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The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO) - the pioneering global organization for security professionals in Higher and Further Education - has celebrated the outstanding achievements of its members with the announcement of the winners of its prestigious 2025 Annual Awards. This year marked a record-breaking number of submissions across all award categories, highlighting the exceptional work being carried out on university campuses both in the UK and around the world. The winners were unveiled during a Gala Dinner on the final evening of the AUCSO Annual Conference, held at The Slate, University of Warwick. Winners The winners recognized for their exceptional work are: AUCSO Security Officer of the Year Winner: Peter Goddard, University of Exeter Highly Commended: Tom Meridith, University of Staffordshire This award recognizes an outstanding security professional whose exceptional dedication, technical expertise, and infectious enthusiasm have made a significant impact on both the security team and the wider university community. As a subject matter expert in CCTV and SafeZone, Peter has enhanced operational capabilities through innovation and initiative. Peter’s approachable nature and proactive engagement have greatly enriched the student experience, while his role as a training instructor has extended his influence on staff, students, and the local community. A true role model, Peter continuously go above and beyond, inspiring colleagues and setting a high benchmark for professionalism and excellence in campus safety. AUCSO Security Team of the Year Winner: Oxford Brookes University Highly Commended: Northumbria Security Team This award celebrates a truly exceptional team whose unwavering commitment to safety, proactive crime prevention, and outstanding professionalism have made a profound impact on their university community. By organizing over 120 awareness events on topics such as personal safety, online scams, and violence against women, launching a 24/7 helpline and online reporting tools, and building strong relationships with students and staff, the team at Oxford Brookes have greatly enhanced campus safety and trust. The team’s courageous and coordinated response to a serious firearm threat demonstrated remarkable composure and collaboration under pressure, ensuring the safety of all without disruption. Their partnership work with Thames Valley Police, Oxford City Council, and local charities further exemplifies their dedication - and their efforts were rightfully recognized with the 2024 National Acquisitive Crime Reduction Award for Exceptional Team. AUCSO Security Manager of the Year Winners: Lorna Wallington, University of York & Russell Wardle, Edinburgh Napier University This year’s award recognizes not one, but two outstanding and dynamic Security Managers whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have set new standards in campus safety. Lorna began her career in the department in an administrative role, where she played a pivotal role in professionalizing operations. She introduced systematic auditing and training improvements, raised the team’s profile, and became the lead for the SafeZone safety app. Recognizing the team's strong performance, Lorna also identified strategic opportunities for further development, including rebranding the department’s uniform, fleet, and name to better reflect its evolving identity. As manager of the award-winning control room team, Lorna successfully led on a range of high-profile events, collaborating with multiple agencies to ensure seamless coordination and safety. Her leadership and vision earned her a promotion to Head of Campus Safety, where she has already made a significant impact—transforming the approach to protest management and student recruitment, and championing initiatives that have led to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Russell played a key role in the implementation of the SafeZone app, focusing on modernizing the university’s approach to safety and delivering a more efficient system for providing immediate support to staff and students. This innovation not only enhanced campus safety but also delivered significant cost savings for the university. At a time when resources were under considerable strain, Russell introduced meaningful improvements to student safeguarding. His initiatives helped reduce the risk of crime and ensured that survivors of incidents felt supported and reassured, with instant assistance available whenever needed. Together, Lorna and Russell’s achievements exemplify exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to safety and inclusivity. AUCSO Initiative of the Year Winner: Community Safety Team & Others, University of Birmingham Highly Commended: Julie Susel, University of Reading This award recognizes an outstanding initiative that exemplifies effective partnership working between the university and local police to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Through a dedicated six-month secondment, the team embedded themselves within the university community, forging strong collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Guild of Students. Their proactive engagement led to the development of innovative awareness-raising activities, such as the Welcome Week VAWG marquee, and involvement in the Guild’s ‘Not On’ campaign. By building trust and opening new communication channels, the initiative significantly increased student confidence in university and police efforts to address VAWG. Furthermore, the team’s support within the Safe and Well Partnership and the Report and Support platform has been instrumental in guiding victims and staff through police procedures, enhancing the overall response to incidents and reinforcing a culture of safety and support. Bill Blythe Award Adrian Dennehy, Cardiff Metropolitan University The Bill Blythe Award is named after the first recognized Chair of AUCSO who worked at the University of Liverpool. This award for outstanding service to the industry was awarded to Adrian Dennehy of Cardiff Metropolitan University. Adrian has been awarded this honor in recognition of his outstanding dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to AUCSO and the wider Higher Education security community. With a wealth of experience gained from his military background and academic achievements, Adrian brought a strategic, forward-thinking approach to campus safety and student wellbeing. Since joining the association, he has taken on numerous voluntary roles with passion and purpose - ranging from Regional Chair to business leads on car parking, criminal exploitation, and benchmarking. His efforts have shaped national conversations, supported member institutions, and strengthened AUCSO’s presence both online and across regions. Tirelessly stepping up where needed, including managing social media, briefing politicians, and ensuring financial accountability as a trustee, Adrian has left a lasting legacy. His absence from the Executive having stepped down, is deeply felt, a testament to the immense impact he has made. Risks and challenges Commenting on the winners, says: AUCSO Chair, Oliver Curran said: "We’ve received some truly outstanding nominations from University Security Teams, both across the UK and internationally. Each submission highlights the diverse risks and challenges these teams face daily, as well as the exceptional professionalism and innovation they bring to keeping their communities safe." "The shortlisted entries exemplify unwavering dedication, integrity, and passion. Every one of them would have been a worthy winner, and they stand as a true credit to our profession.” Incredible achievements AUCSO Chief Operating Officer, Julie Barker, added: “The Awards Gala Dinner is always a highlight of our year - a truly special evening where we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members." "As Ollie mentioned, every nomination was deserving of recognition, and we hold deep respect for the outstanding actions and impact of our winners. Their exceptional dedication to the sector continues to inspire us all.”

SightLogix, a pioneer in intelligent outdoor security solutions, has announced dual-spectrum AI for its dual-sensor SightSensor product series.  This new capability integrates thermal and visible AI validation, providing unmatched, real-time intrusion detection that minimizes false alarms. Reliable and immediate awareness is mandatory for high-performing perimeter security solutions in critical infrastructure and commercial remote video monitoring applications. Edge-based intelligence The dual-spectrum AI capability uses visible and thermal AI false alarm filteringThe dual-spectrum AI capability for dual-sensor SightSensor cameras uses visible and thermal AI false alarm filtering, which correlates image detection from both thermal and visible video in real-time to validate threats.  Built-in AI processing and analytics, more commonly known as “edged-based processing,” from visible and thermal sensors provide the highest levels of accuracy within a singular camera that excels in total darkness, optimal lighting, and any weather, including fog, rain, or extremely harsh conditions. Precision in security “Dual-spectrum AI significantly enhances security operations by instantly distinguishing real threats from environmental noise, ensuring highly accurate detection and reliable alarms. Customers can be confident that their security teams are only responding to real threats improving efficiency and increasing profitability,” states Babak Shir, vice president of engineering, SightLogix. “With the AI operating entirely within the camera, there is reduced network bandwidth demand, eliminating the need for additional servers, thus lowering overall system costs.” Enhanced AI Security The new dual-spectrum AI capability is a free firmware upgrade for existing SightSensor HD and SightSensor TC4 cameras, ensuring seamless integration for commercial and critical security applications.

