The Atlanta Public Schools have implemented OnSSI’s Ocularis video-centric PSIM as part of their ongoing efforts to upgrade older analog surveillance cameras to an IP-based solution. Ocularis allows the Atlanta Police Department to now access surveillance cameras at the school in the event of an emergency.
Dispatchers can access school camera feeds to assess the situation and determine how to respond. They can also continue to relay information to first responders on the scene.
“Being able to relay real-time situational awareness about what is happening inside a school to those in the field improves the effectiveness of the response. In addition, it ensures the safety of both first responders and those who are inside the school,” Lt. Leanne Browning of the Atlanta Police Department said in a prepared statement. “The ability to push live video to our mobile command vehicle and allow those in the field to control the cameras and move them as needed is a powerful tool for mitigating the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
The surveillance cameras have also been helpful in non-emergency situations. Prior to their implementation, the district had a number of copper thefts from HVAC systems at various schools. Since cameras, motion detectors and increased lighting were added, the number of thefts has dropped.
“The issue of safety in all schools is one that I consider to be very important,” said Olufemi Aina, Executive Director, IT Infrastructure & Production Services, Atlanta Public Schools.”The fact that the APD 911 Call Center now has the ability to quickly access our video cameras to provide tactical support to officers real-time (in an emergency) is something that I think all K-12 schools should consider or aspire to achieve. Being in the front seat of an initiative that impacts our kids in such a manner is personally satisfying.”
