THE recent fatal accident at a level crossing in Britain, and others in various countries over the past few years, could possibly have been avoided if one or two closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been located at the crossing, linked both to the train driver's cab and to a monitoring/recording centre using wireless (GSM or 3G) connections.
Railway stations and their immediate surrounding areas have become as vulnerable as airports to vandalism, other petty crime, drug dealing and, even acts of terrorism. The devastating incidents at three stations in Madrid in March 2004 are a shocking example of unprovoked terrorist attack. CCTV has long been employed by railways, both above-ground and underground, as a means of observation and safety.
Over recent years, however, its use has steadily increased for detecting or preventing crime, whether to catch offenders "in-the-act" or as a deterrent. Modern technology, particularly digital, has led to numerous, sophisticated advances in CCTV surveillance system hardware and software components.
CCTV monitoring points in and around railway stations can be quite numerous in terms of both actual number and type, and depend on the size of the station. The strategic points where cameras may be located are decided by both the purpose of the surveillance system and the allocated budget. In general, the key requirements nowadays are based on observation and control of passenger traffic, passenger and staff safety, control of train traffic schedules, and trespassing and crime observation and prevention. These requirements and the actual monitoring locations determine the types of cameras employed.
Areas where cameras are located inside a railway station include entrances and exits, ticket machines, barrier gates, help points, stairways and escalators, and platforms. Places outside the building can be car parks, bus and taxi arrival/departure points, platform approaches, freight marshalling yards, and remote level crossings. In many cases, a station's CCTV system is linked to a police station or other emergency facility. There are also requirements for installing monitors onboard trains, such as in the driver's cab that may have a wireless link to one or more cameras located on the platform and trained on the coach doors. Cameras may also be on board, again for safety and to observe and prevent crime, with either a monitor located at the conductor's post and/or with a wireless link to an external monitor.
Camera Types
The types of camera available today and their many features are most impressive ranging from compact, fixed cameras, to direction-controllable models and high-end "intelligent" cameras. The most sophisticated cameras capture the entire dynamic range of a scene regardless of the light conditions, which is very important for poorly lit stations or unlit outside areas such as the railway track itself.
Other features, such as miniaturisation, motion detection, day/night operation, backlight compensation, dynamic noise reduction, and remote and automatic lens control, further enhance the functionality of cameras. A wide range of accessories provides choice of mounting, weather-proofing, and resistance to tampering, impacts, and hazardous substances. This latter feature is particularly relevant to stations and tracks where dust caused by trains braking can accumulate. In addition, cameras mounted in a train must be able to withstand vibration and shock, while those situated near overhead power lines need to be resistant to electrical interference.
The ultimate choice of camera depends on the job it is required to do. For example, fixed cameras are suitable for platform locations to observe passengers entering and leaving a train. Dome cameras, with pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) functions, mounted high up, are ideal for monitoring passenger flows in the station's main hall, while special, vandal-proof reinforced dome cameras should be employed in areas where criminal actions are likely to occur.
A wide range of connections, viewing, recording and storage, and control products, also strongly influenced by digital technology, is currently available to complete the CCTV chain. Solutions are available that ensure optimal end-to-end interconnection over virtually any distance, including the use of internet protocol (IP) and wireless technologies. Today's state-of-the art compact, flat-screen monitors provide high-resolution, multi-image, multi-screen displays that allow observers to view images with maximum visual information.
Digital video recorders (DVRs) have been developed that have hard disk drive capacities for up to 10 weeks of recording. Direct and remote control, image storage, and retrieval and analysis hardware and soft ware complete the digital CCTV chain to provide scalable solutions to suit virtually any size or type of application.
The area showing most promise for the future development of CCTV surveillance systems is IP. It is generally accepted by the industry that IP and Ethernet local area network (LAN)-base stallations, with their inherent advantages of scalability, flexibility, functionality and low cost of ownership are rapidly becoming the systems of choice. In many cases use can be made of an existing LAN/IP infrastructure inside a building, or even the wide area network (WAN) for longer distance reach.
Another key area where innovation in application is being implemented is video content analysis (VCA) that uses real-time and recorded images and compares them with a database. Typical applications in a railway station include static suspicious object monitoring, facial recognition, behaviour recognition and passenger traffic volume registration.
Taking the surveillance system further, there are manufacturers like Bosch Security Systems that also develop communication, fire, intrusion alarm, and access control systems. We see more integration of one or more such systems with conventional and IP-based CCTV, to provide a total, integrated security and control facility, ideal for enclosed spaces and surrounding areas such as railway stations.
Modern CCTV surveillance in railway stations and their environments has proven highly effective as safety measures and for detecting and preventing crime (with recorded images even being used as proof in court). Violence, terrorism, vandalism and accidents in and around railway stations have alerted public opinion and government alike to the need for effective security measures to protect both the interests of railways and the safety and security of their passengers.
Why use surveillance systems with CCTV?
Why would you want to use one of the surveillance systems that are available? There are many different reasons why. The systems for surveillance that work with CCTV are becoming more popular all the time because of the way that they can protect you and your property. Find out why these systems are a good idea to have.
A lot of the security systems that are available will involve the use of a CCTV or closed circuit video camera. These are used by large corporations and in private homes. They are used to monitor and record the broadcast from the cameras. This type of surveillance systems are used to help the law enforcement and security companies to keep peace and prevent any crimes for businesses and residential areas.