The UK manufacturer of low-latency, high-performance, plug-and-play live video streaming solutions, Vemotion Interactive, has designed the latest version of the Polecam camera to provide fast, ultra-reliable rapid deployment surveillance, in combination with extended Return on Investment (ROI).  Plug-and-play set-up With its fast ‘plug and play’ set-up, the new Polecam provides installers with the ultimate ‘ready-to-go’ deployable camera solution that easily integrates into existing CCTV systems via a choice of built-in 4G or 5G network transmission. Negating the need for hard-wired video transmission infrastructure, the new Polecam provides real-time live and recorded HD video, whilst saving on installation engineering set-up time and costs, to provide far-reaching ROI for surveillance system operators.  High-quality CCTV surveillance Polecam can revolutionize how, where, and when end-users can deploy camera coverage - beyond the reach The ideal rapid deployment security and management surveillance tool, the new Polecam can revolutionize how, where, and when end-users can deploy camera coverage - beyond the reach of fixed cable networks. This economical flexibility of choice enables organizations to tackle such issues as public safety, crime prevention, antisocial behavior, special operations observation, event management, public order, fly-tipping, highway control, and construction site protection. In addition, with its high-specification integrated camera, PC, mobile network modem, and high-gain antennae, the new Polecam can be deployed anywhere instant high-quality CCTV surveillance is required. Maximizing ROI  When developing the new Polecam, Vemotion designers drew on years of rapid deployment camera technical expertise to make the new Polecam even more simple and economical to deploy.  Local government statistics and studies in the UK consistently show that surveillance cameras contribute to improvements in public safety and improved response times for law enforcement agencies. Over many decades, CCTV cameras have proven to be an effective tool for monitoring public spaces, preventing crime, and supporting quicker police responses; improving outcomes and positively impacting the economic performance of areas under surveillance.  Operational intelligence The ROI of the new Vemotion Polecam deployable camera is exponentially increased versus that of traditional Without the constraints and expense associated with traditional camera cable networks, the ROI of the new Vemotion Polecam deployable camera is exponentially increased versus that of traditional hard-wired cameras. By affording operators and councils the advantages of camera surveillance, without the confines of a permanent camera installation or the restraints of access to a cabled network, the freedom to locate surveillance at any required location greatly enhances operational intelligence and effectiveness.  Deployment flexibility  With its on-board storage, video from the new Polecam can be transmitted via any mobile network/SIM card. This enables instant deployment and easy set-up, along with maximum flexibility in the choice of SIM card cost and signal strength available in the specific area where the camera is to be deployed. This enables operators to select a SIM and network carrier that offers the best data speeds and most stable connection, and in the event of a network outage, Polecam’s onboard recording ensures high-quality evidential video is available for download when the mobile network recovers. Enhance crime detection and prevention. End-users can enjoy the advantages of economical high-performance camera surveillance, regardless of camera location In these terms, the deployment of Polecam can be utilized to enhance crime detection and prevention, conviction rates, and savings in public resources; while increasing public safety and its many associated economic benefits.  By employing Vemotion’s Polecam with its unrestricted video transmission and location capability, end-users can enjoy the advantages of economical high-performance camera surveillance, regardless of camera location requirement. Evidential quality live and recorded video “The new Polecam can make a dramatic difference to on-the-ground management, security, or police teams, supporting them to deliver successful outcomes,” says Steve Haworth, CEO at Vemotion. “As incidents rarely happen where it’s convenient, we’ve designed the new Polecam to perform faultlessly and deliver its high-definition, evidential quality live and recorded video wherever it's required and whatever the deployment conditions may be. It has proved time and again to be the ideal solution to easily extend the reach of camera surveillance beyond that of hard-wired CCTV networks – and bring the associated benefits of camera surveillance to wherever it is required, not just where it can be deployed.” 

Digital Projection is debuting an all-new video wall designed exclusively for residential applications at CEDIA Expo 2024. Systems integrators can now offer their high-end clientele an exciting imaging solution that brings large-scale visuals to life. Featuring 4K resolution, HDR support, REC 2020 color space, high contrast, Wi-Fi connectivity, and seamless integration with third-party control systems, Digital Projection’s groundbreaking Radiance Home LED Video Wall delivers exceptional video performance along with all the advantages of a cutting-edge home entertainment system. New Radiance Home video Systems integrators can see Digital Projection’s Radiance Home video wall at CEDIA Expo 2024 As always, Digital Projection provides its white-glove design and installation service, enabling dealers to execute Radiance Home projects with confidence and efficiency. Systems integrators can see Digital Projection’s Radiance Home video wall at CEDIA Expo 2024, Booth #2108. At CEDIA Expo 2024, Digital Projection broadens its micro and dvLED video wall offerings with the introduction of a line designed exclusively for residential applications. The new Radiance Home video wall gives Digital Projection dealers a compelling new large-scale imaging solution to offer their luxury home clients. Demand for video walls “LED video walls have long been a staple of commercial projects, but are relative newcomers in residential spaces. That’s because most solutions have been designed specifically for commercial environments,” says Digital Projection Senior Executive, George Walter. He adds, “Demand for video walls optimized for home environments is escalating at an incredible rate, so we took the initiative this year to develop one of the first video walls engineered and designed exclusively for residential applications.” Cutting-edge design and technology Radiance Home incorporates cutting-edge design and technology to streamline deployment Purpose-built for high-end home applications, Radiance Home incorporates cutting-edge design and technology to streamline deployment, support common residential applications, and meet the imaging demands of discerning residential clientele.  Built into this revolutionary LED video wall are technologies and controllers to enable fast configuration of user-defined presets, Wi-Fi connectivity and integration with third-party control systems. Support of HDR (high dynamic range), 4K resolution, and REC 2020 Color Space along with a special optical coating for higher contrast optimizes the image quality. Digital Projection’s design Whether an AV integrator is specifying an LED video wall for a high-end home theater or a projection system for a multi-purpose media space, Digital Projection has the right products for the application, backed by legendary dealer service and support.  Through Digital Projection’s white-glove design and installation service, systems integrators can tackle even the most complex residential projects quickly and confidently.

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (Toshiba) announces its next-generation S300 Pro Surveillance Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), targeting the latest requirements in the surveillance storage market. With capacities up to 10TB and double the buffer size, the upgraded HDDs with conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology enable surveillance system integrators, system installation providers, and end users to record, store, and analyze their video streams from up to 64 high-definition (HD) cameras. S300 Pro Surveillance HDDs The highly scalable, 3.5-inch S300 Pro Surveillance HDDs, with capacity options of 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, and 10TB, support up to 24 bays, making them an excellent fit for large-scale video recording systems, delivering reliable operation even in the most demanding environments. Additionally, compared to the previous generation, the new S300 Pro provides a higher maximum sustained transfer speed of 268MiB/s and doubles the cache buffer size to 512MiB. The S300 Pro HDDs also reduce power consumption, delivering improved total cost of ownership (TCO). Key upgrades The next-generation S300 Pro’s extended warranty period, from 3 to 5 years, demonstrates Toshiba’s durability With 24/7 operation, an enhanced annual workload of 300TB, and a mean time to failure (MTTF) of up to 1.2 million hours, the S300 Pro can handle the increasing video analysis demands of mission-critical surveillance footage. The next-generation S300 Pro’s extended warranty period, from 3 to 5 years, demonstrates Toshiba’s high durability and engineering quality of its HDDs. Performance, durability, and 24/7 reliability "Specially optimized for large-scale video surveillance operations, where advanced video analytics, face recognition, and editing are mission-critical features, Toshiba’s next-generation S300 Pro delivers enhanced performance, durability, and 24/7 reliability," says Larry Martinez-Palomo, Vice President, Head of Storage Products Division, Toshiba. He adds, "The next-generation S300 Pro Surveillance HDDs demonstrate Toshiba’s commitment to continuously collaborate with industry-renowned video surveillance system manufacturers and empower our partners and customers to benefit from our range of high-quality Surveillance HDD portfolio." The next-generation S300 Pro Surveillance HDDs will be available in CQ4 2024.

Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, together with Ruijie and Reyee in celebration of the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament will be hosting their interactive football competition. Samsung 55” 4K TV Players will have the chance to win the star prize of a Samsung 55” 4K TV, together with weekly competitions and other prizes worth hundreds of pounds in vouchers. Back in April, Mayflex scored a partnership with Ruijie Networks, a global manufacturer of Wired and Wireless network infrastructure products and solutions. Wireless technology Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director, commented, "If your goal is to install the latest in wireless technology then the Ruijie Reyee brand provides a winning solution." He adds, "We’ve had a great response to the launch so far with good interest from our customer base and some great feedback already from customers that have purchased the products, particularly around the simplicity of setting them up." Two online interactive football games Ross McLetchie continued, "Football is close to the hearts of many of the Mayflex associates and customers, so we are delighted to be running two online interactive football games during the tournament." He adds, "The first is where you simply need to control the goalie to catch as many Reyee Access Points & footballs as possible to score points, while avoiding the red cards, which deduct points from your total score. The second game is all around predictions of different aspects of the games."  Limited edition branded football Ross further said, "We are encouraging everyone to take part in both games and play as much as possible throughout the tournament to increase their number of entries to win the star prize, which will be drawn at the end of the tournament." He concludes, "With several other prizes also up for grabs throughout the tournament, there’s plenty of opportunity to score a win with Mayflex and Ruijie and Reyee and we will also give the top 100 players across both games a Mayflex Ruijie and Reyee's limited edition’ branded football."

With shoplifting up, 21% in 2022, Peter Jackson, managing director of Jacksons Fencing explores how retail businesses can better protect their premises from opportunistic thieves. We think of shoplifting as people walking out of a store, pockets bulging with unpaid-for goods. However, in town centers and retail parks, the rear doors of shops and delivery areas can be an opportunity for theft on a much grander scale. Thefts and break-ins It’s not uncommon for thefts to be perpetrated from pallets or cages that have been unloaded off lorries and are waiting to be moved into the building. After-hours break-ins are a risk for all store owners, particularly over the festive season when a lot of high-value stock has been delivered to shops and supermarkets, ready for sale. Unfortunately, some retail locations can also attract anti-social behavior. For instance, in Derby, an Aldi supermarket invested in security fencing to protect staff and deter groups from hanging around outside the store, leaving litter, and disturbing the peace. Addressing security compromise  At the time the additional fencing was seen as an “essential measure” to protect the community The supermarket chain said, “dangerous and disturbing” items were often found outside the store, including weapons and hypodermic needles. Aldi bosses said at the time that the additional fencing was seen as an “essential measure” to protect the community. At locations like this all over the country, if security is compromised, there can be disruption to business, property damage, and even harm to staff and customers. So how can physical security solutions such as fencing and gates help better protect retail establishments such as supermarkets and edge-of-town retail park shops, as we head into the festive season? Taking practical steps to stop theft and damage of retail property  Different levels of security will be required for different parts of a retail site. Start by establishing potential weak spots and ensure they’re protected. Identifying the areas most likely to be targeted allows for ‘target hardening’, where physical security gets ‘harder’ the closer to the target it gets. Perimeter security Effective perimeter security for these sites should be specified in line with the potential threats, the site itself, and its topography. One of the key challenges when establishing security fencing for retail sites is deterring intruders while making access easy for customers and staff. What’s needed is fencing that isn’t too austere in appearance, but does a good job of shielding external parts of the site from harm and intrusion. Sliding gates, noise-reducing barriers Measures should e taken to reduce noise pollution in surrounding areas, and control access during times Supermarkets, in particular, represent the end of the supply chain and need to be protected from theft. Measures should also be taken to reduce noise pollution in surrounding areas, and control access during times when the shop is closed to the general public, but delivery vehicles still need to be on the site. One solution is to install sliding gates and noise-reducing acoustic barriers around supermarket delivery areas. Timber fencing, traffic barrier Another challenge is minimizing the attention drawn to a site with potentially high-value stock inside. Security fencing can sometimes make a site more of a target and attract unwanted attention. If the site is close to residential areas, it’s also important to avoid an imposing presence that may negatively impact its surroundings, and put people on edge. Adding timber fencing and a traffic barrier to car parks can make the site secure while still inviting shoppers while delaying any quick vehicle getaways in the event of shoplifting. Slowing traffic in car parks also helps to keep pedestrians safe. The importance of an integrated approach to security There is no single solution when it comes to securing a building, be it a shop, a factory, or a place of worship. Every situation must be considered individually, starting with a full risk assessment. We recommend an integrated approach to retail property security where appropriate. Along with a secure perimeter, this might also include effective lighting in shaded areas and at doors, gates, and shop windows, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), and well-placed CCTV. These measures can hinder entry and escape, or increase the chance of discovery and detection. Property assessment Commercial properties, including shops and supermarkets, have become increasingly vulnerable While domestic burglaries have become less attractive as many of our homes are occupied around the clock, commercial properties, including shops and supermarkets, have become increasingly more vulnerable. UK law enforcement teams are stretched to capacity. Therefore, it has never been so important for retail building owners and facilities managers to assess the properties they’re responsible for to ensure they’re protected effectively in the event of a burglary or criminal damage. Tested and certified products When specifying security products for retail sites, it is good practice to use products tested and certified to a security level. Every element should be tested and certified to risk-appropriate industry standards for a specific purpose and sourced from ISO 9001:2015 accredited manufacturers. Retail crime on the up Usdaw, the retail workers’ union, has reported that shoplifting is up 21% this year, citing the cost of living crisis as the main reason for the rise. While more help from the Government to support retail workers and the businesses shoplifters target is certainly needed, boosting practical security measures can go a long way to deterring these kinds of crimes in the first place. On-site security The right fencing, supported with CCTV, good lighting, and guarding, can dramatically improve security for a wide range of retail sites, from e-commerce warehouses right through to supermarkets, and everything in-between. With all sectors preparing to ride the rapids of recession in the coming year, improving on-site security is one surefire way to protect your business, and your people, from harm.

The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR as it is more commonly known, is a privacy and data protection law within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Despite opting to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom (UK) also uses the UK General Data Protection Regulation, which is currently identical. For businesses, the legislation throws up a number of potential challenges related to how data is obtained, handled, and kept secure. Companies are obligated to comply with the regulations and this can have an impact on a number of areas, but one of the most significant is with either an on-premises or cloud surveillance system. In this article, we explore how you can stay GDPR compliant, while rolling out video surveillance. Notifying people about CCTV In simple terms, this means you must let people know you have a CCTV system in place According to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), one of the fundamental rights afforded to people under data protection legislation, including GDPR is that they are notified by businesses, when they are being filmed. In simple terms, this means you must let people know you have a CCTV system in place. Crucially, this applies to people regardless of whether they are employed or not, so customers and staff require notification. In truth, compliance with this aspect of the legislation is not complicated and there are a number of ways people can be notified. However, by far the most common and the most simple is to use a sign. Sign display stating CCTV is in operation With this method, all you need to do is clearly display a sign explaining that CCTV is in operation, with a brief description of the purposes behind it. Some of the most common reasons given on signs of this kind include ‘for the purposes of crime prevention, detection, and prosecution of offenders’ and ‘for the purpose of public safety’. The sign should also disclose the name and contact details of the company responsible for controlling the data. If CCTV is handled entirely in-house, this will be your business’ contact information. Yet, many companies turn to video surveillance as a service option and this requires you to prove the details of your VSaaS providers. Responding to access requests An aspect of the GDPR legislation that is sometimes overlooked is the requirement to respond swiftly to access requests. As the UK Government website explains, anyone is entitled to ask to see the images you have recorded of them and you will usually be required to respond to this, by providing access to the footage. Footage that has already been deleted does not need to be recovered and provided The footage will usually need to be provided to the person making the access request, within one month of the request being received. Additionally, access should be provided free of charge. Requests can be made verbally, or in writing. Footage that has already been deleted does not need to be recovered and provided. In order to comply with these requirements, you need to ensure that the footage being collected by your video surveillance system is kept secure and made accessible by those who may take responsibility for responding to such requests. A modern cloud surveillance system can assist with this by providing continuous remote access. Further compliance requirements Aside from notifying people about CCTV being in operation and responding to subject access requests swiftly, there are a number of other requirements that businesses need to be aware of, in order to fully comply with GDPR. It is worth noting that most good VSaaS providers will be able to assist you in this area too. Although video surveillance is increasingly blending with technology, like artificial intelligence (AI), so that businesses can use the footage for analytics purposes, this does throw up some potential difficulties. For instance, an IT Pro Portal article on CCTV and GDPR outlines the fact that companies need to be collecting and processing anonymized visual data. There are also requirements to provide access to footage to law enforcement agencies, upon request. Need for a clear policy on the data collected Data controllers should have a clear policy on what data they are collecting, why it is being collected, how it will be used, and how long images and/or footage will be stored. The legislation states that data should only be kept for as long as it is needed, and this time frame should be determined and justified in advance. Regularly scheduled audits to ensure full GDPR compliance Regularly scheduled audits should be carried out to ensure your company is fully GDPR compliant Access to the data should be restricted to only those who actually need access to it, in order to carry out their jobs. Regularly scheduled audits should be carried out to ensure your company is fully GDPR compliant and you should also carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment, which is essentially a GDPR-focused risk assessment, required under the legislation, any time you begin a project that may involve a high risk to personal data. Final thoughts Complying with GDPR is essential for businesses operating CCTV in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or the United Kingdom (UK), and the penalties for failing to comply fully can be severe. While it can be beneficial to discuss the matter with VSaaS providers and other experts in the field, compliance can be managed in-house too. Some of the main things to be aware of in this area include clearly displaying a sign informing people that CCTV is in operation, responding to subject access requests, and ensuring data is stored for no longer than is necessary. Audits and risk assessments have a key role to play and customers have the right to request the deletion of the personal data you hold of them too, as long as this request is reasonable and possible to achieve.

