14 July 2014

Commercial Facility Security: Part One - Networked Intrusion Detection Systems with Video Verification

Providing security in commercial facilities involves more than the best choice of products and features.  Learn how security systems such as access control, intrusion detection, and IP HD video surveillance can be integrated into a building automation system to protect people, property, and data.  In Part One of our discussion we will address networked intrusion detection systems.  

Simple intrusion detection is probably the most familiar concept of security to most people. Intrusion detection involves the use of door or window contacts, glass contacts, or motion sensors, in combination with some type of audible alarm that sounds when a person has forced entry into a building or room. An alert is sent to the central security monitoring station to notify authorities of the time and location of the incident. Security or Police Officers respond in person to evaluate the situation.  This method of incident response can be adequate for detecting an event and quickly getting to the scene. But the effectiveness of the response at the scene and subsequent prosecution is dependent on several things; the proximity of first responders to the incident; whether witnesses were present; the number of people involved; the seriousness of the incident, and other factors.  Furthermore, with simple intrusion detection, there is little in place that would deter people from committing a crime the first place.  More information would be helpful, such as captured details of the situation that could lead to proper response and identification of perpetrators, thereby reducing the likelihood that a similar incident would occur again. Door and window contacts, motion sensors, and other devices already in use for alarming can be put to better use to help gather this information by triggering other parts of the security system.
The alarm system grew out of the need for automated detection of intrusion and life safety dangers.  These intelligent sensors have grown rapidly to serve this market need.  Telephone dialers made sensor information available to central stations, which were then able to notify authorities for the proper response.  However if you can’t see what is happening at the premises, how do you know if the alarm is real?  Somewhere between 90% and 95% of all calls from traditional intrusion systems are false alarms and with the number of systems growing every year, a huge burden has been created for first responders. Today we have the ability to use the networked communication capabilities, both wired and wireless to quickly gain access to alarm signals, networked video and video/alarm solutions.

This quicker response is the better response, especially when it comes to intruders. Priority Response is a process adopted by law enforcement and dispatch teams. It means that video-verified alarms are seen by the central station as crimes in progress, and police are immediately sent to the scene.  Not only does it reinforce the value of video alarm systems, but it also benefits the entire community with: Better protection for customers; better information for law officers responding to potentially dangerous situations; fewer losses and reduced payouts for insurers and… more arrests, more consistently.

Two of the best systems we offer every day are stand alone video alarm solutions such as Videofied ( http://www.videofied.com ) and proven video analytics such as: VideoIQ ( http://www.videoiq.com ) from Avigilon ( http://avigilon.com ) that operate on both traditional digital video and IP HD surveillance systems.  These analytic additions promise not only to send timely verification clips of critical incidents for easy viewing by remote monitoring centers, but can also separate false events from real alarms.  Video systems today can automatically recognize smoke and fire; determine if a real person tripped a sensor and who that person is. 

Using VideoIQ Analytic's and Flir Cameras



    Videofied Motion Viewer Image


    This is just the beginning.  There is hardly an alarm sensor used today that cannot be verified automatically through video analytic's.  As the cost of cameras and systems continue to drop, it is only a matter of time before video analytic's become part of every intrusion alarm system.  For More information email James McDonald at jmcdonald@americanalarm.com




    27 March 2014

    12 August 2013

    AXIS P12 Network Camera Can Be Covert




    AXIS P12 Network Cameras is a series of uniquely designed cameras for exceptionally discreet surveillance.  The series comprises three models; two pinhole models:
    • AXIS P1204 and AXIS P1214, which are ideal for indoor installations
    • AXIS P1214-E, which is an IP66-rated model that can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
    The cameras provide crystal-clear HDTV 720p image quality at full frame rate. AXIS P12 cameras deliver multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 compression, which greatly optimizes bandwidth and storage needs without compromising image quality.  AXIS P12 Network Camera Series offers small-sized, high-performance cameras for exceptionally discreet indoor and outdoor surveillance. These cameras are perfect for covert installations or where a discreet and compact surveillance solution is required.



