Network Camera Video Surveillance on Campus

ign="center">unrivalled by CCTV cameras.
Copyright (c) 2008 Wes FernleyNetwork cameras get their name from the fact that
A college or university is more than just a place tothey are designed to work over a computer network,
learn, it is a home for hundreds and more oftensuch as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.
thousands of people, a community. Because of theThey come with built-in web servers, so that data can
variances of purpose and design of campus facilities,be sent directly to any network required. This provides
video surveillance can be a tricky business on campus.simplified remote monitoring capabilities: video feeds
Network cameras can help make video surveillancecan be access from anyone with authorization at any
stronger and life on campus safer.time and from anywhere. Even PDAs and cell phones
The Benefits of Video Surveillancewith Internet access can be hooked into the network
No matter where one is, security is always important.to view feeds, so security officers can view live
A college or university campus especially is a placesecurity video even while out on patrol or checking on
where security is a top priority. A campus is a largea potential threat.
community with people passing in and out on a regularWith such a large campus, video analytics software
basis, numerous buildings and facilities, residential andcan also be very useful. While it is always best to
non-residential spaces. Properly developed videohave human eyes on hand to catch any unusual
surveillance can help security keep tabs on key areasdisturbance, video analytics can also assist in this
and increase safety for students and teachers alike atendeavor. Computers can be programmed to signal
the school.alarms at any sign of unusual activity within the
With so many potential threats on a modern campus,digitized video provided by the network camera,
having a well-established and maintained videoimmediately alerting security personnel even if none
surveillance system can help campus police withare currently watching the feed at the given moment
keeping track of the goings on of such a large space.an event occurs.
The presence of cameras can act as a deterrent forInstalling a Network Camera Video Surveillance
would-be criminals. This keeps students safer, as wellSystem on Campus
as campus faculty and staff.With so many buildings and so many open spaces, it is
A video surveillance system can also be used bynear impossible for a campus to be completely
campus leadership in ensuring that campus policiescovered by surveillance cameras, and even if not it
such as curfews and the like are being properlymight be prohibitively difficult in terms of time and
followed. This eases up pressures on campus securitymanpower. Thus, before installing a video surveillance
forces, allowing them to spend their time moresystem on campus you should examine what areas
productively in defending against greater threats suchare the most vulnerable to security risks and determine
as theft, vandalism and violent acts.exactly where cameras are needed.
Network Camera Video SurveillanceInterior spaces, such as cafeterias, hallways, gyms, etc.
For an area the size of an average campus, networkshould be looked at. Also certain exterior spaces such
cameras can be a great advantage to more traditionalas parking lots are also prime spots for security
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera set-ups.cameras. More private areas such as dorms and
Network cameras are generally small and compact.locker rooms should be avoided, so as to protect the
They are easy to install, and have a host of benefitsprivacy of campus residents.