Although the UK government insists it is clamping down on the use of covert surveillance by councils, the Local Government Association has welcomed the announcement by the Home Secretary that councils will continue to be able to use covert surveillance under the guidance of RIPA, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.
LGA takes positive view of Home Secretary’s announcement on RIPA surveillance Read More »
Lincoln Council is looking at the possibility of cutting CCTV services to save £483,000 per year. The Conservative-led council says it needs to save £2.35 million by 2013 which could spell the end of the city’s 133 cameras.
SND editor interviewed by BBC: Save our CCTV cameras from council cuts Read More »
ComNet expands ComWorx VL product line-cost-effective smaller eight-port PoE Ethernet switch added. Leeds, UK. December 8, 2010, ComNet Europe Ltd of Leeds in the United Kingdom, a leading manufacturer of fiber optic transmission and networking equipment, has expanded its ComWorx VL line by introducing a cost-effective fiber optic, eight-port Ethernet switch for commercial security applications. The Comworx VL, CWGE2FE8MSPoE is the company’s cost-effective Managed Ethernet Switch that provides a high port density in a compact package and provides Power over Ethernet to peripheral devices such as IP cameras, video encoders, and access control equipment and is designed for use in benign environments. The all-new ComWorx VL CWGE2FE8MSPoE makes available eight 10/100TX ports and two 1000Mbps combination ports that utilize easily interchangeable ComNet small form factor pluggable (SFP) devices as optical interfaces. All eight ports support the IEE802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard. This cost-effective solution is designed to operate in environments typical for commercial security. All eight ports support IEEE 802.3af based PoE. Two ports are Gigabit-configurable for copper, or multimode or single mode optical fiber, selected by optional ComNet SFP modules. “The ComWorx™ CWGE2FE8MSPOE offers three of many very significant features,” states Steve Clarke, ComNet Europe Managing Director. “The first is IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) snooping V1/V2 for multicast filtering and IGMP Query V1/V2. Without IGMP, multicast traffic (streaming video) is transmitted to all ports within the entire network. This unnecessary traffic floods and ultimately slows the performance of the network. IGMP allows the data to be directed to a specific network address.” “The second major exclusive feature of the CWGE2FE8MSPOE is X-Ring. X-Ring technology provides a faster redundant recovery than Spanning Tree topology. The action is similar to STP or RSTP. X-Ring provides a redundant network path in the case of a failure on the network. In most cases networks that use ComNet managed Ethernet switches can, in the event of a failure, redirect the data paths allowing network restoration in less than 300 milliseconds. Lastly, ComNet is very cognizant as to the cost pressures today’s system integrator faces. That’s why the CWGE2FE8MSPOE is aggressively priced and part of ComWorx VL,” Clarke concluded. “With the introduction of the ComWorx VL CWGE2FE8MSPOE and our hardened version, the CNGE2FE8MSPOE switch, we are offering a complete solution that allows our customers to choose the right products for their application,” said Frank “Skip” Haight, ComNet VP of Marketing. “From the beginning ComNet has been known for providing some of the most durable products for use in the toughest environments imaginable. But there are applications where that durability in extreme environments might be excessive. The ComWorx VL line is a great cost-effective alternative,” Haight continued. ComNet offers an extensive line of fiber optic video and data transmission equipment as well as a line of Ethernet Network equipment that is uniquely toughened to meet the needs of the Security and Intelligent Transportation System market. Contact Frank Haight fhaight@comnet.net sales@comnet.net 001.203.796.5300 www.comnet.net
ComNet PoE switch provides peripheral device power for commercial applications Read More »
A woman in a US shopping centre was caught on CCTV at the moment she learned a harsh lesson: texting while walking is not a good idea.
Making a splash on CCTV: the security pitfalls of YouTube Read More »
A demonstration of an innovative ‘next generation’ smartphone service called eMobile awaits visitors to the MAXXESS stand at Intersec 2011. “eMobile provides a very exciting opportunity for organisations to dramatically improve the effectiveness of how they communicate with their mobile workforce,” said Lee Copland, Managing Director of MAXXESS Systems EMEA. “Visitors to Intersec will be amongst the first to see the major contribution eMobile can make ensuring that critical messages are simultaneously transmitted to an entire workforce and that any responses or requests for support are tracked.” The new smartphone critical messaging service, which has been integrated into the MAXXESS eFusion security management software platform, is designed to enhance an organization’s existing communication infrastructure by providing simultaneous connectivity to an entire mobile workforce. Emergency information, crisis management instructions, general company news and product updates can all be communicated through organization defined screens. Initially eMobile will be offered on Blackberry phones but ultimately it will also be available with Android, iOS and Windows based smartphones. The Maxxess eFusion system will offer two types of messaging services: Priority Messaging empowers an organization to communicate important information simultaneously to its entire mobile workforce. It also provides the means for individual mobile workers to directly connect to a specific department to request support by using easy to complete forms. Duress Messaging provides peace of mind for lone workers who can access the ‘Duress’ features of eMobile if they feel threatened or if they encounter any other problem as they go about their work. When the ‘Monitor Me’ feature is activated, eMobile ensures that geolocating GPS signals are sent at regular intervals to a control room. If attacked or injured, users can activate the eMobile ‘Help’ feature to summon immediate assistance by pressing a pre-programmed key on the smartphone. “The integration of the eMobile service into the eFusion platform significantly adds to an organization’s ability to respond effectively to what could be a mission critical incident,” said Lee Copland. “By interacting, for example, with the eFusion ViewPoint CCTV module, eMobile could ensure that live video of a developing incident is automatically displayed on a control room monitor.” The eMobile service also provides the facility to carry out surveys and analyze the results in real time. It may be, for example, that an organization will wish to check who might be available for overtime work on a specific day or it wants to equip its mobile workforce with an easy way of providing feedback on a new product or service. MAXXESS Systems will be on stand 2-813C in the Commercial Security & Information Security zone of Intersec 2011 which takes place 