Melbourne's SafeCity CCTV System

Melbourne City Council uses CCTV to provide a safer environment across a range of locations in the city centre, as part of the ‘SafeCity’ Program. Launched in 1997, the initial system utilised CCTV cameras off a fibre-optic network, linked back to a monitoring centre equipped with analogue recording.  Ten years later, the system was redeveloped with that original fibre optic signal path mated to a powerful new DVTel NVMS head end, taking advantage of its modern PTZ cameras.

SNP Security was responsible for the design and installation of the system, and coordinates the ongoing maintenance. “I am very pleased with the service provided by SNP Security, and the commitment of the management, to ensuring City of Melbourne needs are met”, said Russell Lightfoot, Head of Security and Building Safety, “The professionalism and presentation of their service staff reflects the values of the company”.

The Challenge
The SafeCity system works in an environment of extreme traffic flow, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The biggest challenge with the installation was having the 2 systems running side by side at the same time during commissioning, and ensuring no loss of footage. High performance has to be backed up with reliability. The new Safecity Camera Program’s system had to ensure zero failures.

Preparations
The Safecity Camera Program’s system took about 6 weeks to build and install. SNP Security exploited the modularity of the DVTel solution to construct the system at our premises as completely as it was possible to do, then tested the system to ensure integrity and functionality. SNP Security’s electronics team programmed the system and got it up and running – it was basically ‘plug and play’ at the point it was introduced to the Safecity Camera Program’s control room.

Good relationships between all parties involved were a vital element of the installation. Joint meetings with the client and the consultant ensured that all expectations were shared, and budgets met. SNP Security had a technician onsite permanently to ensure that the system is running properly, throughout implementation of the project.

Outcomes
The DVTel management solution driving the Safecity Camera Program’s system was pushed to its limits in this installation. Whilst there are other sites with more cameras, The Safecity Camera Program is unique in terms of the triplex frame rate and resolution.

The system delivers up to 4 CIF at 25 frames per second on all cameras. There are 25 Spectra III speed domes and 4 fixed cameras in the Safecity Camera Program solution.

“In relation to frames per second on live, record, playback, with all this happening simultaneously across multiple inputs – the technology is being pushed to the limits of current technology and beyond,” says Stuart Pitcher, SNP’s Electronics Branch Manager in Melbourne. “With Safecity Camera Program you’ve got bandwidth, frame rate and reliability at the absolute extreme of what’s possible on a data network – that’s what integrating video surveillance systems is all about - this is the largest site I know of at this quality and at this frame rate.”

A key benefit of the upgraded Safecity Camera Program’s solution is the ability to replay an event immediately after it occurs while still monitoring live video, so operators can double check an incident while still keeping an eye on live video. Locating an incident takes a few minutes, a huge time saving compared to reviewing hours of video tape.

Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance was an issue with the previous system – which had been left to run down. SNP Security was contracted to provide all maintenance services to the new Safecity system, and all MCC owned sites including pavilions, baths, buildings and childcare.

To ensure smooth running of the maintenance program and streamline communications, SNP Security has developed an efficient system of email, prioritisation and logging of calls, confirmation and dispatch.  Reporting and tracking of the response time for Melbourne City Council is provided, measured against KPI objectives. The system can be used to diagnose any issues with the maintenance service, allowing for prompt resolution.

For more information:
Stuart Pitcher, Branch Manager – Electronics, Melbourne
Email. spitcher@snpsecurity.com.au

Acknowledgement: The above content is an edited version of “SafeCity Camera Program goes Digital” by John Adams, Security Electronics and Networks.


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