MOBOTIX, a manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based security vision systems has released details of a project at Herne Bay High School, a mixed ability Academy, with designated Sports College status, in Kent, that has benefited from long term use of MOBOTIX technology to help build and sustain a thriving educational community.
MOBOTIX, a manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based security vision systems has released details of a project at Herne Bay High School, a mixed ability Academy, with designated Sports College status, in Kent, that has benefited from long term use of MOBOTIX technology to help build and sustain a thriving educational community. Herne Bay High School is one of the largest schools in Kent with over 1500 students and 230 employees. The school had a basic analogue CCTV system since 2000 but it was limited by poor quality and limited accessibility via a single terminal in reception.
As Olly Hickmott, Strategic Director of Media, Communications and New Technologies from Herne Bay High School explains, “Our initial project requirements for a new CCTV system included ease of management, secure access for multiple members of staff, low maintenance and accurate capture of events throughout the school day and evening.” The school also needed flexibility from the system as the key intention was to move away from the CCTV system purely for security but for use as a tool for student welfare and protection.
Working closely with NCS Technology, an ICT supplier that had previously delivered highly regarded networking and computing solutions at the site, the school initially agreed on an installation consisting of just three internal and five external MOBOTIX cameras.
“There are multiple features of this system that have proved advantageous,” explains Hickmott, “Our previous CCTV system consisted of analogue cameras wired back to a DVR with a viewing station at the main reception of the school – instead the MOBOTIX solution is a fully IP based system which not only makes the installation and relocation of cameras very easy, but also means that multiple members of staff can view the system from anywhere in the school or from home via our VPN using their staff laptop or desktop rather than just the receptionist on our previous system.”
“The activity sensing technology within the MOBOTIX solution also means that rather than recording continuous footage only movement is recorded and no ‘dead time' is stored. This means that much more footage can be retained compared to our previous system that required tapes swapped every 24 hours and cycled every week - instead our new MOBOTIX solution records 24 hours a day for over a month of days.”
Hickmott says that reviewing footage is also very easy due to the search features and the automated video. “Reviewing footage on our previous system was a laborious process and often fruitless,” he adds, “the total capability of the system and the impact it has had on our school has extended beyond expectation or requirement,” says the Strategic Director of Media, Communications and New Technologies.
According to Hickmott the system is employed on a daily basis to monitor student welfare and has had a measurable impact on student behaviour. “Our student welfare team has grown from one person to three whom all have access to the system and utilise it to protect students, ensure health and safety while reducing bullying and truancy,” explains Hickmott, “our school buildings are also protected by the system reducing graffiti, vandalism and theft.
Nearly six years following installation, the school has had no failures resulting in loss of coverage and Hickmott applauds the role that NCS Technology has played, “The technical expertise, product knowledge, attention to detail, recognition of requirement combined with the friendly, ‘part of the service' ethos, ensure our school will continue to use NCS Technology as one of our core solutions providers.”