In the era of the ‘Great Resignation’, it may seem counterintuitive to say that people will power business security in 2022. However, a convergence of challenges over the past few years has led to an undeniable trend in the security industry: With more technology comes the need for more people to monitor, analyze and leverage the data that technology produces. Always-on approach to security Since businesses were forced into lockdown two years ago, we’ve seen technology adoption accelerate at an unparalleled rate, as leaders navigate the new working world. In fact, according to survey data published in STANLEY Security’s 2022 Industry Trends Report, more than three in four businesses (78%) report rapidly adopting new technologies due to the pandemic. Cloud security technology is among the tech that has experienced high rates of adoption; 91% of businesses report that they have implemented cloud security technology – such as cloud video surveillance and cloud access control – and nearly half (48%) say that this was due to the pandemic. Importance of remote security solutions Many businesses learned that remote security solutions have become a necessity To gain greater oversight and visibility into their security operations, many businesses learned that remote security solutions have become a necessity, in order to help protect their people, property, and assets, especially when their facilities aren’t fully occupied. However, an ‘always-on’ approach to security isn’t just about implementing cloud technology, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the like. Security still remains a question of people, particularly when it comes to creating a healthier, safer, and more efficient environment for businesses. Making sense of the data With an influx of data coming from various security systems and sources, businesses have a clear opportunity to appoint an expert, in order to oversee these new technologies. Many businesses already recognize the value in doing so: 65% expect to hire a leader this year to oversee new technologies they implemented, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next five years, more than one-third of businesses (38%) expect to hire a senior leader, in order to oversee security, data, and privacy. Identifying emerging training needs Such a leader would play an integral part in helping businesses to unlock the wealth of insights currently stored within their security infrastructure. For example, the data stored in security systems could inform talent management – identifying emerging training needs and ultimately, resulting in improved employee satisfaction and reduced attrition. In the retail sector, executives can extract data on footfall from CCTV and sensors In the retail sector, executives can extract data on footfall from CCTV and sensors, and directly correlate that to sales volume and value – thereby building a picture of how external factors impact revenues. This can be used to formulate predictions on consumer behaviors, promotions, and other sales activity. As we look to the future of the workplace and how organizations are using security systems to drive health, safety, and efficiencies – having an executive who is dedicated to this area will be critical in driving business growth and resilience. Doing more with less Around the world employees are quitting their jobs at a record pace, creating what has been dubbed the Great Resignation. In the United Kingdom, people are resigning at the highest rate in over a decade. In the United States of America, more than a fifth of the total workforce has left their positions, since April 2021. As businesses struggle to retain and recruit staff, they are looking for ways to overcome the labor shortage and optimize their operations, without compromising health, safety, and security. While leveraging technology and automation is certainly part of the solution, many are also turning to partners to support certain business functions, including security. Monitored security services Monitored security services, for example, allow businesses to gain 360-degree visibility into on-site operations, without hiring any new personnel. Instead, by partnering with a security provider that offers monitored security services, businesses have access to a professional team around the clock, in order to help spot potential threats, reduce risks, and increase efficiencies on-site. With monitored security, businesses can leverage the support of a whole team of security professionals With monitored security, businesses can leverage the support of a whole team of security professionals, working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the number of facilities they operate, their occupancy levels, or hours of operation. As businesses have increasingly limited resources, including time and labor, professional monitored security services can help them do more with less. Building business resilience Ultimately, a strong business security program is powered by people. Beyond technological progress, organizations need accountable experts to actively monitor their operations, make the call when there’s a threat, and unlock the invaluable insights stored within security systems. People, not technology alone, can build business resilience, by leveraging technologies and the data they produce, so as to create safer, healthier, and more efficient environments.

As new technologies incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and overall uses of AI continue to expand, what protections are in place to prevent its misuse? Artificial intelligence, like any technology or security measure, is not inherently bad. It can, however, be used for nefarious purposes and in ways that were never intended or thought of. ‘Responsible AI Policy’ to protect users Prosegur has created a ‘Responsible AI Policy’ to protect users from potential AI threats As an AI company, Prosegur has created a ‘Responsible AI Policy’ to protect users from potential AI threats, and to prevent employee and partner misuse of AI-enabled technology, with guard rails in place to hold them accountable, if artificial intelligence is being used nefariously. “Any security or similar company that utilizes AI with its products should monitor for potential misuse and implement a similar policy for protection,” contends Mike Dunn, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Prosegur USA. Requirements of Prosegur’s ‘Responsible AI Policy’ include: Human action and oversight - Prosegur heavily monitors their agents using an integrated international security operations center (iSOC). Floor and shift supervisors ensure that everything is working properly and that incidents are handled. They also ensure employees are logging into AI-enabled cameras and other technologies for the right reason. Transparency - As with any new company-wide policy, Prosegur wants to ensure that every employee learns about the policy and their duties to uphold it. “In doing this, we are making sure that all processes involving AI development are transparent, so any employee can understand and implement the policy into these processes,” says Mike Dunn. Non-discrimination and equity - Prosegur seeks to make sure employees are using AI-enabled technology to look for known criminals, for example, and not profiling or singling people out. Having a policy in place ensures agents are aware. Accountability - The most important part of the policy is to hold people accountable, if AI-enabled technologies are misused. Violation of the policy will result in disciplinary actions, which can range from HR (Human Resources) intervention to possible suspension. For partners, Prosegur would cease and desist using their products immediately upon finding out about any misuse. Leading the charge for ethical AI practices Prosegur is proud to lead the charge for ethical AI practices, by creating this first policy of its kind" “Prosegur is proud to lead the charge for ethical AI practices, by creating this first policy of its kind, and we hope that other security organizations follow suit,” says Mike Dunn. Technology can do wonderful things. In security, technology can help to stop crimes and even to prevent them from happening with deterrents and alarms. Important to take action to stop ‘bad actors’ However, as with any industry or group of people, there will be ‘bad actors.’ Mike Dunn said “It is important to take actions to stop those people, but it is also important not to condemn all technology or practices when this happens.” Even proven, effective technologies can be used for bad (as well as good). An example is TSA Scanners at the airports. They were designed to provide safer air travel, picking up things that normal metal detectors could miss. Misuse of AI technology can cause lot of harm However, it came to light that a few ‘bad actors’ were using this technology and sharing silhouetted nude pictures of passengers. This has since been patched and fixed, but nonetheless, it’s a great example of how misuse can break people’s trust. As a whole, technology can be dangerous. If not used as intended, it can be used to hurt people. The U.S. government has found that China was using facial recognition and demographic analytics to classify and identify people, based on their ethnicity and that technology singled them out for tracking. Important to ensure analytics and AI used as intended As a society, I think it’s important for us to take that first step and self-police any use of these analytics" “As a society, I think it’s important for us to take that first step and self-police any use of these analytics,” said Mike Dunn, adding “At a minimum, (we should) set policies and procedures to make sure these analytics and AI are being used as intended.” As use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to increase, an industry standard would ensure companies have protections in place for their employees, clients, and partners. Having a policy is the first proactive step in ensuring AI protections. However, companies need to enforce accountability too. Effectively handle security threats and vulnerabilities Mike Dunn continues, “By heavily monitoring for unethical AI practices and enforcing disciplinary actions when needed, companies will be better prepared to handle security threats and vulnerabilities.” At Prosegur, monitoring agents are heavily trained, taught procedures and then closely supervised by several methods. “This is something that should be common practice in the security industry,” says Mike Dunn, adding “We have employed a compliance officer to help us stay ahead of the curve. Fortunately, we have seen many manufacturers and end users adopt this practice as well.” Compliance officers can act faster than new laws enacted Compliance officers can act faster than new laws being enacted, and often will hold their company to higher standards than a minimum threshold. Mike Dunn concludes, “Putting a responsible AI procedure in place is Prosegur’s way of taking on this problem we see in our everyday work.”

