A new ‘conflict management’ system enables retail, public services and other workplace staff to engage immediate help and intervention by a central monitoring support centre if they are faced with a dangerous event, whether an abusive customer or medical or environmental issue.
If an incident occurs, staff press a button on a panic alarm key fob that has Bluetooth connection to an on-site control panel – up to a range of 30m – which features two-way audio communication to the Lodgic intelligence centre. The operator who responds can talk to and distract an offender if necessary to help defuse any hostility – and contact police and paramedics.
The control panel has IP connection to the intelligence centre, with the option of CCTV connection to enable an operator to view an alarm event in real time and collect audio-visual evidence. Scripted protocols guide the response by the centre operator, pre-agreed with senior managers at the user, to cover what situations where support may be needed.
If during the initial listen-in period the operator believes that there is a crime in progress, or if the staff member uses an agreed distress password, Lodgic can send a local security response officer or team to the site, or alert the emergency services.
The system includes a stand-by mode when a worker is completing a task that may make them vulnerable to an opportunistic attack, such as when service personnel are completing tasks in public areas. Staff can press the button on the panic key fob beforehand and inform the control room operator of the task; the operator will then listen in and monitor activity until the work is done.
Each panel is 18cm wide, 26cm long and 6cm deep, pictured. It features a panic button and status indicator lights, with cable-free IP connection and GSM backup and includes battery operation in the event of mains failure. Up to three slave units can protect other areas on the same premises, with visual indication to show an operator from which location an alarm originated. The system also includes a personal protection application for smart phones, for use by lone workers off site – for example while opening or closing premises or banking cash receipts.
The product includes pre-loaded messages for retailers that can be timed to activate when needed. Such as: “Warning you will be asked to provide proof of age when purchasing alcohol and tobacco and other regulated products within the lines of government legislation”.
The system can be connected to the Lodgic intelligence centre within minutes of installation by appointment. Visit www.lodgeservice.com.
