Evolving Video Alarm Technology and Remote Guarding

The security industry is making an effort to build a new level of partnership with Law Enforcement in our coverage area for greater community life/safety. New advances in technology have made enhanced Video Alarm Systems affordable and competitive with non-video systems – enhanced video alarms can now be purchased by residential and small business and are not just solutions for the large industry. These new enhanced video alarm systems are available from many manufacturers in many models providing a variety of features. At the most basic level, however, the alarm and a video clip of what caused the alarm is transmitted to a Monitoring Agent who confirms an intruder is present and then notifies a Law Enforcement dispatcher. While response to all alarm systems has been proven to deter crime and reduce losses, creating a policy that provides higher priority response to enhanced video alarms is a “win” for the entire community:

Law Enforcement:

• More arrests

• Greater officer safety/situational awareness

• Crime patterns stopped

• Enhanced citizen confidence in law enforcement

Consumer:

• Greater security and life safety

Commercial Industry:

• Greater confirmation of alarm activations and acceptance of enhanced alarm technology.

The goal of Priority Response is to work with local law enforcement to maximize the benefit of the new generation of enhanced video alarms. We request that law enforcement review dispatch priority levels and implement policy changes to reflect a higher priority response for alarms with video confirming the presence of an intruder than that assigned to standard alarms. Ideally, each Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) would:

1. Create a special dispatch code for Enhanced Video Alarms with greater priority than standard alarms such as “Crime in Progress”.
2. Create an email address that participating Central Stations can email the actual video clips of the intrusion for later review by the dispatcher, if desired.

Vendor-Neutral

There are three major technology solutions for video alarms monitored by all the major central stations in the industry. Video alarm systems are now cost competitive with blind alarm systems and have expanded from commercial applications to the residential market. This means that video alarms systems are a realistic and cost-effective option for consumers of all types.

Multiple vendors have created video alarm systems based on three technology platforms:

• Wireless enhanced video alarm systems with integrated sensors/cameras.

o EXAMPLE: www.videofied.com

• Hybrid systems that combine traditional alarm systems with external CCTV cameras.

o EXAMPLE: http://www.napcosecurity.com/video.html,

o EXAMPLE: http://www.thesecuritychannel.com/

• Surveillance cameras with pixel-based detection in the cameras that trigger an alarm event and an email of a video clip.

o EXAMPLE: http://www.videoiq.com/,

All three technology platforms have proven effective in delivering a video clip confirming what caused the alarm event that can be reviewed by central station operators.

Wireless enhanced video alarm systems with integrated sensors/cameras

Enhanced video alarms are not surveillance systems, but an improved intrusion alarm system. While some surveillance can provide video alarms, surveillance also provides other functionality that goes beyond the scope of video alarms and may impact privacy concerns in residential applications. Enhanced video alarms are consistent with the concept of a burglar alarm. They can operate through the traditional telephone system, IP-phone system or in most cases the cellular network. In the case of Videofied they operate on their own internal battery power and primarily send their signals through the cellular network. This means they can be installed just about anywhere and are portable. You can use them in your home, in your shed, in the woods, on your boat, at a job site or in your office.

This is an "incremental step" in technology doing exactly what intrusion alarms and central stations have always done “To Detect and Notify”. Enhanced video alarm systems go beyond traditional “Detect and Notify” practices, providing visual confirmation of what caused the alarm.

In contrast to expensive surveillance systems, enhanced video alarms are:

• NOT to identify an intruder (this may happen but this is secondary)

• NOT 24/7 surveillance video (only the clip of the actual incident is transmitted)

• NOT to provide "live video feeds" on demand (this may be available on some surveillance systems but often raises privacy concerns in the residential market).

• NOT self-monitored by the consumer. This is not a nanny-cam.

• ARE monitored by a qualified UL listed Central Station and reviewed by their operators.

• Two-Way audio is now optional as is using a telephone line to talk to the panel in permanent installations.

Hybrid systems that combine traditional alarm systems with external CCTV cameras.

