Axis video products increase safety at Dutch school

The image above, taken from an AXIS 2120 Network Camera, formed part of the evidence that was handed over to police followinga burglary one night. The video recording was triggered by the camera's motion detection feature.

Dutch Christiaan Huygensschool in Barneveld, The Netherlands, wanted a surveillance solution that would help it oversee accidents and student behavior, as well as incidents of vandalism during off-hours. Among the key areas for surveillance were the narrow indoor and outdoor passageways that connected the school's three buildings. After investigating its options, the school decided to implement in January 2004 an IP-based security system from Digiwatch, an Axis Solution Partner. The solution included the installation of two AXIS2120 Network Cameras, which have built-in motion detection, and four AXIS 2401+ Video Servers, which transform video from analog cameras into digital form. According to A. Vermeer, Vice-Principle and Head of Information and Communication Technology, the school's main reasons for selecting the IP-Surveillance solution were:

flexibility

quality

cost-efficiency

"Flexibility is highly appreciated for the simple fact that the caretaker and I are able to access the system from different locations in the building, with different access rights and password-protected areas," Mr. Vermeer said. He explained that while a number of people have access to real-time images, access to stored and recorded images is limited to a few. "The image quality of the cameras was, furthermore, an important differentiator compared to analog systems that were offered," Mr. Vermeer continued. "High quality color images provide us with a tool to recognize students even better." "Pricing, in combination with the offering, was eventually the argument for us to decide to choose for a digital solution," said Mr. Vermeer. "Total cost of ownership is lower, with more functionality. And last, but not least, scalability was an important argument. We will, within three years, move to a new premise, and we can, without any problem, take this system to the new location without any hassle. With ananalog system, we would have needed to invest in new coax cabling again, and our investment would be immediately eliminated."

Positive results achieved

Positive results were achieved immediately following the installation of the security system. The school's caretaker was now able, at one sitting, to easily and remotely monitor various locations of the school to ensure the safety of students and staff. "In the first week, the system recorded a little fight in the auditorium and we were able to confront two students with their behavior," said Mr. Vermeer. "The motion detection of the video surveillance system also recorded some people that committed a burglary," Mr. Vermeer said. "The camera at the entrance recorded the images. We were able to provide the police with evidence of the crime. "The most remarkable result, the school reported, has been the prevention of vandalism. There have been no incidents of vandalism since the installation of the surveillance system. One of the system's benefits, Mr. Vermeer said, is its ability to maintain video recording even while recorded or live images are being viewed. "The spin-off from this functionality and the system itself is that it has immediate effect on the behavior of students," he said. Before the IP-Surveillance solution was selected, the school's staff were able to provide their feedback to the management team. An important fact was that the majority of the staff members were positive about the system. The security system conformed to legal regulations, and parents of the students were notified of the surveillance system.

About Christiaan Huygensschool

Christiaan Huygensschool is a school with two combined education areas for Practical Technology Education and Basic Education as a preparation for HighSchool Technology Education. The school educates 725 students with 70 staff members. The school, with the motto "Up to date on Technology", teaches the following disciplines:

Transportation and Logistics

Mechanical Techniques

Transportation Techniques

Electrical Engineering

Building Technology

Practical Education

About DigiWatch

MTI located in Barneveld, The Netherlands, has developed a IP-based security concept called: DigiWatch. The system is able to observe people, building and equipment and is moreover able to trigger alarms and execute control functionality. DigiWatch is fully digitized which results in a wide variety of advantages for users compared with analog-based systems. The system registers both video and voice and works with motion detection. DigiWatch offers the total concept from consultancy to installation and after sales services. DigiWatch is fully supported by MTI, a company that has a long track record in the ICT industry. The company has its own installation and service organization with full service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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outdoor surveillance, student safety, school safety, vandalism prevention, school protection, vandalism prevention

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