Bali CCTV - Security System

More cameras, more ways to justify cost
Since 9/11, security has been brought out of the private protection business and placed squarely into the public consciousness. Federal, state, and local governments, and all of their associated agencies, have released large amounts of money into the market for the development and implementation of devices, systems and strategies to better protect people, institutions, and all types of vulnerable infrastructure.

The first surge of funding went to first responder groups to address the communications and monitoring deficiencies brought out in the aftermath of 9/11. More recently, funding for state and city infrastructure systems has begun flowing. Many of these funding awards are for video surveillance and communications systems integrated back to central monitoring, most prominently in public transportation systems and educational institutions. Planes, trains, and automobiles, K-12 through university campuses are deploying camera systems and associated monitoring at a pace far in excess of anything that would have been normal pre-9/11.

Private No More

When the United States was thought safe and secure, CCTV cameras were deemed appropriate only for casinos, police, and roadways. Any other use would intrude on the privacy of the individual citizen.

Since 2001, that concept has turned on its ear. Where the highest camera counts were typically in the gaming and retail industries pre-2001, and analog cameras and VHS tape were the only perceived way to get high-speed, quality images, today’s increased camera counts in all other market segments have caused a massive increase in R&D for digital imaging and processing, which is quickly pushing the analog approach aside.

Camera Counts and Integration

Where we previously installed systems to identify thieves and vandals after their damage was done, now we are trying to prevent incidents from taking place at all. The net effect of this paradigm shift in protection is a drastically increased requirement for both video coverage and intelligence. The full integration of this video with other systems is also more evident now than ever before. The bottom line is the rapid shift away from the classic, analog-only CCTV solutions to digital encoding and IP or network transport over open systems connections.

The impact of all of this on the industry is tremendous. Camera counts for transit, schools, city centers, and retail have increased by 50 to 100% per installation from what would have been considered typical in the year 2000.

Table 1 is a projection of the changes in camera counts for high-profile installations in the past few years. No two jobs are alike, but the overall trend is toward increased video coverage to help in prevention of incidents, not just post-incident justice.

As camera counts mount at each installation, the requirements for storage of the digital images are growing almost exponentially, and the size and quality of the video image is also increasing. Simple CIF images at one to three frames per second will not prevent much. As a result, there is a large increase in the cost of storing and retrieving one hour of video (CSRV).

Evaluate Cost of the Entire Process

I think the CSRV metric (see sidebar) should be used to drive technologies to reduce this cost by understanding all of the components required to get the actual video image digitized, encoded, transported, stored, searched and retrieved. With this metric, you look at the entire process as the cost element, and you’re not just comparing an analog camera with an IP camera, or a DVR with an encoder with storage and a server-based recorder with video management software.

New concepts in motion detection, intelligent video analysis and new compression codecs all will impact this metric in a positive way. Capturing, analyzing and storing video only during a recognized event should drastically reduce the CSRV. Camera counts can also be reduced through the use of new IP network cameras that have better than megapixel imagers. As the image resolution increases over 1 megapixel, the field of view can be greatly increased and still maintain a high-quality image, thus potentially reducing the number of cameras required.

Shifting from Analog

Recent market projections from leading research firms predict that between 2008 and 2009 we will reach a crossover point at which more IP network cameras will be sold annually than analog cameras. This shift to IP networked cameras is a natural progression.

Once video becomes a standard digital data file sitting on a network, it also can be merged, converged, and filtered against all other kinds of data for integration into other security systems. The data can even be used for sales, marketing, and cost-reduction initiatives not usually associated with this kind of video.

Who’s Making Decisions?

The biggest change in video is in the person making the decision on what to buy and how to install it. The IT/IS group is now in the mix. As more IP-enabled devices are designed into the solutions, this group will decide just how it will be done; they will even choose the hardware and software. The security folks will still decide what and how to protect, but the choice of components will shift to the IT/IS group or security integrator.