For an enterprise, addressing cyber security requires that stakeholders have immediate access to critical information compiled from multiple sources and presented where and how they need it. Various data sources monitor the cyber security status of a company’s computer systems to provide real-time visibility. Aggregating that data into visual dashboards and presenting it to operators enables any cyber security problems to be flagged quickly and resolved. Software system enhances cyber security Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise, enabling stakeholders to envision various cyber security factors, such as application security, network security, cloud security and IoT (Internet of Things) security. The software system empowers operators to respond more efficiently. Working in conjunction with a company’s existing IT infrastructure, Userful software combines datasets from diverse systems into a visual format and delivers the information to a desktop computer, a video wall, or even to a home office. Real-time visibility “It provides a new dynamic to how cyber security issues are resolved,” said Shane Vega, Userful Corporation’s Vice President (VP) of Product Marketing, adding “The individuals who have flagged a cyber security issue may not be the ones to respond. Having real-time visibility provides more value to the overall response.” A typical cyber security operations center resembles a physical security command or emergency management hub – large video walls, individual desktop workstations, and operators that need to share information and respond quickly to any incident. Userful’s software helps in managing operations centers Userful’s software manages how data is presented in an operations center environment, without relying on proprietary hardware, operating outside an end-user customer’s IT infrastructure. Managing operations centers is a core offering for Userful Corporation, including command centers of all types, from traditional network operation centers to emergency network systems to security systems. The ability to use one software system throughout an enterprise is appealing to companies that have historically grappled with proprietary and siloed systems. Solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale" “We are a platform that can be utilized across the enterprise,” said Shane Vega, adding “Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale, so they can manage all the threats every day.” Compiling and displaying information to an operations center has historically involved silos of proprietary audio/video (AV) hardware. Ironically, the hardware approach presents cyber security risks that undermine the very mission of protecting a company’s data and networks. The proprietary systems operate outside the company’s network infrastructure, and IT professionals do not have visibility into the systems. Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) Instead of hardware, displaying information on Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) can be accomplished using software running on off-the-shelf components, managed by the IT department and featuring all the cyber security protections required, throughout the enterprise’s network infrastructure. SOAR includes threat and vulnerability management, security incident response and security operations automation, enabling companies to collect threat-related data from several sources and automate the responses. Cyber security threats Possible threats might include an influx of packet generation, malware, someone seeking access to the network, or a malicious email. Various tools manage each threat, and each must be visualized. Because the threats are related, a comprehensive dashboard enables operators to create parallels and respond more efficiently. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware In the Userful AV-over-IP scenario, an IT department takes full ownership of the computers and subsystems installed on the network. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity. Single platform/solution The single platform/solution also extends beyond operations centers to include meeting rooms and digital signage. All images are captured using existing protocols, such as Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), and so forth. In contrast, the AV industry is hardware-centric and has been known to circumvent software approaches in order to justify selling more hardware. AV systems typically operate in terms of pixels rather than bytes of information and use proprietary software. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity Different departments in a company have historically installed their own specific AV systems, based on proprietary hardware, so that each department is siloed from the rest of the organization. Dangers of random hardware on a network Random hardware on a network, beyond the reach of the IT department, can provide access points to the network for hackers and other cyber security threats. Each proprietary hardware system exists outside the existing security protocols of the enterprise and each represents a cyber security vulnerability. Some companies end up with five or six different operations centers that involve three or four manufacturers, all siloed. Software versus hardware Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware" “Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware,” said Shane Vega, adding “The industry is inundated with hardware, and the risk is the unknown. Customers may not be familiar with a software solution that can accomplish what they have historically depended on hardware for.” Userful Corporation works through channel partners (integrators), who assemble complete systems using Userful software and other components, such as video screens, large-format commercial displays, groups of tiled displays, projectors – any type of display with an input. Corporate policy specifies security at every level Userful’s corporate policy specifies security at every level, including user authentication, encryption, endpoint security, air-gapped servers, information security policies, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a solution built on industry-leading IT standards. To spread the word about Userful Corporation’s capabilities related to cyber security, the company will be participating in Infosecurity Europe 2022, taking place from June 21 to June 23, 2022 at ExCeL, London, United Kingdom (UK).

