A custody suite places demands on systems which are very different from most security applications. It is a fast and frenetic atmosphere with the staff at the charge desk handling calls, requests, alerts, alarms, controlling points of entry and exit with the distraction of a potentially volatile and hostile environment,” said Denise Bonson, Security Access Control Administrator for Cleveland Police Headquarters. “We therefore needed a security solution which could transparently integrate our access control, intruder alarm, intercom and CCTV, to ensure that we gain maximum benefit from all the individual systems.
"A custody suite places demands on systems which are very different from most security applications. It is a fast and frenetic atmosphere with the staff at the charge desk handling calls, requests, alerts, alarms, controlling points of entry and exit with the distraction of a potentially volatile and hostile environment,” said Denise Bonson, Security Access Control Administrator for Cleveland Police Headquarters. “We therefore needed a security solution which could transparently integrate our access control, intruder alarm, intercom and CCTV, to ensure that we gain maximum benefit from all the individual systems.”
Cortech's Datalog 4 security management software is at the heart of the system installed by ADT. It provides an integrated graphics interface which provides operators with a single routine to interface with the various systems. Datalog 4 includes a facility for an alarm interface with a Vicon CCTV matrix so that images of any incident captured by any of the fifty Vicon cameras installed in the custody suite, are recorded and stored on Vicon Kollector DVRs.
The frame rate of recordings, as well as the compression method utilized by the Vicon DVRs, can be programmed to change depending on the type of alarm. For example, if there is an affray, the frame rate can automatically be increased from say 3 frames per second to 25 frames per second and at the same time the compression type can change from MPEG-4 to MJPEG, to maximize the quality of the evidence. This facility can be programmed per camera and synchronized with audio recordings. The Kollector's Quick Playback function assists operators to react to any incident by providing automatic playback of the last 30 seconds of any recording.
A communication link connected to the Vicon matrix provides automatic camera selection and when appropriate, controls the movement of PTZ cameras to pre-set camera positions. The system is further enhanced with 3D rendered graphical building and floor plans providing the operator with clear and concise locations for all alarms, intercoms and camera positions.
The cameras are a combination of Vicon mini domes and specialist in cell cameras. “The solution provided by Cortech and Vicon has proved to be highly effective,” said Denise Bonson. “It allows our operators with minimal training to efficiently control the systems employed within their custody suite, enabling them to react to incidents in an organized manner.”
The success in Hartlepool follows on from Cortech and Vicon previously working together on security systems for Cleveland Police's two other custody suites in Langbaugh and Middlesborough.