Now that the Olympics are over, the athletes are home and sports enthusiasts who braved the crowds and long lines have left Turino. Those behind the scenes, namely security professionals, are breathing a sigh of relief and catching up on their rest, as the games went on with as they should with lots of revelry and not a single tragedy: Except of course dashed expectations from one renegade skier.

As the games in Turino become a memory, the planning for the next winter Olympics and its security protocol is already being planned for. It is no surprise, as Turino itself was a massive undertaking involving thousands of police deployed to patrol potential targets around the Olympic site. This included some 300 police on ski equipment patrolling the ski courses after closing hours and the Italian government’s option of suspending the European open-borders treaty to control borders during the games.

In addition to the athletes, some 21 heads of state, six royal families and 15 heads of government were confirmed to participate. More than a half-dozen countries, including the U.S., Britain and Israel, helped Italy prepare for this massive security effort. While Italian security forces were mostly responsible for the safety of the Olympic Games, foreign agents protecting VIP visitors were allowed to carry firearms.

Global Security Associates, a New York-based security firm specializing in providing protection for small and large events, spent months preparing for its role of providing personal protection to its clients who attended the games. Our priority for any company attending a high-profile event such as the Olympics, where the threat to their security is a possibility, is to evaluate all potential risks by evaluating and assessing the event through critical review. This includes the review of all possible scenarios and security procedures to meet each situation.

In order to prepare for the games, our security professionals spent six to eight months gathering intelligence and working with local Italian enforcement agencies, the U.S. military and the U.S. consulate. The goal was to coordinate the logistics of our personnel in and around the country. GSA was contracted to protect executives from corporations sponsoring the games from any unwanted attention for any reason. By the time we got to the games we had spent a tremendous amount of time planning and studying the area in the event something went wrong and we had to get our clients out of there.

Executive protection at the Olympic Games was necessary because companies are heavily promoting themselves to the world audience. Just the mere presence of these executives representing high profile companies at the Olympics is enticing for groups that don’t agree with their policies and may want to choose to make a statement, of any kind. This is what our security effort is all about.

Challenges in planning for an event this size included the anticipation of the crowd size, which turned out to be smaller and more peaceful than anticipated. The protests that did take place were nonviolent and held far from the venues, but advance planning needed to accommodate any scenario. On the ground, GSA supported its agents in the field with satellite and internet communications and updates that were being supplied via the cooperating security agencies. In the U.S. we were closely monitoring and relaying information to our field assets so there wasn’t a moment they were not able to be in contact with us through full support of our command center here.

As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are just over two-years away, more than 30 experts from China and the U.S. have already held discussions at a symposium entitled, “Olympic Security: Preparedness and Response,” where Wang Wei, vice president of the Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee addressed the meeting by saying, “the event has so far entered a new stage with all works proceeding.” While the total cost of the security effort for the Torino games is still being calculated, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics cost the U.S. $310 million and Beijing officials are promising the 2008 Games will be safely assured through high technology being specifically designed for the Games.

About the author: William McGuire is president and CEO of Global Security Associates, LLC. McGuire has over 15 years experience in the commercial aviation security industry and is the former vice president of Virgin Security Services of Virgin Atlantic Airlines. He is also a member of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), National Cargo Security Council (NCSC) and the International Association for Counter-Terrorism & Security Professionals (IACSP). As an executive protection specialist, McGuire has implemented the security details for noted events and people from all areas of the world.

By NATHANIEL HERNANDEZ
Associated Press Writer

Going to the bank has never been easier, but the convenience of having a teller on virtually every street corner here has also given potential robbers more choices to pick from.

Competition for customers is driving bank expansion throughout the country, fueling the push for extended and increasingly irregular banking hours. Many consumers can now apply for a home equity loan on a Sunday night at the same place where they buy their groceries.

“If a new bank moves into a market, all the other banks take notice and will work to adopt any changes that bank may have because of competitive concerns,” said John Hall, spokesman for the Washington D.C.-based American Bankers Association.