Imagine a world where video cameras are not just watching and reporting for security, but have an even wider positive impact on our lives. Imagine that cameras control street and building lights, as people come and go, that traffic jams are predicted and vehicles are automatically rerouted, and more tills are opened, just before a queue starts to form. Cameras with AI capabilities Cameras in stores can show us how we might look in the latest outfit as we browse. That’s the vision from Panasonic about current and future uses for their cameras that provide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities at the edge. Panasonic feels that these types of intelligent camera applications are also the basis for automation and introduction of Industry 4.0, in which processes are automated, monitored and controlled by AI-driven systems. 4K network security cameras The company’s i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications Panasonic’s 4K network security cameras have built-in AI capabilities suitable for this next generation of intelligent applications in business and society. The company’s i-PRO AI-capable camera line can install and run up to three AI-driven video analytic applications. The AI engine is directly embedded into the camera, thus reducing costs and Panasonic’s image quality ensures the accuracy of the analytics outcome. FacePRO facial recognition technology Panasonic began advancing AI technology on the server side with FacePRO, the in-house facial recognition application, which uses AI deep learning capabilities. Moving ahead, they transitioned their knowledge of AI from the server side to the edge, introducing i-PRO security cameras with built-in AI capabilities last summer, alongside their own in-house analytics. Moreover, in line with the Panasonic approach to focus more on collaboration with specialist AI software developers, a partnership with Italian software company, A.I. Tech followed in September, with a range of intelligent applications, partially based on deep learning. Additional collaborations are already in place with more than 10 other developers, across the European Union, working on more future applications. i-PRO AI-capable security cameras Open systems are an important part of Panasonic’s current approach. The company’s i-PRO AI-capable cameras are an open platform and designed for third-party application development, therefore, applications can be built or tailored to the needs of an individual customer. Panasonic use to be a company that developed everything in-house, including all the analytics and applications. “However, now we have turned around our strategy by making our i-PRO security cameras open to integrate applications and analytics from third-party companies,” says Gerard Figols, Head of Security Solutions at Panasonic Business Europe. Flexible and adapting to specific customer needs This new approach allows the company to be more flexible and adaptable to customers’ needs. “At the same time, we can be quicker and much more tailored to the market trend,” said Gerard Figols. He adds, “For example, in the retail space, enabling retailers to enhance the customer experience, in smart cities for traffic monitoring and smart parking, and by event organizers and transport hubs to monitor and ensure safety.” Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems Edge-based analytics Edge-based analytics offer multiple benefits over server-based systems. On one hand, there are monetary benefits - a cost reduction results from the decreased amount of more powerful hardware required on the server side to process the data, on top of reduction in the infrastructure costs, as not all the full video stream needs to be sent for analysis, we can work solely with the metadata. On the other hand, there are also advantages of flexibility, as well as reliability. Each camera can have its own individual analytic setup and in case of any issue on the communication or server side, the camera can keep running the analysis at the edge, thereby making sure the CCTV system is still fully operational. Most importantly, systems can keep the same high level of accuracy. Explosion of AI camera applications We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications" “We can compare the explosion of AI camera applications to the way we experienced it for smartphone applications,” said Gerard Figols, adding “However, it doesn’t mean the hardware is not important anymore, as I believe it’s more important than ever. Working with poor picture quality or if the hardware is not reliable, and works 24/7, software cannot run or deliver the outcome it has been designed for.” As hardware specialists, Figols believes that Panasonic seeks to focus on what they do best - Building long-lasting, open network cameras, which are capable of capturing the highest quality images that are required for the latest AI applications, while software developers can concentrate on bringing specialist applications to the market. Same as for smartphones, AI applications will proliferate based on market demand and succeed or fail, based on the value that they deliver. Facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line technologies Panasonic has been in the forefront in developing essential AI applications for CCTV, such as facial recognition, privacy protection and cross line. However, with the market developing so rapidly and the potential applications of AI-driven camera systems being so varied and widespread, Panasonic quickly realized that the future of their network cameras was going to be in open systems, which allow specialist developers and their customers to use their sector expertise to develop their own applications for specific vertical market applications, while using i-PRO hardware. Metadata for detection and recognition Regarding privacy, consider that the use of AI in cameras is about generating metadata for the detection and recognition of patterns, rather than identifying individual identities. “However, there are legitimate privacy concerns, but I firmly believe that attitudes will change quickly when people see the incredible benefits that this technology can deliver,” said Gerard Figols, adding “I hope that we will be able to redefine our view of cameras and AI, not just as insurance, but as life advancing and enhancing.” i-PRO AI Privacy Guard One of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard Seeking to understand and appreciate privacy concerns, one of the AI applications that Panasonic developed was i-PRO AI Privacy Guard that generates data without capturing individual identities, following European privacy regulations that are among the strictest in the world. Gerard Fogils said, “The combination of artificial intelligence and the latest generation open camera technology will change the world’s perceptions from Big Brother to Big Benefits. New applications will emerge as the existing generation of cameras is updated to the new open and intelligent next generation devices, and the existing role of the security camera will also continue.” Future scope of AI and cameras He adds, “Not just relying on the security cameras for evidence when things have gone wrong, end users will increasingly be able to use AI and the cameras with much higher accuracy to prevent false alarms and in a proactive way to prevent incidents." Gerard Figols concludes, “That could be monitoring and alerting when health and safety guidelines are being breached or spotting and flagging patterns of suspicious behavior before incidents occur.”

360 Vision Technology, the UK manufacturer of ruggedised HD, radar and thermal PTZ imaging cameras, and OpenView, one of the largest privately owned independent security companies in the UK, are reinforcing their long-standing collaboration with Enfield Council.  The partnership aims to enhance public safety through the deployment of state-of-the-art Predator and Invictus HD PTZ cameras, across London Borough of Enfield’s town centre and public parks. Maximize security surveillance coverage To maximize security surveillance coverage, London Borough of Enfield’s town centre, public spaces and parks have been equipped with a combination of 360 Vision Predator and Invictus HD PTZ cameras. In high-risk areas, the Predator cameras, featuring built-in LED IR, or white light illumination, provide unparalleled nighttime imaging. With a lighting range of up to 250 metres and the ability to deliver full-color video even in low-light conditions, they significantly improve security surveillance visibility and safety in dimly lit locations. Impact of installing surveillance cameras Enfield Council’s policy on video surveillance is based on a ward survey, where the potential impact of installing Enfield Council’s policy on video surveillance is based on a ward survey, where the potential impact of installing surveillance cameras to deter incidents of street crime and antisocial behavior was considered. Consultation with partners OpenView, the police and levels of crime in an area, enabled informed decisions about where cameras were to be installed.  Deployment of the 360 Vision cameras Utilizing this intelligent data, the location of cameras across London Borough of Enfield was chosen to define the key operational ‘hot spots’, where the deployment of the 360 Vision cameras would yield maximum benefit. Combating anti-social behavior with the aim of keeping London Borough of Enfield’s streets safe for all, in the town centre, a visual overview is provided by Invictus HD PTZ cameras, while a number of long-range Predator HD PTZ cameras fitted with built-in IR LED illumination have been mounted atop tower blocks, providing a comprehensive overview of the town centre, enabling the Enfield Council to monitor street level activity effectively. Pioneering radar detection for crime prevention Surveillance measures are deployed across the London Borough of Enfield’s many public parks Surveillance measures are deployed across the London Borough of Enfield’s many public parks. At Albany Park, a solution was required to prevent the occurrence of regular acts of vandalism to a community café and protect the premises. Responding to the problem, OpenView, who have built an enviable reputation for delivering unique, innovative, and technologically advanced solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of clients, recommended the use of 360 Vision’s Predator Radar camera. After a successful trial, the Predator Radar camera was installed and the Enfield Council became one of the first authorities in the UK to deploy advanced camera radar detection to identify potential criminal activity within pre-defined ‘sterile’ areas. Integrated high-definition PTZ cameras “Traditionally, the use of radar systems has been considered to be the preserve of high-end installations, such as those at airports or ports,” says David Hall, OpenView’s Framework Manager. “However, deploying 360 Vision Technology’s Predator Radar all-in-one devices, with integrated 360-degree rotational radar and integrated high-definition PTZ cameras, we’ve been able to secure the large, fenced-off areas around the café to provide a far more effective and economical solution versus using many traditional cameras to cover the same area." "In addition, Predator Radar’s advanced detection capability is such that target detection and alarm functionality are continuous, day and night, even within adverse weather conditions." Integrated Predator PTZ optical camera The mix of cameras in the parks is equipped with 360 Vision’s built-in LED white light option Hall added: “The Predator Radar camera creates an alarm on detection of a target, or targets, and instructs its integrated Predator PTZ optical camera to view the target and provide system operators with instant visual verification. Additionally, as the target moves, they are automatically and continuously tracked by the optical camera to maintain real-time visual coverage.” In addition to the Predator Radar cameras, the mix of cameras in the parks are equipped with 360 Vision’s built-in LED white light option, to enable control room operators to be proactive when dealing with certain incidents. ONVIF-compliant Predator and Invictus cameras Apart from providing lighting to achieve high-quality video images in the dark, the use of white light acts as a visible assurance or as a deterrent to subjects under nearby camera surveillance, to make it clear that live surveillance monitoring is being carried out.  HD video from the Predator and Invictus cameras is transmitted to the Enfield Council CCTV control room via a fibreoptic and radio transmission network. At the control room, the ONVIF-compliant Predator and Invictus cameras are integrated into a IndigoVision ‘Control Centre’ VMS. Enfield Council’s security surveillance system Map-based monitoring makes security operations easier and faster for the system operators Map-based monitoring makes security operations easier and faster for the system operators, who can simply click on a map point in Control Centre to automatically display any specific 360 Vision camera. “Enfield Council’s security surveillance system is constantly developing, to meet the needs of modern day town centre public safety requirements,” continues David. “We’ve found that the 360 Vison Invictus camera is a great fit for town centre use, where its mix of day and nighttime visual imaging performance vs ROI is highly effective.” Public safety requirements The deployment of the 360 Vision Predator and Invictus HD camera technologies reflects Enfield Council's commitment to evolving its security surveillance system to meet modern public safety requirements. The combination of daytime and nighttime visual imaging performance of the cameras in the London Borough of Enfield’s town centre and parks demonstrates a strong return on investment (ROI) and effectiveness in enhancing the Borough’s overall safety measures. Implementation of advanced security measures The performance of these advanced security steps is part of Enfield Council’s ongoing commitment The implementation of these advanced security measures is part of Enfield Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure urban environment. Enfield Council will continue to adapt its surveillance infrastructure to meet modern public safety demands, ensuring residents and visitors benefit from the enhanced security measures. Innovative camera surveillance solutions “Working with OpenView on this project has been a great opportunity to enlist innovative camera surveillance solutions that really can help protect public spaces,” says Adrian Kirk, Business Development Director at 360 Vision Technology. “It’s notable how OpenView engineers embrace the latest technologies with ease, which is a tremendous credit to their team and ensures that the company’s long list of local government customers can benefit from cutting edge security solutions which can have a major impact on the quality of life for members of the public.” 360 Vision Technology’s range of products “Enfield Council has been impressed with 360 Vision Technology’s range of products that can be installed on various projects, or applications - this has proved to be an essential part of the ongoing projects in the London Borough of Enfield, whether it be for applications within parks, Street Scene or Housing estates,“ says Darren Woods, Enfield Council’s Public Safety Centre Manager. “The newest installation has used the 360 Vision Predator Radar camera that has been installed in an area that was suffering from high volumes of vandalism and building damage. Since its installation over the last few months, it has been highly effective. The 360 Vision predator range of cameras are currently being installed as part of a system upgrade, replacing older camera units. This investment into market-pioneering camera equipment ensures that Enfield Council is moving forward with affordable and good quality surveillance camera imaging solutions as video technology moves forward.” Innovative characteristics of the 360 Vision product range "We have been highly satisfied with the innovative characteristics of the 360 Vision product range and its suitability for the intended applications,” comments Kevin Hall, OpenView’s Group Director. “Furthermore, the quality of delivery, ongoing support, and operational performance were critical factors influencing our selection of the chosen systems technology." Predator radar cameras OpenView’s Framework Engineering Supervisor, Martin Ivory, enthused: “360 Vision has been a fantastic partner to work closely with, having the chance to use and deploy a large number of the products available from the company. Their ease of deployment and tremendous build quality and ruggedisation, versatility and reliability make them the ideal camera for public safety." "The support provided from Adrian Kirk and the technical team at 360 Vision enabled us to utilize the full capabilities of both the Invictus IP and Hybrid, and also the Predator and Predator Radar cameras, providing a practical solution for any scenario within the public safety sector.”

