[IMAGE]1546[/IMAGE] “We had some challenges maintaining the proprietary hardware of our previous system, so finding a new surveillance solution that could run on any platform was essential,” explains Botner. In addition, the college’s previous solution required special networking that needed a lot of upkeep to run properly.
The fact that the Merced College can leverage its existing analog cameras was also an important consideration. “As a budget-driven organization, we also liked the fact that we could keep our existing cameras but have the flexibility to transition to HD over time,” adds Botner.
Crimes, Incidents Now Easier to Solve
“The evidence collection capabilities of the system are incredible,” exclaims Wilde. “Since deploying Avigilon, we have been able to successfully investigate and resolve numerous cases of crime, vandalism, and assault on campus.”
For example, the school has used footage of hit-and-run accidents in the parking lots, thefts in the cafeteria and campus book store, as well as a book-burning incident in which a student was protesting his class curriculum.
“In all cases, we were able to bring the footage to court or show the perpetrators involved, leading to quick resolution, admission of guilt, and the possibility of conviction,” says Wilde.
In one incident, the Merced College Police Department was even able to stop a crime in real-time by using the new solution.
“Security officers were monitoring the system live when they noticed that an individual was stealing trim off some cars in one of our parking lots,” explains Wilde. “They were able to dispatch an officer to the scene and subsequently caught the perpetrator red-handed.”
Before deploying the Avigilon system, Merced College was rarely able to capture clear, indisputable evidence for investigative purposes.
Now More Incidents are Investigated and Solved
Because the evidence captured is more reliable, the school is able to achieve greater coverage of events across the entire campus, leading to more investigations and ultimately, greater conflict resolution.
“In the past, we typically would only investigate an incident once a month or even every other month,” notes Donaldson. “Now, we are always reviewing footage because it is so much more useable than before.”
As a result, the college can achieve greater coverage and ultimately, greater security for staff and students.
In addition, the security team can solve issues much faster than before.
“With more control over the system, greater image clarity, and advanced zooming capabilities, we have reduced the time it takes to conduct an investigation from days to just minutes – and our success level has skyrocketed,” claims Wilde.
Other Solutions Combine to Improve Student Safety
Merced College is committed to creating a safe, yet open campus environment that promotes improved student achievement and well-being. With several initiatives in place, including “code blue” security telephones that provide direct dial access to security staff, a campus-wide announcement system for emergency reporting, its own police department, and the Avigilon HD Surveillance System, the school is well-positioned to meet its security goals.
Kate Wild is responsible for communications at Avigilon.