And while hold ups are not a new problem for the banking industry, enacting security changes to deter potential robbers can be challenging when consumers expect more access instead of less.

“Banks are kind of caught between a rock and a hard place,” said J. Branch Walton, president of the National Association for Bank Security, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “As you make a business easier to access for customers, at the same time you could be making it easier for robbers.”

Nationally, there were fewer bank robberies in the U.S. last year. But figures provided by the Chicago area FBI office show that the number of hold ups here have been on the rise for several years, which culminated with a record 238 hold ups in 2005.

The increase has coincided with a Chicago area bank building boom that has outpaced the rest of the country, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

“There’s just more targets out there for bank robbers to hit,” FBI spokesman Frank Bochte said.

Industry observers say the market in Chicago is among the most fragmented in the country. “There’s just dozens and dozens of banks competing in the market,” said Morningstar analyst Craig Woker.

The rise in robberies has led some banking executives to evaluate their security measures. Finding the right balance between security and convenience is difficult.

One high-tech deterrent, a vestibule that tellers can lock as an offender tries to escape, was disabled at a bank in a predominantly black neighborhood in Chicago after community activists protested the so-called “mantrap” doors in 2004, said Tom Kelly, a spokesman for J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

“We try to use the right level of security, which is based on each individual branch,” he said, adding that tellers at some Chase banks now work behind bullet-resistant glass.

Nova Comm Security Systems, Inc. has manufactured mantrap doors for banks in Florida, Detroit, Beverly Hills, Calif., and other U.S. cities. Their units feature a metal detector that screens customers for weapons before they can enter the bank.

Doug Mac, business manager for the Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico-based company, said consumers have expressed very little opposition to Nova Comm’s products.

“In most areas, if you educate the customer and the staff right way and let them know that this is there for their protection, they understand that,” Mac said. “There’s a lot of these units in Philadelphia and you basically have customers helping other customers learn how to use them.”

Some banks are also restricting what customers wear.

After several of its 33 branches were hit by the same ski-mask wearing robber, West Suburban Bank installed signs asking customers to remove their hats, hoods and sunglasses. The Lombard, Ill.-based company says a similar program in Missouri reduced the number of robberies in participating banks by 40 percent.

“There’s a buzz. Employees are paying more attention to those people that come in with hats and hoods,” West Suburban Vice President Craig Kelbus said.

Federal authorities are still analyzing data for 2005, but preliminary figures show that there were 6,800 bank robberies in the U.S. That’s fewer than in 2004, when there were 7,556 robberies, or 2003, when 7,465 bank robberies were reported in the U.S.

“The funny thing is there is no rhyme or reason” to the fluctuating numbers, FBI spokesman Steve Kodak said. “If you would go back and look at the numbers for the last 20 years, you’d see it goes up and it goes down. There’s no specific trend.”

One of the biggest decreases was in the Los Angeles area, the “bank robbery capital of the world.”

There were 455 robberies recorded there in 2005, the fewest in decades, said Laura Eimiller, a spokeswoman for the FBI’s Los Angeles office. The Los Angeles area typically records between 500 and 700 bank robberies a year, she added.

In 1992, there were more than 2,600 robberies in Los Angeles. “Since then, we have declined steadily,” Eimiller said.

She attributed the decrease to tougher sentencing laws, increased collaboration between federal and local police departments and new security devices.

The Miami area also saw a significant drop last year, but FBI Miami spokeswoman Judy Orihuela said that is partly due to changes in how robberies are reported.

The FBI’s Miami office recorded only 94 bank robberies in 2005, down from 248 in 2004 and 178 in 2003.

“There could be others that the locals didn’t report to us,” Orihuela said.

Banking officials say most bank robbers usually net a few thousand dollars, at the most. The real harm comes in the form of reputational damage.