Amthal has worked with Hertfordshire Garden Centre to install additional IP CCTV across its retail site and upgrade existing systems, including its intruder alarm solution, for the safety and security of staff and visitors. Based in Redbourn on the outskirts of St Albans, Hertfordshire Garden Centre is a small, independent retail premises, serving as a cherished hub for home and gardening enthusiasts. IP CCTV, intruder alarm system Amthal has worked closely with the team to ensure a secure operation, most recently adding IP CCTV and an updated intruder alarm system. Enabling staff to work in a safe environment and visitors to explore, learn, and purchase with complete peace of mind. Graham Armstrong, Owner of Hertfordshire Garden Centre, said “Faced with the cost of living crisis and a corresponding surge in shoplifting, security of our site is a top priority. But it’s not solely the Police’s job to look after us, we have to take proactive responsibility for our staff and our visitors, without compromising our friendly and welcoming environment." Real-time management and security Amthal has recently added over 20 IP cameras and upgraded the existing visual verification systems Graham Armstrong adds, “We have worked in partnership with Amthal, a local company that fully understands the brief. The team has consistently delivered great service and has shown to be knowledgeable and helpful at all times. Installations and upgrade work programs have occurred with minimal disruption to the daily operations of our retail site. It all comes together for our staff and visitors to know they are in a secure garden center world.” Amthal has recently added over 20 IP cameras and upgraded the existing visual verification systems, allowing management and security to review activity throughout the premises in real time and empowering personnel to respond promptly to any potential incidents. A monitored intruder alarm solution The addition of a new monitored intruder alarm solution is geared to quickly detect any breach and provide advanced security against unauthorized access attempts. Jacki Adams, Installation Supervisor at Amthal Fire & Security, said “In the current climate, retail crime has hit record levels, increasing by more than a third over the past year alone. What Hertfordshire Garden Centre demonstrates is by taking a proactive approach to enhancing the security infrastructure on-site, they are doing all they can to protect teams and visitors." Comprehensive surveillance and monitoring Jacki Adams adds, “What it also shows is the importance of reviewing security regularly with the help of a trusted partner such as Amthal. We can identify the opportunities for extended CCTV coverage and upgrade systems in place to ensure comprehensive surveillance and monitoring capability. Here, the move reflects a commitment to creating a safe and secure haven for all home and gardening enthusiasts.”

Overview: Due to the pandemic and Delta cases in Israel, the first hospital in Israel for treating coronavirus patients was established. The hospital needed to offer more beds and create more special wards for the infected patients. The head of the hospital requested for an advanced system that could monitor patients on-site or remotely to protect the doctors and nurses from cross-infection in the hospital. Non-contact communication Challenges: Lack of devices for contactless communication: The hospital did not have enough equipment to realize non-contact communication between staff and patients, which could have increased the risk of cross infection. Insufficient remote surveillance: The hospital needed to build larger wards for infected patients, which a 24/7 monitoring system must cover. Installing the right cameras for such a large space could be very challenging. Video intercom solution Highlights: Video intercom solution: The patient’s bed is equipped with Dahua's VTO. Once an emergency occurs, the patient can directly call the VTS management device at the nurse’s station through the VTO. At the same time, through the real-time preview function of VTO, the staff in the nurse station can remotely monitor the patient's condition and communicate with the patient in real-time to provide necessary care. Monitoring & management system: Through Dahua's DSS management platform, the entire CCTV monitoring system and video intercom system in the hospital can be unified and managed. For the hospital managers, it not only improves the efficiency of monitoring and management, but also provides additional security for hospital workers to a great extent! Professional CCTV devices Significance: Dahua provided the hospital with video intercom products and Dahua professional CCTV devices that greatly helped them prevent direct contact with patients to reduce cross-infection inside their premises. With the help of Dahua’s solution, the hospital was able to centralize all their surveillance systems for easy management.

