of access. For ex- ample, LPR cameras can detect authorized vehicles and open motorized gates automati- cally at campus entrances, and employee or faculty parking areas. LPR can also be used to detect known offenders or ex-employees, and alert security of their presence.
The latest generation LPR cameras capture precise details of vehicle plate data and color, along with embedded AI fea- tures enabling enhanced vehicle detection and classification to help eliminate false alarms. LPR data is also critical for forensic