In most cases these systems are the lowest cost installations because they are an addition to an existing alarm system. In many cases there is no recording of the video, this is an option. Many users just work with the 10 second motion clips located on a web-based server provided by the manufactures. They look into look-in on their homes and small businesses and keep an eye on their property – anytime and anywhere there’s internet access. Many end-users use their smart phones to review clips of activity after hours or when their away. Even though there is limited recording in many cases, they all can log in live after the alert/clip is received, to see live activity.

Surveillance cameras with pixel-based detection in the cameras that trigger an alarm event and an email of a video clip.

Situational Awareness or knowing what is happening at the site, along with the expected activities and potential dangers. Early warning capability of providing alerts and notification before serious problems occur. The sooner you can identify potential breaches or risks, the stronger your protection will be. Recording all activity and capturing information to identify and prosecute offenders creates a significant deterrent against crime. Responsiveness of law enforcement with preparation and training to respond rapidly and appropriately when a video confirmed alarm occurs is the key to all remote guarding. In my opinion the best main-stream commercial/public affordable solution are VideoIQ’s intelligent video IP cameras and IP encoders. Their instant detection and notification of suspicious behavior, enabling guards to evaluate the situation and dispatch police immediately to prevent crime and keep city streets safe and secure.

Although this technology is more of an investment than the alarm systems video solutions above, for the money they offer superior quality and their patented, award winning adaptive analytics which are 100% self-calibrating and uniquely distinguish people, vehicles and boats from other objects such as: animals and scene movement, to deliver the highest accuracy in all weather and lighting conditions. Some Municipalities are looking at self-monitoring these systems with their own police dispatchers or auxiliary officers to observe some of their own critical infrastructures.

Typical Central Station Monitored Video Alarm Process

1. Alarm signal is transmitted to a central station.
1. In addition to receiving the alarm signal, the operator views a video clip associated with the event.
2. Operator confirms if an intruder is present.
1. Based on video clip, operator provides a “confirmed” alarm dispatch for law enforcement to act upon.
3. The Operator can forward the video clip to the PSAP for review.
1. Typically this is done via email to a specified email address created by the PSAP.

Priority Response – Greater Efficiency for “Free”

Local law enforcement agencies establish their own priority levels for dispatch to accomplish their mission and maximize their available resources. Because enhanced video alarms provide additional information, greater officer safety and improve the likelihood of arrests, they should be given a higher priority dispatch level than standard alarms. Law Enforcement’s formal support of Priority Response will motivate the Security Industry and Consumers to purchase enhanced video alarm systems. Over time the existing installed base will be upgraded and improve community life safety and Law Enforcement efficiency.

In fact, recently the Insurance Loss Control Association (ILCA) and Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) recently had the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) present at their annual meetings. The topic was rebuilding the insurance/alarm partnership. One proposal involves uniting insurers, law enforcement and security companies together at a county level to develop guidelines useful to underwriters for specific markets. Another proposal involved forming a security/insurer work group to analyze loss data for specific applications, such as construction, and create guidelines for minimum requirements needed to summon police response.

The alarm industry is working hard to reach out to insurance industry associations to educate members and solicit support in an attempt to resurrect a partnership that worked well in the past – security companies installed alarms, police made arrests, and insurers reduced losses. Today, Remote Guarding has crossed the chasm and is now being sold by security systems integrators in the mainstream security market. With systems integrators on the hunt for recurring monthly revenue (RMR) streams, remote video guarding has proven to be a lucrative business and an in-demand value-added service to the end-user community. Whether remote video guarding project is an un-manned town pumping station, high-risk residential community or a car dealership, video surveillance systems and voice over IP (VoIP)/Critical Communications over IP (CCoIP), sometimes with integrated access control systems can provide a seamless monitoring solution that gives better evidence and efficiencies for law enforcement and peace of mind for the end-user, who is in need of onsite security at an affordable price.

How Physical Security Technologies apply to effective Risk Management in 2012

As a physical security and loss prevention professional I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of clients to reduce their risks. Risks are not just a threat but an opportunity to upgrade physical security solutions and at the same time improve an organizations productivity and profitability. Today’s improvements in technologies, especially software, the physical security industry can offer a more holistic approach that dramatically improves centralized visibility into an organizations security posture and new challenges related to doing more with less (productivity) and increased regulatory requirements. Depending upon the size and scope of the organization the solution may be different but the goal remains the same; to maintain, control and monitor the numerous security-related systems and sensors to a single graphic user interface or GUI that simplifies monitoring and reporting. These systems may include alarm monitoring, access control, locking systems, audio communications, asset tracking, intrusion detection, perimeter protection, video monitoring, video analytics and in some cases building management.

