IP-based CCTV technology is on offer for protection of London schools.
Work by Redbridge CCTV, a CCTV consultancy, towards this project was featured at the IIPSEC exhibition and conference in January, and featured in the March print edition of Professional Security.
Installer ADT is participating in a new joint initiative for protection of schools in the London area. The project involves the use of internet protocol (IP) based CCTV, which enables schools to be monitored from the Bromley Council CCTV control centre.
In partnership with Synetrix, an integration and managed services provider, and Redbridge CCTV, ADT has helped design and install enhanced movement detection CCTV at two London schools on behalf of the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) – the London schools information and broadband network. Both schools are now linked to the Bromley Council control centre and the new technology enables participating schools to be monitored from a central point for the first time.
Using existing broadband connections provided by Synetrix, video data can now be transmitted in real time. The upgraded system also provides live alarm monitoring, helping to minimise false alarms, it is claimed. By using broadband, London schools have a cost effective way to benefit from CCTV, it is claimed.
About LGfL
LGfL is a consortium of the 33 local authorities in London and it provides a filtered broadband connection, network services, a common learning platform, online content and support communities for all schools across London. The new monitoring capability is now available to all schools on LGfL. By using broadband when it is not being used for school work, schools have a system that works when it is needed – at night, on weekends and during holidays. Intruders can be ‘followed’ on screen, warned over a loudspeaker that they are being watched and reported to the police.
What they say
John Harris, General Manager of ADT’s Loughton branch, said; “Metropolitan Police figures show that London’s schools reported 7,500 burglaries and 7,300 incidents of criminal damage between 2000 and 2004. With each incident costing £15,000 on average to rectify, having measures in place to help prevent crime of this sort has never been more important. Efficient monitoring significantly increases the impact of CCTV cameras and the unique system we’ve helped develop for schools in London makes the most of technology to achieve enhanced monitoring. One of the great achievements of this project has been the genuine partnership and co-operation between all the parties involved to make it a success.”
About Synetrix
Synetrix is a provider of ICT solutions and managed services to the public sector. Education customers include 5,000 schools across the UK.
About Redbridge CCTV
Redbridge CCTV Ltd is a CCTV consultancy whose directors have undertaken work on behalf of Local Government and the Metropolitan Police.