Amthal has come to the rescue of Katherine Warington School, taking over the support and remote monitoring of fire safety and security services for the benefit of staff, pupils, and visitors. Based in Harpenden, Katherine Warington School is a brand-new secondary school that opened in 2019 and welcomed its first cohort of 180 year-seven students in September of that year, before moving into a completed main building in the summer of 2020. Honeywell Gent solution Following a storm that damaged the school’s fire alarm system, the school consulted with Amthal to rectify the situation. Amthal recommended a specialist Honeywell Gent solution to restore the system to full functionality. Amthal continued to monitor the site remotely, working with the management team to service and support security, which included updating the intruder alarm system and access control. Each is now supported to the highest possible standards to create a safe learning environment enabling "every student to make outstanding progress, whatever their starting point.” Safe and secure learning environment It is also developing as a hub for the local area to enjoy and share in our exceptional facilities" Dean Inns, Katherine Warington School’s Business Manager, said: “Our school fosters a learning culture that rewards effort, inspires learning and engenders a shared belief amongst all members of our school that they are equipped to thrive in a changing world. It is also developing as a hub for the local area to enjoy and share in our exceptional facilities." Dean Inns adds, “To achieve this, we must offer a safe and secure learning environment for our staff, pupils and the wider community. This is where Amthal really came into its own, quickly responding when the storm damaged our life safety systems and continuing to work with us to enhance our security. Our continued collaboration reflects our dedication to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment." Security and fire safety Amthal’s team works closely with Katherine Warington School and continues to monitor security and fire safety on site. Conducting continuous risk assessments, providing bespoke recommendations and delivering training to staff to ensure the seamless integration and maximum utilization of all safety and security systems in place. Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Sales Director, stated: “Amthal’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions in education settings played a crucial role in securing the project. We were able to identify requirements quickly and efficiently, working around learning environments. The fire safety system, working with our partners at Honeywell Gent ensures early detection capability and enables a prompt response in case of emergencies." Safe educational setting The need for an enhanced intruder alarm was clear, to ensure the protection of the premises" Paul Rosenthal adds, “When we took over the service, support, and remote monitoring, the need for an enhanced intruder alarm was clear, to ensure protection to the premises, in and outside of school hours." He continues, "Our continued partnership has also led to us updating the access control on site as the school continues to support young people to thrive, and welcomes its neighbors from the local area to take advantage of the facilities in a safe educational setting.” Advanced security solutions Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service, and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, fire, access, and CCTV systems.  Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB), United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS), and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE). 

Amthal has installed a bespoke integrated system, designed to ensure the fire safety and security of staff, volunteers, and visitors at Youth Talk, a local youth counseling service. Youth Talk Based in St Albans, Youth Talk provides free confidential counseling services to young people aged 13 to 25 who live, work, or study in the local area. With over 3,500 counseling sessions taking place each year, the safety and security of its staff and clients are of paramount importance. Around-the-clock protection Amthal installed a security solution that included intruder alarms, fire safety measures, and access control To help Youth Talk meet its security and fire safety needs, Amthal designed and installed a comprehensive security solution that included intruder alarms, fire safety measures, and access control technologies. The system is designed to provide around-the-clock protection to the premises and ensure that any security breaches or incidents can be remotely detected and responded to accordingly. Safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space Says David Barker, CEO of Youth Talk, “Since 1997 thousands of young people have trusted us to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to talk." He adds, "Demand for the service has never been greater and our recent move to new, larger premises is part of our five-year strategy for growth. Working with Amthal has been great and we are looking forward to a productive relationship going forwards."  Safe and secure service They worked closely with us to design the system and ensure installation worked sensitively" David Barker continues, “They worked closely with us to design the system and ensure installation worked sensitively around our dedicated counseling services."  He adds, "We now have peace of mind that our staff, volunteers, and those who attend our services are safe and secure and that our premises are protected around the clock.”  Intruder alarm system The intruder alarm system is designed to detect any unauthorized access to the premises and instantly alert the monitoring center, which can then notify the police if necessary. The system is also fully integrated with access control technologies, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter the building at any time. Fire safety measures To further enhance safety, fire safety measures include smoke detectors, heat sensors, and emergency lighting, all of which are monitored 24/7. The system provides early detection of any fire risks and provides prompt alerts to the occupants, helping to minimize the risk of injury or damage. Installing an integrated security system We are confident that the new systems will provide long-term security for Youth Talk" Paul Rosenthal, Sales Director of Amthal, added, "We are proud to have partnered with Youth Talk to design and install an integrated security system that meets their unique and growing needs." He adds, "Our team of experts worked closely with the charity to ensure that the overall solution provides the necessary protection, while also being user-friendly and easy to operate. We are confident that the new systems will provide long-term security for Youth Talk and the young people it so closely supports." Advanced electronic fire and security solutions Independently owned, Amthal is dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service, and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access, and CCTV systems.  Amthal is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE.)

MVM is a nationally-owned energy group with a mission to provide affordable and clean energy. Its portfolio covers the total domestic energy system in Hungary, where it is the dominant electricity wholesale trader; and it also operates in Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania, and other parts of Europe. It is actively increasing its presence in regional markets, as well as expanding into areas of sustainable energy including solar power, hydropower, and natural nuclear. Electricity generation by the MVM Group is already about 83% carbon neutral. Challenge MVM had 14 photovoltaic power plants that needed to be protected in high-residential areas while protecting the privacy of neighboring residents. Because of their locations, these sites were at high risk of vandalism, trespass, and theft of equipment. Also due to the adjacent residential settings, traditional security technology such as fence detection and outdoor visual CCTV could not be used.  Solution: Thermal and PTZ cameras Protecting the privacy of neighboring residents The thermal cameras included the  TNO-4030T, TNO-4040T, and TNO-4050T The MVM security team turned to Hanwha Vision for its thermal cameras, as a way to protect its high-value photovoltaic assets, while adhering to GDPR and protecting personal privacy.  Over 100 thermal cameras were installed along with PTZ cameras with a handover function. The thermal cameras included the TNO-4030T, TNO-4040T, and TNO-4050T. Good features and reasonable pricing “Hanwha Vision has a very balanced product line with good features and reasonable pricing,” explained Tamás Tánczos, Security Engineering at MVM, adding “It was a natural choice when we realized that on these sites we couldn’t use fence protection, infrared, or microwaves to detect intruders. With the thermal cameras, we could rest assured that no personal data would be gathered.” Results Motion detection  The thermal cameras help MVM protect its photovoltaic sites without compromising neighboring residents’ privacy. They come equipped with Motion detection, Handover, Tampering, Loitering, Directional detection, and Audio detection features built-in to boost operators’ situational awareness. The TNO-4040T and TNO-4050T can additionally detect changes in temperature, such as a potential fire, and shock detection, which could indicate displacement or hard blows to the device.  Intelligent video analytics  While the camera is constantly scanning for potential intrusion and motion detection, operators can continue to work on other activities with alerts issued for any events that need their response. This makes the system more intelligent and efficient compared to traditional fence detection or basic CCTV cameras.  Visibility Because the cameras work through thermal imaging, they are not affected by low light levels or visibility, so inclement weather doesn’t impact their effectiveness. Operators consistently receive good images and resolutions no matter the environmental conditions. Further expansion planned  The project initially involved 14 sites but as the effectiveness and benefits of the Wisenet cameras are proven, this is expanding to other sites in MVM’s portfolio. The team is also considering adding thermal cameras with built-in AI due to launch soon.

Every day, the physical security industry succeeds in applying technologies that make the world a safer place. Manufacturers, integrators, and end users are eager to share their success stories, and their successes can inspire others to implement the same technology solutions. But, occasionally, technology does not live up to expectations and, in fact, fails to perform as promised. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How has the physical security industry failed to meet customer needs?

Historically, the emphasis of security systems has been on reactivity, whether it’s providing video evidence of an incident or data to support a resulting investigation. Reactivity is core to impactful security, but increasingly, systems are also seeking to be more proactive. A proactive system seeks to prevent events from happening in the first place, thus mitigating the harm to an organization, and making the need for a reactive response moot. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security systems be proactive? Please provide a couple of examples. 

Faces captured by video cameras could be perceived as an invasion of privacy, as could images captured through residential windows or that involve private or proprietary information. Fortunately, modern video systems incorporate technological features that help avoid an inadvertent invasion of privacy, while preserving any data that may be needed by authorized persons. For the latest commentary, we turn to our Expert Panel Roundtable with this week’s question: What new features of video systems are helping to ensure privacy?