When meeting initially with a new client the most common complaint I hear is: “We have looked at this before and my existing solutions lack the ability to communicate or be integrated.” as the biggest barrier to implementing a more holistic security solution. Well I am here to tell you that with some small upgrades at the “head-end” many of your edge devices and sensors can be immediately integrated in most cases. More importantly from my perspective, by including all departments in the evaluation and research process to improve risk management, the policies, procedures and goals will result in the organizational value of improved overall visibility into the entire security infrastructure.

Here is a generic example of how you might discuss the real needs, goals and risks within your organization before you look to make any changes. By understanding the risks and potential costs associated with those risks, such as: annual loss expectancy, total cost of ownership, you can better develop your return-on-investment.

Let us look at internal investigations as the business area’s to discuss the risks. First create a working group that includes a representative from every department that plays any role in these areas. This might include human resources (HR), corporate security, (CS) information technology (IT), facilities, loss prevention (LP), finance & Insurance, marketing and legal.

Next, brainstorm events and scenarios that could create risk for the company in an internal investigation or disaster. Such events might include information leaks in various departments or a potentially violent customer or employee. Then, rank the risks by likelihood and impact. Absolute precision is not necessary here, although this step may provide the momentum to gather new metrics, both within your business and from the outside world for benchmarking purposes. Now for controls and solutions: List existing controls. Look for redundancy across departments. Brainstorm new ones to address these risks. Rank new controls based on cost, difficulty, and effectiveness—especially noting controls that can reduce likelihood and impact across multiple types of event. With good luck, you might be able to pay for a new control by reducing the redundancy of existing controls. Finally select the appropriate point person responsible for implementing (or championing) each high-priority control. Then establish a way to measure the effect of each new control and a way to communicate that measurement within and outside of your working group. Don't get too hung up on making overly formal. Keep the end in mind: Enable business objectives. Keep it simple (KISS). Make internal investigations more effective and less risky. Now repeat this process with a new team for each of these additional areas: business continuity and disaster recovery, intellectual property protection, and brand protection, employee fraud, loss prevention or asset protection and general liability. Obviously, each of these areas may require a different set of team members although may be the same.

Beyond the specific business value you create in each area—the deliverables you will also lay the foundation for more interdepartmental communication and coordination. Security personnel will have more and better contacts within finance, marketing and other groups. These connections can form the basis for competitive advantage for your organization.

One of the greatest benefits of today’s integrated physical security solutions is the real time actionable intelligence that can dramatically decrease the time to gather together information about security incidents. Then act on that information. For example if an employee is terminated by the organization and HR removes the employee’s authority from the network that information can instantly be upgraded to the organizations access control system, alarm system, etc. This can immediately reduce the opportunity and temptation from a disgruntled employee to cause any further damage to the organization.

After you have defined your risk management goals and vulnerabilities it will be a lot easier to create a budget to meet these goals. Then if you have not already done so, develop a partnership with a security integrator that you can trust. The next step is to test various potential solutions within your organization; I always try to show three of the top solutions based on the client’s vertical market, current legacy systems in place and your goals for today and tomorrow.

The good news is that in many cases with these solutions real benefits have been proven within organizations of all sizes and across a multitude of vertical industries and with very high return-on-investment (ROI) such as three to nine months. Some of the key benefits are: Having the capability to quickly communicate to management the details of an incident, having actionable intelligence about incidents, tools to assist in prevention of future incidents, having real time view of security events, instantly responding to events in real time, reducing incident resolution time, streamlining operations/improving productivity, reducing security costs and delivering a ROI on the organizations physical security environment.

Take a moment to discuss “Risk Management” as a concept with your management team, remember there’s never a dull moment in security. In the next few years, more new challenges will be thrown at business organizations as the cultural landscapes transforms. Will you have the tools in place to meet those challenges?