Over the past ten years the surveillance systems with CCTV have become more popular everywhere. These systems for surveillance were initially used in banks. Today they are an inexpensive and effective system for businesses of all types and for private homes.
Here are some of the reasons why these surveillance systems may be used at a business or in your private home.
- They are sometimes used to monitor employee behavior while at work.
- They will help you to protect your assets and recover any items that may have been stolen from you.
- These systems for surveillance have become a valuable and effective tool in fighting loss prevention, management and safety and security.
- They are also used to catch shoplifters in stores. Shoplifting is actually on the rise and these systems can help reduce that.
- Another place they are used is in parking lots to keep people and property safe. When people know they are being monitored they behave differently.
One benefit of the surveillance systems is that you can monitor it from many miles away. So this will mean that you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is being protected around the clock. When you plan to have a system for security installed it is always a good idea for you to talk to a professional and have them do it so that you know it is done right.
In the end, the final choice for dealing with surveillance systems will be up to you. Use the tips in this article to find the best course of action for handling your systems for surveillance and find yourself sleeping a little better at night.
CCTV Surveillance Systems: Investment for Safety
The tool to protect your family and business is the CCTV surveillance system. With the help of CCTV surveillance system, you are able to easily watch over your surroundings and people enter and exit from your building. CCTV Surveillance System will provide you with needed peace of mind and security.
The CCTV surveillance system essentially comprises an effective CCTV surveillance system camera that act as your eye on the outside of your premises. Though the CCTV surveillance system is not automatically a safeguard, it can prove to be a deterrent to crime and record the actions of one committing the crime.
Today you will find CCTV surveillance systems with latest functionalities like motion detection that only records footage when movement triggers the surveillance system. Additionally you will get a clear resolution. It is also equipped with night and infrared vision, meaning even with low or minimal lighting, these new surveillance systems can record images with infrared technology.
The Benefits of installing a CCTV Surveillance System are ample and unquestionable:
· It is believed that a high percentage of crimes are stopped before they ever occur because of CCTV surveillance.
· Countless crimes are solved because of this technology as spotting criminals and placing them on the scene of the crime through recorded video is easier.
· It helps in protection of your people and assets.
· It monitors, produces and processes.
· It aids in identifying dishonest employees and thieves.
· Crucially aids in intrusion detection and documentation.
· It is easier to monitor merchandise with CCTV surveillance.
· Enhances company performance and OHS
· Monitors production processes and quality control
· As well as being optimal in crime prevention and crime detection, the cost of a CCTV security surveillance system is rather inexpensive and easy to use.
· Unlike broadcast television, CCTV components are hooked directly to each other via cables or direct wireless resources.
· With amazing features that allow you to monitor separate areas of your house simultaneously with features such as: multiple channel video input, multiple channel audio input, real time display, pan/tilt/zoom, and USB backup give you everything you need to keep your house out of danger.
· Main purpose for a CCTV solution is in case of any dispute, evidence can be produced in a court of law to protect your assets and prosecute the perpetrator who has violated the law.
· A most important benefit is that CCTV surveillance offers you peace of mind as you know that your premises are protected and its gives satisfaction and peace.
Thus, with CCTV system you can invest in safety and security of your business, home, and loved ones thus leading to protection and stopping crime before it ever happens.
CCTV Surveillance Systems Monitor People Too
Many stores utilize CCTV Surveillance Systems to prevent shrinkage in the store. This shrinkage can be from either shoplifting or employee theft. What many owners of CCTV Surveillance Systems don’t realize is that the CCTV system monitor people too and can be utilized for several other ancillary tasks. These ancillary tasks provide a direct cost benefit to the organization and must be a consideration when a CCTV system is contemplated for purchase.
In today’s mobile society, one of the requisites for a successful business is having enough parking area for the customers’ vehicles. Through the utilization of a CCTV system that observes the parking area in front of the establishment, the owner can determine if there is sufficient, convenient parking for the customers. This knowledge can allow the business owner to create parking protocols for the staff to insure that there is sufficient convenient parking for customer vehicles.
The CCTV system can also be equipped with a counter to determine traffic flow. A camera equipped with a motion detector can be trained on the entrance to the store. Each time that the motion detector detects someone entering the store a counter is activated. The use of the data provided by the camera can allow the owner of the store to determine traffic count into the store. Through the utilization of this data, the store owner can adjust the amount of personnel on the sales floor to the traffic in the store. The proper amount of sales staff insures that needs of the customers can be met and the customers will provide future sales.
Staff are people and people want to look good for the boss. When the owner or manager is present, all of the staff are on their best behavior. The question arises however, what are they doing when the owner or manager is out of sight? The only answer to this is through CCTV systems. When a CCTV system is installed, areas that are not subject to shrinkage should be monitored. Storage areas, break rooms and other places in the store should be monitored to enable the owner or management to determine just what the staff is doing while they are in the office. This monitoring ability allows owner or management the opportunity to determine which employees are truly working and being productive and which employees only look good when the owner or manager is in sight of them.
CCTV Surveillance Systems prove that while a system is installed for one purpose, the system can serve other purposes. The determination of traffic flow into the store and the conduct of the sales staff while the owner or manager is not present provide additional benefits. If the sales staff knows that their actions can be observed at any time, the chances are good that they will be productive. The customers who enter the store know that they will have superior customer service when they are in the store since the store is properly staffed. These additional benefits will provide a cost savings to the owner of the store. I hope you learned something about why you need CCTV Surveillance Systems.
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