“It’s not about the money,” Hall said. “A bank’s number one concern is the safety of its staff and customers.”

Geoff Kohl, editor
SecurityInfoWatch.com

Ever since the Dubai Ports World deal (or Dubai fiasco, according to many), our congressional representatives have been up in arms about the potential that a “dirty bomb” could sneak through the supposedly wide-open doors of our ports and into the hands of a terrorist intent on attacking America.

Thus, they’ve been busy, especially with HR4954, the “SAFE Port Act”, a bill which the House passed on Thursday. The SAFE Port Act, which at one point included an amendment that would have required almost 100 percent of cargo containers to be screened for potential nuclear threats, is primarily a funding and oversight bill for port security. Like most bills coming out of Congress, it isn’t going to spell out technologies that have to be employed, but rather looks at the documentation and oversight that port security must face.

The 421-2 approval of the SAFE Port Act at least was noticed by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), a group of executives from powerful retailers. That group said it applauded the SAFE Port Act’s efforts to shore up supply chain security; the group had earlier come out strongly against mandatory cargo screening with what it called unproven technologies.

The bill still requires the ramping up of cargo screening, but does not make a mandatory push with technologies spelled out since the removal of the Markey amendment, which would have done just that.

While we’re on the topic of ports, we tend to think of perimeter security as fencing topped with some barbed wire and long-range cameras, perhaps even with infrared capabilities. In Los Angeles, port perimeter security will soon include a 5,000-foot floating barricade (another 5,000-foot section will also be delivered to its sister port in Long Beach). The L.A. Port has been hardening itself with much gusto lately, and has budgeted for a new surveillance system, bought two patrol boats, and performed a feasibility study on a cargo container screening system. What’s obvious when looking at a port like Los Angeles is that improvements in port security don’t happen slowly because port officials are dragging their heels or are lacking motivation or not seeing the threats. It’s the money, quite obviously. Ports that have the TSA grant moneys (like L.A.) are going to harden themselves rapidly, while the others are going to be dragged into the process because they aren’t getting the funding.

Convergence … in Events

Over in the world of alarm systems and equipment installations, Reed Exhibitions announced this week that it would be co-locating ISC East and its New York Infosecurity event at the Javits Center on Oct. 24 and 25, 2006. Scott Temple, the vice president for InfoSecurity New York, said that “while the marriage between physical and information security may be in its infant stages,” the show’s IT attendees will benefit from being able to see the rapidly developing physical security technologies that will soon converge upon their networks. Maybe it’s also a place to find that network savvy tech guy you need for your integration or dealer company…

The merger of physical security and IT security isn’t a new idea. SecureWorld Expo has been doing something rather similarly for IT and physical security end users for the last two years with its ST&D Convergence track.

Brink’s Aims at Businesses

Brink’s wants to take the name recognition that it has developed in the residential alarm system space and push that strength into commercial space. When the company announced its Q1 revenues earlier this week (revenues were quite strong at $663.6 million), the company also issued a notice that it had formed Brink’s Business Security, a division which would handle all their business alarm system and monitoring accounts. The move is quite similar to what has already happened at ADT, which has made a strong name for itself in both its residential alarm monitoring and its business installation and integration services.

Where to Look for the Money

Versed in Asian languages? Ready to do some flying? Understand the world of securing airports? If so, sharpen up your resume and business pitch. There’s new indication that the big growth for airport security may be coming from Asia, according to research from Frost & Sullivan. The research company reports that it is estimated that “China will construct 108 new airports in the next five years, for a total of 240 by 2010.” The research company said the Chinese growth is being reflected elsewhere on the continent, with most airport construction in the area coming from new facilities, not simply upgrades of existing facilities. If your company knows airports, don’t miss this opportunity.

Multi-Factor Authentication at the Bank

Citibank has recognized the benefit of a third identification element and, no, they’re not looking at biometrics. The financial institution turned to a USB token for online banking authentication for its business clients. The tokens dynamically generate an additional passcode, which is used in conjunction with the user’s username and password. By going to the token format, Citibank says it should be able to stymie the efforts of spyware and keyloggers.