16-18th January, 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. About the company MAXXESS Systems is in the business of security management. The company has been a leader in traditional access control for decades and has enjoyed particular success over the last five years with its integrated hardware and software solutions which provide business and government with the very highest-level of security management. MAXxess Systems are installed worldwide and range from small two-door systems to large campuses with multi-buildings or multi-sites managing hundreds of doors and thousands of badges. MAXXESS software solutions enable a multitude of different types of systems to be seamlessly integrated together to ensure clients get the maximum out of their security systems, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, maximise the life of existing systems and facilitate seamless migration to new technologies. Key to the success of what MAXXESS offer through the eAXxess, eFusion and EndPoint adaptive software suites is that clients do not have to strip out existing infrastructure when implementing new technology. This does not in any way, however, limit the ability to do so in the future, when new threats or requirements evolve. MAXXESS Systems is a privately held company with its main headquarters in Anaheim, California. MAXxess Systems Europe, Ltd operates in the U.K. and services Europe, Middle East and Africa. Contacts sales@maxxess-systems.co.uk www.maxxess-systems.com
eMobile Smartphone-based security service to be launched by MAXXESS at Intersec 2011 Read More »
Industrial sites are leading the security industry in the application of detector driven CCTV monitoring. They are taking advantage of the latest BS8418 solutions, according to a recent survey conducted by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). According to survey respondents, it helps provide round-the-clock protection for industrial facilities of all types. The research found that industrial sites ranked first amongst the sectors which members of the BSIA CCTV section most frequently supplied BS8418 solutions to, ahead of motor dealerships, construction and transport. First introduced in 2003, BS8418 is the British Standard for remotely monitored, detector-activated CCTV systems. As the standard has just gone through a process of revision, the BSIA’s new survey aimed to assess installer and manufacturer attitudes towards the popularity and value of BS8418 systems and their uptake in key sectors such as industrial sites. When deployed BS8418 compliant solutions consist of cameras and detectors placed strategically around a site, linked together by specialised transmission equipment to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC). Here, operators can visually confirm what is happening, call up on-screen plans of the site and even issue verbal warnings to intruders via on-site speakers. If necessary, the RVRC operators can also alert the police who, as the incident is confirmed visually and is associated with a URN (Unique Reference Number), should provide a rapid response. Pauline Norstrom, Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV Section, comments: “Across the board, usage of BS8418 solutions has risen by 22% over the past year, which is a positive trend given their proven ability to secure large and vulnerable sites out of hours. With industrial sites facing continued threats from the theft of valuable materials and vandalism, it’s encouraging to see that the industry is embracing new technology to help it counter such risks.” “Our survey showed that over 50% of our respondents’ client base take advantage of the audio challenge capability – often referred to as talking CCTV – to warn off intruders at the earliest possible stage. The biggest perceived benefit, according to 64% of those surveyed, was the reduction in false alarms through visual confirmation. Both of these features can have clear benefits for industrial sites as many BSIA members have demonstrated through their successful work with end users across the country.” Pauline Norstrom concludes: “The BSIA would encourage those industrial sites which have not already done so to consider BS8418 solutions in any future review of their security strategy.” The BSIA has published a user guide to BS8418 systems, which can be found by visiting www.bsia.co.uk/publications and searching for Form No. 196. For more information about the BSIA and its CCTV Section, visit www.bsia.co.uk/cctv
Survey shows industrial sites more proactive in use of BS8418 CCTV Read More »
In the period 2005 to 2009, Genetec grew by an astonishing 198 per cent which it attributes to vigorous sales of Omnicast, which it calls the most advanced and scalable IP video surveillance solution on the market. Yesterday it announced that it ranked number 425 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte’s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Genetec’s chief executive officer, Pierre Racz, credits the vigorous sales of Omnicast and Genetec’s pursuit of innovative new solutions that combine advanced features and simplicity of use, for the company’s 198 percent revenue growth over the past five years. “We have achieved our recent growth primarily from our sales of Omnicast, our video surveillance system part of the Security Center, our unified security platform,” he says. “We see more accentuated growth for Genetec in the next three years from the significant traction we are getting from our unified platform combining video surveillance with access control and license plate recognition systems, as well as from the SV-16, our network security appliance.” Technology Fast 500™ recognizes innovative companies that have broken down barriers to success and defied the odds with their outstanding five-year revenue growth. “With its remarkable growth from 2005 to 2009, Genetec has earned its position among the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America and deserves our congratulations,” said John Ruffolo, National Leader, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Group, Deloitte Canada. “Deloitte is proud to honour Genetec for this accomplishment.” For additional details on the Technology Fast 500™ including qualifying criteria, visit www.fast500.com About Genetec Genetec is a pioneer in the physical security and public safety industry and a global provider of world-class IP license plate recognition (LPR), video surveillance and access control solutions to markets such as transportation, education, retail, gaming, government and more. With sales offices and partnerships around the world, Genetec has established itself as the leader in innovative networked solutions by employing a high level of flexibility and forward-thinking principles into the development of its core technology and business solutions. Genetec’s corporate culture is an extension of these very same principles, encouraging a dynamic and innovative workforce that is dedicated to the development of cutting-edge solutions and to exceptional customer care. For more information, visit genetec.com.
Genetec ranked 425th fastest growing tech company by Deloitte Read More »
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