Security Technology Executive

MAY-JUN 2016

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44 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • May/June 2016 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com retrieve information on any incident. So now to research a suspect, all you have to do is enter the suspect's name and in a few seconds, all the perti- nent information available on them would appear. Managing the metadata, or Big Data, with coded digital tags that would identify and catego- rize the content of each video is a critical necessity since officers wouldn't be able to find informa- tion on videos without knowing where and what is contained in them. At first glance, indexing and cataloging every single video clip that comes into a department would appear to be a huge, difficult, time-consuming and expensive task. Leveraging Technology Fortunately, the data-entry process can now be automated, practically eliminating the manual management of metadata. The problem with conventional surveillance cameras is that they can't include key content information. But with 'smartware', you can source and record video from surveillance systems, ana- lyze the content, annotate it, then automatically organize and store all of it in one place for further research or reference. With their own network of surveillance cam- eras and the integration and centralization of all other sources, the possibilities are endless. Agen- cies could now follow a suspect in public using facial recognition; track a vehicle with license plate readers; keep tabs on prisoners in deten- tion centers; follow an individual after an alcohol or drug test; monitor crowds of demonstrators; and access all available cameras during emergen- cy events. Let's look more closely at two classic examples: Dash-cams can provide irrefutable evidence for successfully prosecuting Highway Code infrac- tions, especially if the video includes information on the driver and their vehicle; precise GPS loca- tion data; the acceleration, deceleration and speed of the cruiser; along with the type of offense; and even the state of the warning lights and siren. All this functionality would turn the unit into a veri- table 'black box' for patrol cars. Body cam video is also a valuable source of evi- dence –preferable to video shot by citizens wield- ing smart phones. But like dash-cams, indexing, organizing and storing all that video is expensive and time-consuming and only of value if all the data is efficiently managed. But that calculation changes when all the infor- mation can automatically be stored in one central- ized location. And video becomes even more cost- effective when the content is linked to information in the associated report, including the GPS loca- tion on an interactive road map, which can then be made available to prosecutors and defense lawyers. Cost versus Benefit A recent test done in San Diego confirms the ben- efits of the use of video recording technology, stating that body cams improved both officer and citizen behavior, reduced the use of force by 46.5 percent and the use of pepper spray by 30.5 per- cent, all with 40.5 percent fewer complaints filed against officers. Surprisingly, the barrier to adoption is not the cost of the cameras or their use; it's the cost of managing all that data. In Baltimore for instance, equipping 1,435 officers with body cams in the first five years cost only $1.25 million dollars, but managing and storing all the data cost $5.9 mil- lion, with annual maintenance of the program adding an estimated $1.9 million per year to the operating overhead. A Cost-Effective Solution Fortunately, manufacturers now have proven integrated solutions that make the technolo- gy affordable and that shares the costs across other applications. Currently, interrogation rooms lack standard- ized, high-quality video, and often don't have the capacity to index or share the video files. But next generation systems provide high-quality video with the ability to include valuable information on the content of each interview. In addition, video files and the associated notes can be stored in, and shared from, one secure central location. Interrogation room video equipment itself now offers better tools for recording and viewing inter- views. While simultaneously recording multiple high-definition channels, the person recording the video can annotate each file with notes. And an intuitive interface with advanced controls makes it easy to store, locate and review clips, all with a surprisingly short learning curve. The use of video in the courts is gaining accep- tance as well, with adoption only being held back by prohibitive maintenance costs. But integrating and automating the process makes the technology affordable. Just imagine the wealth of informa- tion available to help in more timely and success- ful prosecution and conviction. As everybody knows, information sources are almost limitless, and the massive data they gen- erate daunting. Technology keeps surprising us and compa- nies are already offering solutions that make "big data" instantly available to accelerate case resolu- tion and reduce operation overhead. Manufactur- ers have both the technology and the expertise to make it available, at a price that is much more affordable than you expect. ■ VIDEO & PUBLIC SAFETY More than 60 percent of crimes go unsolved or end with no conviction due to a lack of information on the offenders, their criminal past, or incriminating proof simply because sourcing all that information takes too much time and resources. About the author: Claude Turcotte is the founder and CEO of MaestroVision, a leading provider of advanced video solutions targeting Law Enforcement, Broadcast, Government, Educational and Business markets. He can be reached at claude@ maestrovision. com.

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