    Unique design concept:
    With their functional, discreet design and small form factor, AXIS P12 cameras enable easy integration into very limited spaces. AXIS P12 Series is ideal for discreet and covert surveillance in stores, architectural buildings, hotels, offices, banks and ATMs.

    Easy installation
    The innovative design concept of AXIS P12 Series comprises a main unit, and a separate sensor unit, enabling them to be mounted up to 8 meters (26ft.) apart. The separate sensor unit with a lens and image sensor, offers great flexibility to blend into a wide range of environments, at the same time keeping the cameras protected from tampering.

    Mounting options
    AXIS P12 Series offers a wide range of mounting options for indoor and outdoor installations. The cameras include various mounting ccessories enabling quick and easy installation. The unique form factor and small size of the sensor unit, enables flush mounting at places where a concealed application is required.

    Outdoor covert surveillance
    AXIS P1214-E is an IP66 and NEMA 4X -rated model, which ensures protection against dust, rain, snow, ice and corrosion. It can operate in temperatures from -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F). The supplied housing makes the camera suitable for discreet wall or ceiling mount, allowing an overview without being intrusive. The camera is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications and is ideal for door entrances and ATMs.

    AXIS P1204 can be mounted flat or angled on any surface, using the angled fastening bracket. The camera can also be mounted covertly behind a thin metal sheet in a doorway or an ATM.  AXIS P1214 can be mounted behind any wall, with just a small opening for the lens, or with the whole lens
    protruding from the wall.  To get  more information call me at (508) 453-2731.


    05 August 2013

    As President Reagan Said....



    "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
            - Ronald Reagan

    24 July 2013

    Vincent B. Lisi Named Special Agent in Charge of Boston Division (FROM FBI WEBSITE)


    Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named Vincent B. Lisi special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. Mr. Lisi most recently served as deputy assistant director in the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    Mr. Lisi began his career as an FBI special agent in 1989 and reported to the Washington Field Office (WFO), where he investigated violent gang and drug matters. In 2003, he was promoted to the position of supervisory special agent (SSA) in the Office of Congressional Affairs at FBI Headquarters. He returned to WFO in 2006 to oversee and support undercover operations. In September 2006, Mr. Lisi was selected to help lead the Amerithrax investigation of the September and October 2001 anthrax letter attacks. Following the completion of the Amerithrax investigation, Mr. Lisi was assigned as the legal attaché in Sana’a, Yemen, from April 2009 to July 2010.

    Mr. Lisi then returned to WFO as the SSA of an extraterritorial criminal squad. In January 2011, he was promoted to assistant special agent in charge of the Intelligence Division, with oversight of all surveillance personnel, undercover operations support, and language services.

    In January 2012, Mr. Lisi was selected as a section chief in the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters, and in August of that year, he was promoted to the position of deputy assistant director.


    Prior to his appointment to the FBI, Mr. Lisi worked as a certified public accountant.

    20 May 2013

    In response to Worcester Mass Police Department’s “Advisory-Break-Ins on the Rise”


    As an electronic security professional who grew up in Worcester and who also provides commercial and residential monitored security solutions.  I wanted to comment on the recent press release from the Worcester Massachusetts Police Department concerning the increase in residential and commercial break-ins that are up 9.7% over the first four months of this year over the same time period last year. 

    The release discussed the targets of many of these crimes have been small electronic devices.  I agree, I have also seen jewelry and cash have been taken from many of the new customers that I have sold new security systems.

    My goal is to offer my clients the best in class solutions that offer the best protection and the best evidence for law enforcement if the worst happens.  Today we can provide monitored alarms and video to better protect both residential and commercial facilities.  If you need an opinion or a recommendation, call me at 508-453-2731 anytime. 

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