News
Ottawa City Security
Exceeds Expectations In the more than three years since installation of the first Proactive Audio Video (PAV) System, the City of Ottawa has deployed 16 PAVs at locations throughout the city, with an accompanying dramatic drop in vandalism and trespassers at all locations where these systems are installed. "Their success in reducing vandalism, graffiti, and lost time has reduced costs by an estimated $750,000 to $900,000 a year," said Greg Dack, City of Ottawa Corporate Security Analyst. For example, the number of calls to police and city ordinance officers relating to the Cahill Park has fallen to zero since installation of the PAV in 2006. "Bob Gauvreau (Manager, Corporate Security for the City of Ottawa) gave us a challenge to address security issues in the parks," Dack said. "Effective partnership with our security integrator, SunoTech Canada Inc., allowed for the development of an innovative and cost effective solution to that challenge." How it Works Each PAV - which includes Pelco Spectra integrated dome cameras, motion detection, and loudspeakers - is programmed to turn on after-hours, when an area is closed to the public. Any motion within a defined perimeter will trigger an alarm that is then sent to the city's 24-hour Security Operations Centre. "Video security plays a vital role when it comes to alarm monitoring, as it allows us to evaluate and verify alarm events before diverting personnel," Gauvreau said. Because of the real-time, interactive nature of the system, an operator can use the camera to identify what is happening and the loudspeaker to direct the person or persons to leave. Critical Privacy Requirements To be in compliance with the Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the City of Ottawa CCTV policy, Pelco Spectra domes were the ideal choice. With Spectra, an end user can take advantage of the Window Blanking feature, which enables him to define up to eight, four-sided polygons, with sides of any length to block specific areas from view of security personnel. "The best features of the Pelco cameras for us have been the blanking feature, allowing us to accomplish what we need while still providing a high-quality image," Dack said. "The system has been able to accomplish a significant reduction in the number of calls for the sites protected, saving money and resources, and improving public confidence in the parks." With these success stories and realized savings, the city is expanding its PAV security systems, with three more planned for deployment by fall 2007. Long-term plans include additional readily deployable PAV units that can be installed in a day, within a park setting and with wireless communications capabilities, as well as a rugged portable unit. |
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