Associated Press WorldStream
via NewsEdge Corporation

WASHINGTON_U.S. mass transit systems should remain alert against possible terror attacks, the Homeland Security Department said in a new warning that highlighted suspicious activity at unnamed European subway stations last fall.

Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said Wednesday there is no specific or credible intelligence to indicate U.S. transit systems are being targeted.

He described the notice, sent Tuesday, as a routine reminder for transit authority operators, state security advisers and police to remain on guard.

At issue were two incidents last November of what the notice described as a foreign man who was arrested in an unnamed European city after videotaping the interior and exterior of several subway cars and stations, including trash cans and stairwells.

The man taped nearly 17 minutes of subway pictures, the notice said, but “the camera contained no footage of tourist sites.” Three other people were later arrested for similar activity, the notice said.

The incidents “prove indications of continued terrorist interest in mass transit systems as targets, and potentially useful insights of the terrorists’ surveillance techniques,” said the notice, a copy of which was read to The Associated Press.

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Intruder Alarms

Can alarms cope with pets?

Yes, alarms now have pet immune sensors. Our engineers will advise the best way of doing this when we assess your property.

Can smoke detection be incorporated into monitored alarms?

Yes, all new systems can have a fire zone indicator with a different sound tone to the normal alarm tone.

Can alarm systems include panic buttons?

Yes, they can include fixed or portable panic buttons, which are invaluable if there is an intruder in the house.

Who chooses the four digit code for the alarm panel?

You can – it’s not factory set and can be changed at any time.

How do I turn my alarm off?

Whenever you re-enter your house, your alarm will bleep. Just enter the code and it will switch off.

Can I set the alarm at night?

Yes, and we always advise you do. We will program the system to include only those areas of the premises that you want protected and exclude others for the ‘night’ setting. It is more disturbing to be burgled when you are asleep that when you are out of the house!

What happened if my alarm goes off?

The alarm will ring for a pre-programmed length of time before silencing and re-alarming itself. All you need to do is enter the code to stop it.

What happens if my neighbours just ignore my alarm?

We can link your alarm to your telephone line so that it calls your mobile, your office, your relatives, or a central monitoring station. That means someone is always alerted if there is a problem.

How will I know if my alarm has gone off whilst I’ve been away?

When you return an external strobe light will be flashing on the box to warn you that there may potentially be danger in the house. Also, the keypad will bleep differently to normal when you open the door.

Will the police automatically respond if a DIY alarm is going off?

No, they will only attend if the alarm is professionally fitted with a signalling device.

Can I regain my police response?

Yes, by upgrading your system to be DD243 compliant, please contact us for more information.

Do I have to change any batteries in a wired system?

No. All our alarms have rechargeable batteries. Our engineer will check these annually as part of the service agreement and change them when necessary.

Are wireless alarms any good?

It depends which one you get. They can be prone to false alarm from rogue frequencies. However, professionally supplied wireless alarms are far superior to those available in DIY stores and our engineers can detect rogue frequencies and test signal strengths, this minimising false alarms.

The sensors tend to be slightly larger as they must incorporate a decent sized battery, but you do have the advantage of taking it with you if you move house.

How long is my alarm guaranteed for?

All our alarms are guaranteed for the first year following installation – that includes parts and labour charges as a result of faulty equipment or workmanship. We also offer an extended five year warranty if you wish.

Do you service alarms that you haven’t installed?

This may be possible. It depends on the alarm system you have. Our engineers would need to discuss this with you before we can agree an annual service and maintenance plan.

If so, email us your question.

Digital surveillance is now recognized as an essential element for security in applications of all types. Homes, stores, offices and industrial/institutional facilities can all benefit from the ease of management and access provided by digital security surveillance (also known in the industry as DSS).