SNP Security is leading the charge in digital security solutions, installing a new public safety CCTV system in Footscray to complement existing efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour. The fully encrypted wireless mesh technology has more than proved its worth, with a number of arrests made in the first month – including 18 arrests while still under trial.
Leaders in Security Technology
SNP Security has a proven track record in supplying professional, cost-effective security solutions to a range of organisations.The company was invited by Maribyrnong Council to tender for the project based on the success of similar systems which staff had implemented in Dandenong and Melbourne City.
SNP Security State Manager – Victoria, Stuart Pitcher, says staff had experience with the technology through the company’s successful involvement with the Melbourne City project.
“The large scale work we completed in Melbourne CBD (30 cameras) certainly gave us an edge when it came to preparing for this project, as it meant we were already familiar with the technology required.
“While Melbourne City did not necessitate the use of a full wireless system, the knowledge we gained was invaluable in designing this system.”
The Brief
The brief from Maribyrnong Council called for a full turnkey (end to end) solution, with SNP required to undertake all engineering, planning and civil works – including determining the design and eventual location of all cameras, as well as negotiating the shared use of third-party assets with Yarra Trams and electricity provider, Jemena.
“When preparing our proposal we had to take a calculated risk that the third party suppliers would be able to deliver what we promised with no issues,” says Pitcher.
“We were successful in our negotiations with all the third party suppliers and with their efforts we achieved the desired outcome.”
The tender required a high level of detail, from displayed signage to diagrams and models showing how the cameras and control boxes would be mounted.
“This project represented a number of challenges due to the complex design and full wireless capability required,” says Pitcher.
“We had to design a system that would deliver 99.9 per cent uptime using a total RF (radio frequency wireless) solution. This requirement challenged us as our last successful safe city installation (MelbourneCity) comprised of 60% fiber and 40% RF solution.”
The Solution
SNP installed 31 high definition cameras – seven pan tilt zoom cameras and the remainder fixed – in 16 locations throughout the heart of Footscray’s CBD and mall area and immediate surrounding streets. Everything was assembled by staff in house and transported to the various sites for installation.
As there was no fibre or other physical infrastructure already in place for the project, SNP designed a tailored solution, based on proven wireless mesh technology.
The company was able to achieve the requirements laid out in the brief by combining a high performance, multi-service wireless infrastructure, which was capable of reliably supporting concurrent transmission of real-time video, with built in camera technology.
“The technology allows for local recording at the camera to ensure the system will continually record regardless of any uncontrolled wireless interruptions,” says Pitcher.
Live images are displayed in the Footscray Local Area Command Centre of Victoria Police, recorded in real time and held on file.
Through the system’s advanced technology, police are able to “tag” vehicles and people, and track them through the recordings without sifting through hours of footage. The technology took three months to install, with the final camera up and running in late June.
“It is a permanent solution which can be expanded at any time,” says Pitcher.
“Because the technology we utilised did not necessitate us to remove or alter existing infrastructure, the solution has the added advantage of being a “green” solution, which really does make it the way of the future.”
Outcome
The objective of the new system was to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime within central Footscray, improve safety perceptions and support proactive policing to ensure a timely and consistent Police response.
It was designed to complement the existing initiatives and programs put in place by the Council, Police and relevant stakeholders. The response from all involved has been very positive.
“Local police have indicated that from their point of view, the technology has already proven itself,” says Pitcher.
SNP has also worked with Council officers to develop Operating Procedures designed to give high priority to the privacy of individuals and the management and usage of the images created. The effectiveness of the technology will continue to be monitored with regular surveys of local business owners at the six and 12 month marks.