Wise County PS Implements Hybrid Video Surveillance

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 12/08/09

Wise County Public Schools has implemented a new hybrid analog and IP-based video surveillance system from Houston-based Video Insight. Using technology funds, the district implemented the Video Insight software on 16 servers, one at each school campus, along with 140 Vivotek IP cameras to enhance the collection of analog security cameras already implemented at several of the schools.

The cameras are located at main entrances, cafeterias, main offices, and outside parking areas--locations that maximize the ability to keep an eye on students, visitors or potential threats inside and outside the building, said Gary Lawson, surveillance and distance-learning administrator. With the new system principals, assistant principals, and school security personnel can view cameras at their school from anywhere they have Internet access. Lawson monitors all servers from his administration building, chiefly to ensure that all cameras and servers are operational.

"We liked Video Insight because of the cost," said Lawson. "There is a one-time license fee with no extra fees for remote viewing. We also liked the features--especially the easy integration with maps and floor plans."

Aside from basic cabling, Lawson and his technology team installed the software and cameras themselves.

"And because the Video Insight software is so easy to use there was no training for our administrators and employees which means that we were able to use the system right away," said Lawson. "We were really impressed with the Video Insight technical support team," said Lawson. "They helped us throughout the process."