The Next Generation in Law Enforcement Surveillance

Transcription

1 wh i te pa p e r The Next Generation in Law Enforcement Surveillance by Jake Lahmann Vice President of Technology, Inc. Issued June 28, 2011 The DVRM6 leverages advanced wireless technology to deliver remote operational convenience, affordability, and real-time results. Keeping pace with today s more sophisticated criminals and deterring juvenile wannabes is no easy task. Because of this, law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are forced to look constantly for new and better ways to leverage advanced technology in video surveillance systems. Page 1 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc

2 The most effective video surveillance systems need to be deployed quickly, operated covertly, and maintained economically, which means integrating wireless technologies wherever possible. Fortunately, this shift in video surveillance technology is supported by the fact that cellular carriers are competing fiercely to roll out ever-faster 3G and 4G wireless broadband capability for enhanced internet voice and data services. Using the power of the internet and the range and flexibility of wireless broadband technology not only significantly improves efficiency and effectiveness of surveillance operations; it helps decrease costs to taxpayers as well. An example of a surveillance solution that successfully and seamlessly combines the best of advanced video technology with emerging wireless capabilities is the new Multi-Role MIL Grade Digital Video Recorder with Remote Cellular Interface (DVRM6) from, a nationally recognized leader in innovative audio and video surveillance systems. All-in-One Remote Surveillance Solution The Digital Video Recorder with Remote Cellular Interface, or DVRM6, is an advanced 4-channel DVR designed and developed specifically for covert vehicles, patrol vehicles, and static undercover applications. The unit can use hard-wire connections or cellular data networks, via a Sprint USB Air card, along with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, for remote, real-time monitoring of live audio and video. Users can review recorded footage; determine GPS location with the Google Maps interface; control PTZ cameras; or download video evidence. Once deployed, the DVRM6 allows users to attend to other missions while relying on the built-in video motion detection, four sensory inputs, and an array of detection devices such as Passive Infrared (PIR); video analytics; seismic, pressure, or magnetic alarm triggers to notify users immediately via SMS or the instant activity occurs. The builtin network port with video streaming capability consumes only 18W of power, and comes with 6 input and 2 output sensors. Unlike other solutions using just a router, the DVRM6 allows users to record high quality footage on-board and integrate up to three IP devices such as cameras with NTSC outputs, ensuring that regardless of cellular signal strength, full resolution evidence is always captured and stored. A Range of Advanced Features Applying advanced technology and wireless cellular capabilities, the DVRM6 is feature-rich in many ways: Universal Control The DVRM6 is accessible via Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G and Ethernet internet connections, either individually or in user-defined orders. This unit works seamlessly with the most popular 3G and 4G air cards, such as those from Sprint and Verizon. As new air card types are introduced and made available to consumers, the necessary firmware to enable compatibility is easily developed. Using the DVRM6, law enforcement professionals can remotely monitor live audio and video, review recorded footage, download evidence, determine GPS location with the Google Maps interface, and manipulate PTZ cameras and other ancillary hardware. With its built-in router, the DVRM6 can piggyback up to 3 IP cameras or other devices via the internet. Page 2 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc

3 Local Recording As an assurance against any system interruption, the DVRM6 has a local recording feature, which differentiates it from other surveillance systems that also use 3G and 4G technologies. The built-in 160GB HD is in a 2.5 format the same used in most laptops, making it rugged and exceptionally durable. For expanded capabilities, the hard drive is hot swappable up to 500GB. Unlike solutions that use only a router, the DVRM6 allows users to record high quality footage onboard and serve as many as three IP devices with NTSC outputs. This feature assures that regardless of the cellular signal strength, full resolution evidence is captured and securely stored. Dual streaming provides high-resolution local recording and adjustable lower resolution and frame rate for broadcast purposes to effectively manage bandwidth. This is perfect for agencies that have a capped data plan or those that stream video constantly and therefore need to closely monitor and conserve bandwidth use. Command Monitoring Software (CMS) The DVRM6 software interface enables the unit to provide a commanding view of up to 96 cameras over 6 tabbed screens. With a click of the mouse, users can manage and view evidence from thousands of different cameras, providing unparalleled flexibility and enhanced monitoring and coverage capability. Real-World Benefits for Law Enforcement Real Time Awareness and Response Catching criminals requires swift and accurate reactions. The DVRM6 enables law enforcement to meet these needs by providing instant information in several fashions: GPS: By downloading Google Maps, city grids, or building blueprints in conjunction with the built-in receiver and antennas, users can track events and triggers to zero in on criminal or suspicious activity quickly and with pinpoint accuracy. Remote Notification: Once deployed, the DVRM6 can be programmed to generate remote notifications via or SMS text, the very instant an activity or trigger occurs. This is accomplished through built-in video motion detection, four sensory inputs, and an array of detection devises including but not limited to: PIR; video analytics; seismic; microwave; pressure; and magnetic. When an alert is triggered, users can immediately check activity from a PC or Smartphone. Remote Intervention: Through the use of bidirectional audio and two sensory outputs, the DVRM6 lets users issue commands remotely to control a range of hardware devices in order to stop criminals. These include shutting off fuel pumps; locking doors; closing gates; or setting off sirens. Fast Deployment & Remote Operation Capability Though the included control management software is sophisticated enough to mange several thousand cameras and simultaneously watch over 90 cameras in real-time, installing the DVRM6 is simple, and takes less than five minutes. There are no cabling requirements, which eliminate the need for costly installation work. Installing the DVRM6 is similar to common emergency or communication equipment; therefore, agency staff tasked with the maintenance of vehicles and equipment should Page 3 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc

4 find implementation fairly routine. Surveillance of remote locations over large distances is easier with the DVRM6 s set and forget remote monitoring feature. This frees up valuable law enforcement manpower to conduct other investigations while never being more than an or SMS text alert away from reacting to an event trigger. Protected Against Interruption The built-in local recording feature enables the DVRM6 to record high-resolution footage onboard and while simultaneously supporting as many as three IP devices. High quality video evidence is captured and stored, regardless of cellular signal strength. For added convenience and assurance, the hard drive is hot swappable up to 500GB of memory. Low Cost of Ownership The DVRM6 uses cellular transmission, which is less expensive than comparable systems using point-to-point COFDM or multipoint mesh systems, even factoring in the monthly cost of cellular data services over five years. Additionally, cellular providers are usually quick to provide current air card customers with the latest advanced technology, and it is the responsibility of the cellular provider rather than the user to ensure the network operates consistently and uninterrupted. Suited for a Variety of Law Enforcement Uses The DVRM6 from was designed for several video surveillance uses, including: City-Wide Surveillance Law enforcement agencies nationwide are multiplying capabilities by adding cost-effective, covert video surveillance. For citywide surveillance, using 3G and 4G cellular data is a practical transmission option because agencies can reduce overall cost of ownership, minimize system maintenance, and in many deployments, eliminate the need for extensive engineering. Citywide surveillance systems based on the DVRM6 provide both basic and powerful features such as PTZ control, local recording, dual stream, as well as two-way audio and two-way triggers for lights and sirens. The embedded software is easy to use and provides simultaneous monitoring of up to 96 cameras, indexes thousands more, and allows dispatchers and officers to remotely manage DVR functionality. Area maps can be integrated and camera icons placed respectively. The Google Maps mapping function allows users to place the units on a map of the city to quickly and easily view any locations of interest. Other benefits the DVRM6 brings to city-wide surveillance: Alerts: The unit can be programmed to quickly alert officers to cameras with priority activity via and SMS messaging. Bandwidth Management: The DVRM6 allows for dual streaming in multiple resolutions and frame rates. The local on-board recording and available bandwidth throttling also makes it easy to manage data transmissions and minimize bandwidth consumption, especially during peak hours. Easy Installation: Standard city-wide solutions can be easily mounted on a pole for rapid deployment. If data is transmitted over a 3G Page 4 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc

5 or 4G cellular data network, users only need to supply adequate power. Bait Cars Using the DVRM6 in bait cars allows investigators to receive instant SMS text or video stills indicating exactly when a suspicious activity has occurred. The flexible trigger and alarm inputs can be wired into any contact point such as dome lights, door contacts, trunks, or other alarm devices, such as PIR or vacuum sensors. Once alerted, the investigator can track suspects via GPS, can turn-off fuel pumps, lock doors or even turn on a horn to intervene and pinpoint the vehicle s location. Pole Cameras The cellular capable DVRM6 makes it easy to deploy covert pole camera systems and minimizes the chance of detection. The system allows users to remotely monitor and control high-resolution PTZ cameras and can manage the speed configuration of the cameras when tracking a suspect. The included software allows administrators to monitor up to 96 cameras across 6 tabs with real-time awareness and response. Drop Cars & Static Covert A key element in the successful deployment of drop cars or static covert systems is reducing or eliminating the number of times users need to access the systems in the field. The DVRM6 notifies law officers when suspicious movement occurs, and the on-board local storage allows for the retrieval of high-resolution evidence at any time without risk of detection. With ADAM Expansion Modules, up to 16 triggers can be programmed on a bait car, increasing the sensitivity of suspicious activity. Law enforcement officers can deploy the bait car surveillance system, then log in remotely when convenient. If an event is triggered, users are notified immediately and can instantly download the video for evidence, never disturbing or compromising the potential crime scene. Prisoner Transportation Transporting prisoners is always a high-risk mission due to the many variables associated with moving dangerous people through public areas, highways, and cities with limited support. The DVRM6 is a reliable and affordable technology that is currently in use in prison transport units. Features of the DVRM6 that support prisoner transport include: Duress Notification The ability to monitor all the field cameras from the command center is a tremendous aid in all forms of law enforcement and corrections applications. However, hours of inactivity can render a user s attention span ineffective, so the DVRM6 features a built-in alarm function that when triggered that will alert officers immediately. This notification feature allows officers to focus on other tasks while no activity is occurring. One of the four alarm inputs of the DVRM6 can be connected to a panic button or switch for the driver in a prison transport vehicle. A simple tap of a button or flip of a switch can send a SMS text alert or an with a video still to command for immediate assistance and back-up. Real-Time Monitoring Real-time monitoring allows officers and administrators to focus their complete attention on the transport vehicle being driven. Not only can command dispatchers view and listen to the transport Page 5 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc

6 vehicle in real-time, but with the DVRM6 command software, additional officers across different locations can view and listen as well. Tracking The DVRM6 s embedded software can track prisoner transport vehicles over Google Maps. The auto-snap feature keeps the transport vehicle centered on the map, so at all times command knows its location and can share those location details with supporting law enforcement agencies. Intervention If immediate intervention is necessary, the DVRM6 is equipped with a two-way audio function, enabling any commands to officers and prisoners to be issued quickly and efficiently. Additionally, physical action can be taken with the built-in trigger outputs to secure doors, disable vehicle fuel pumps, initiate sirens, or turn on emergency lights to help control the situation. Allegations and Performance Auditing Prisoner allegations are common in corrections, especially when they are transported between facilities. Mobile video recorders provide visual and audio proof, GPS tracking, and information on standard vehicle activity to serve as admissible evidence when defending claims or allegations. The DVRM6 mobile video recorder can be programmed to stream information continuously to remote servers or programmed to upload once the transport returns to its dispatching unit. Summary As criminals become more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies are finding it necessary to deploy more efficient and creative ways to catch or deter them. With video surveillance increasingly becoming an integral part of any law enforcement tool kit, it s critical to find solutions that can be implemented quickly, maintained cost-effectively, and operated remotely. With its integrated wireless technologies, DVRM6 is a covert video surveillance solution that leverages ever-expanding wireless capacity to significantly improve operational flexibility and efficiency, increase affordability, and most importantly provide the real-time results demanded by law enforcement and the communities they protect. Page 6 of 6 Copyright 2011, Inc