ADT, the UK's leading provider of electronic fire and security solutions, is participating in an exciting new joint initiative to enhance the protection of schools in the London area. The project involves the use of Internet protocol (IP) based closed circuit television (CCTV) technology, which enables schools to be monitored from the Bromley Council CCTV control centre.
In partnership with Synetrix, a leading integration and managed services provider, and Redbridge CCTV, a leading CCTV consultancy, ADT has helped design and install enhanced movement detection CCTV at two London schools on behalf of the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) - the London schools information and broadband network. Both schools are now linked to the Bromley Council control centre and the new technology enables participating schools to be monitored from a central point for the first time.
Utilising existing high capacity broadband connections provided by Synetrix, video data can now be transmitted in real time, enabling a quicker response and improving image quality, which can help with criminal convictions. The upgraded system also provides live alarm monitoring, helping to minimize false alarms. By using the existing secure broadband capability, London schools have a cost effective way to benefit from this enhanced CCTV technology.
LGfL is a consortium of the 33 local authorities in London and it provides a filtered broadband connection, network services, a common learning platform, online content and support communities for all schools across London. The new monitoring capability is now available to all schools on LGfL. By using the broadband network when it is not being used for schoolwork, schools that participate in the scheme will have the reassurance of a system that works when it is really needed - at night, on weekends and during holidays. Intruders can be ‘followed' on screen, warned over a loudspeaker that they are being watched and reported to the Police.
John Harris, General Manager of ADT's Loughton branch, said; "Metropolitan Police figures show that London's schools reported 7,500 burglaries and 7,300 incidents of criminal damage between 2000 and 2004. With each incident costing £15,000 on average to rectify, having measures in place to help prevent crime of this sort has never been more important. Efficient monitoring significantly increases the impact of CCTV cameras and the unique system we've helped develop for schools in London makes the most of technology to achieve enhanced monitoring. One of the great achievements of this project has been the genuine partnership and co-operation between all the parties involved to make it a success."
