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Airports
If you're wondering
who stands to benefit most from the exciting advancements being made in video
surveillance technology in recent years, look no further than the nearest major
airport. Airports have a lot to deal with when it comes to security. From facing
the ever-present threat of terrorism, to enforcing strict rules and regulations,
airport security personnel operate in a fast-paced environment that offers no
room for mistakes. IP surveillance technology and new innovations in video analytics
are helping to raise airport security to new heights.
Benefits of IP-Based
Video Surveillance for Airport Terminals
- Combat
terrorism – It's an unfortunate fact that airports are targets for
terrorist activity. For that reason, it's vitally important that airports
employ extremely strict security measures. Video surveillance systems play
a key role in protecting against acts of terrorism. The proper system will
provide authorities with invaluable tools in their efforts to maintain the
highest possible levels of security.
- Provide
real-time surveillance to multiple departments – With IP surveillance
enabling digital surveillance streams to travel over the internet, operators
in various airport departments such as police, customs, fire and medic, baggage,
and airport operations, can all monitor the video feeds from separate PC workstations.
- Advanced
video analytics – Intelligent cameras with built-in video analytics
are beginning to play a significant role in airport security. These cameras
utilize software algorithms to detect specific activities and scan for suspicious
individuals. For instance, cameras with facial recognition technology work
to help authorities find terrorist threats and marked individuals on government
watch lists. Using behavioral recognition technology, cameras can be programmed
to detect incidents such as left objects, congestion, reverse movement through
checkpoints, and cars spending too much time parked in one spot outside of
the building. With these features running through cameras themselves, the
analytics operate in real-time.
- Flexibility
and scalability – IP video surveillance systems are scalable, meaning
they can grow as needed, or as the airport grows. Additional cameras are easily
connected to the network, and pre-existing analog cameras can even be incorporated
into new systems by using digital encoders.
- Digital
storage – With IP surveillance, video footage is recorded and stored
digitally, unlike analog systems which archive footage on clunky cassette
tapes. This allows for an almost unlimited amount of storage, and also provides
users with drastically enhanced search capabilities.
- Remote
access – IP-based surveillance systems send live video streams over
the internet, where they can be viewed, along with archived footage, remotely
from any PC with network access. This allows authorized users to monitor airport
activities from off-site locations.
Risks of Airport
Surveillance Systems
- Over
reliance – An advanced video surveillance network is only one part
of a larger effort when it comes to airport security. New technology can go
a long way in aiding this cause, but it shouldn't come at the expense of other
safety measures such as proper security personnel staffing.
Configuration
of Video Surveillance Systems for Airports
Airports feature
a number of diverse areas that all demand extremely high levels of security.
The following factors should be considered when exploring the installation of
an airport surveillance system:
- What is the
airport's history in terms of reported crimes and disturbances?
- What security
systems are currently in place throughout the airport?
- What type of
security personnel patrol the facility?
- Have terrorist
plots been attempted or carried out through the airport?
- Does the airport
consist of separate sections linked by a tram or other modes of transportation?
- Does the airport
get extremely busy and chaotic at certain points throughout the day?
- Are security
checkpoints properly staffed and thorough in their procedures?
- Are there sections
of the facility that are considered high-risk areas requiring special attention?
- What systems
are in place to prevent outsiders from gaining access to restricted areas?
- How is employee
identification and access control handled?
- What security
measures are in place to protect planes and equipment?
Security Camera
Setup Advice for Airport Terminals
- Position cameras
at all entrances and exits in order to capture footage of everyone who passes
through the airport.
- Monitor all
open areas to get continuous overall footage of airport activity.
- Situate cameras
around airline check-in areas to obtain images of passenger arrivals and procedures.
- Monitor security
checkpoints for congestion, suspicious activity, confrontations, and passengers
who present potential threats.
- Install surveillance
for trams or other modes of transportation used to connect one part of the
airport to another.
- Monitor individual
terminals and gates for unusual activity in the boarding process and suspicious
passengers.
- Install cameras
in baggage claim areas to prevent theft and to watch for potentially dangerous
items.
- Monitor corridors
and all areas used for traveling throughout terminals.
- Install cameras
that provide views of restricted areas to ensure that only authorized personnel
gain access.
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