The propensity of young people to use violence has increased alarmingly in recent years and claims for damage resulting from break-ins, vandalism and theft, as well as fights and violent disputes in schools are on the growth. Numerous politicians across the globe declared themselves in favor of deploying CCTV surveillance systems. Although this is still something of a controversial topic, the technology has already been introduced by Dallmeier to the Alle school in Denmark.
The propensity of young people to use violence has increased alarmingly in recent years and claims for damage resulting from break-ins, vandalism and theft, as well as fights and violent disputes in schools are on the growth. Numerous politicians across the globe declared themselves in favor of deploying CCTV surveillance systems. Although this is still something of a controversial topic, the technology has already been introduced by Dallmeier to the Alle school in Denmark.
The Alle school in Denmark was one of the most affected schools in its community, the Fredericia local authority district. And because of this, Dallmeier and its partner SCANVIEW A/S installed a modern CCTV monitoring system.
Originally the equipment was installed with the aim of protecting against break-ins and vandalism, and so reducing the cost of damage caused. All the monitored schools exhibited a clear reduction in thefts and vandalism. Now that the system has been in service for a while both the teachers and a majority of all pupils can't imagine being without it.
A feeling of security
Just the physical presence of a surveillance camera reduces theft, vandalism and violence to a much lower level. In conversations with the school managers it was found that the teachers as well as the caretakers and the cleaning staff feel considerably safer since its installation. 1 cleaner who is sometimes on site from 4am commented, “Of course we know that if someone attacks us the surveillance cameras do not provide immediate assistance, but the Dallmeier CCTV system nevertheless gives us a feeling of security and protection.”
And this feeling is also expressed in the figures. Immediately following the system's installation damage caused by break-ins sank to 0.
An innovative, easy to use system
According to the individual needs of each education facility Dallmeier offers different recorders. All devices are high-resolution digital recording systems where the connection with external data sources or higher-level management systems is possible. Motion detection for the camera inputs is built-in. For easy installation and maintenance the devices have a removable BNC terminal board and LCD servicing and status indicators. Extensive monitoring features (dynamic fan control, external and internal temperature monitoring, voltage monitoring, etc.) ensure high operational stability and durability.
The SmartFinder, an intelligent search system for objects in the picture, enables fast and efficient analysis of the recorded data in predefined picture areas. The SEDOR technology ensures additional protection through automatic camera sabotage recognition (de-focusing, redirecting, masking and spraying).
Furthermore Dallmeier is offering vandal-resistant dome cameras, allowing the surveillance of particularly vulnerable areas. Thanks to the innovative Cam_inPIX technology the high-resolution Dallmeier color cameras provide clear, high-contrast and color-true pictures without any blooming or smearing even in the most difficult lighting conditions.
PView Software provides a practical management tool for 1or more Dallmeier recorders.
Data protection requirements always met
Data protection regulations are not breached by monitoring schools. Only the school exterior is monitored (playground, sports grounds etc.), and in any case the cameras can be turned off during the school day. Some cameras such as those monitoring the bicycle stands are set to record continuously. If no theft is reported the data are automatically over-written after a specified period.
Rights for viewing the pictures are allocated according to the pre-determined user profile. For example the on-site operator, perhaps the teacher responsible for security, has the right to view the recordings and if necessary copy footage to a DVD. This access authorization can also be set up to require that 2 people each enter their own password. This ensures that recordings can then only be viewed in the presence of, say, the head teacher or the pupil representative. Any criminal prosecution which follows is handled by the police.
Fast payback
In Denmark the local authorities footed 50% of the overall project cost, with the remainder being carried by the individual schools. In every case the system paid for itself in 15 months or less. According to Torsten Ussing, SCANVIEW's MD and the local project manager, the systems in small schools paid for themselves after only 8 months.
“We were all surprised by the more than significant decline in vandalism, break-ins and violence among the pupils. And in addition there were no more trespassers in the school yard. Of course CCTV monitoring cannot replace preventative measures for reducing violence but they can be a sensible and successful addition!”
Because of this positive outcome other local authorities have expressed interest and plans are in train for the installation of further CCTV monitoring solutions in other schools.