Security Technology Executive

SEP-OCT 2015

Issue link: https://securitytechnologyexecutive.epubxp.com/i/571504

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 43 of 99

44 SECURITY TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE • September/October 2015 www.SecurityInfoWatch.com TRANSPORTATION SECURITY bus station in the city center and several new train stations including Stadium Sta- tion at the site of the 60,000 seat new Perth Stadium. We are able to capture all real-time surveil- lance data at rates of at least 24 frames per second, which provides high-quality footage to assist in detecting, deterring and prosecut- ing criminal activity. Moreover, ample capac- ity enables us to retain footage for 31 days. Essentially, we have a system in place now that allows the use of CCT V to go beyond traditional post-event investigations and take on a bigger role in deterring and detect- ing security and safety threats as they occur. W hen our operators see incidents unfold- ing in real-time, they can use the PA system to address the offender, which often stops the behavior in its tracks without fur ther inter vention needed. If an incident does take place, we have a clear, easily accessible recording of what transpired. That makes it easier to apprehend and prosecute offenders. In fact, our ability to produce video evidence of criminal behavior has contributed great- ly to the PTA's 97 percent rate of successful prosecution. Our video sur veillance system has also been credited with reducing graffiti van- d alism. In 2010, P TA ini t i ate d "O p era - tion Cleanskin," to detect when graffiti and scratching occurs inside trains, as this type of vandalism costs the organization and West- ern Australian taxpayers $2.8 million a year. Our system has helped reduce graffiti cleanup hours by more than 70 percent per year. In addition, our counter-terrorism strategy has been fortified by our innovative CCT V capabilities. Our video surveillance system is a cornerstone of the PTA's counter-terrorism approach, because it helps monitor activity in real time and take appropriate action. For example, if a suspicious item is left at a train platform, we can pull the footage and see first-hand the circumstances surrounding its appearance. That, in turn, allows us to mobi- lize as needed. To provide an example, the ability to mobi- lize quickly and efficiently has strengthened the PTA's partnership with local authorities as evidenced by the role we played in helping the Western Australia police ser vice estab- lish a central command center during Com- monwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM). We were able to utilize our exten- sive fiber optic backbone to transfer stored surveillance data from its system while trans- mitting video footage from the Department of Main Roads and the city of Perth. Our par- ticipation in this crucial state-wide approach ensured additional surveillance footage can be captured in security-sensitive areas desig- nated by the police and then captured, stored and archived without disruption or deletion. We have also been able to reduce com- plaints against transit officers by 70 percent in the past five years through our ability to quickly access and review footage of the incident. We can pull footage from any net- worked computer thanks to our integrated CCTV system and centralized storage. Finally, the surveillance system helps pro- tect us and our personnel from fraudulent complaints and litigation. We have extensive coverage of stairs, escalators and lifts, allow- ing us to thoroughly investigate 'slip, trip and fall' incidents. By quickly investigating and identifying fraudulent claims, we save count- less hours and eliminate unnecessary payouts – which saves taxpayer dollars. We knew, but through this process, it has become clear just how much video sur veil- lance relies on the element of having a scal- able and high per forming storage system behind an intelligent video surveillance plat- form. The storage infrastructure must be able to support the concurrent ingest of video streams from thousands of high resolutions cameras; deliver real-time quality of service to record higher frame rates and video reso- lutions, without dropping frames under any failure condition; support the ability for ana- lytic software to perform concurrent reads of high resolution video, without affecting the incoming surveillance streams from the cam- eras; and provide the flexibility to scale cost effectively to larger storage capacities and higher retention periods in the future. O ur v ie w o f te chnolo g y and the c r u- cial role it plays in the safety of our public allowed us to create a truly unique approach surveillance and has established us as a lead- ing public transport agency in Australia. The ever-changing security discipline presents significant technological demands and future research opportunities. ■ About the Author Steve Furmedge is a 30 year law enforcement and security professional. During his career with the Western Australian Police Service he spent 13 years with the Bureau of Criminal Intelligence in the specialist field of Covert Operations. After completing university degrees in Judicial Studies and Corporate Security Management, Steve further enhanced his studies in Criminology, Psychology and behavior modification techniques. Furmedge is a recognized expert and key note speaker on Counter Terrorism and security strategies for mass transit and public transport modes. In 2002, Steve was appointed to his current position, and is the Director of Security Services in charge of all security provisions for the Public Transport Authority of WA. "Essentially, we have a system in place now that allows the use of CCTV to go beyond traditional post-event investigations and take on a bigger role in deterring and detecting security and safety threats as they occur. "

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Security Technology Executive - SEP-OCT 2015