Long Island District Installs Network Surveillance Cameras

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 01/12/10

Connetquot Central School District in Islip, NY has deployed video cameras from Axis Communications throughout its facilities. The district encompasses 11 schools within a 15-mile radius consisting of seven elementary schools, one alternative preschool, two middle schools, and a high school.

The district deployed about 100 Axis 225FD and 216FD-V network cameras inside and outside of the schools, including several sports fields and a bus yard. Connetquot is using DynaView VMS, video management software from IPVideo and five video server assemblies from Axis.

Previously, Connetquot had an analog camera system, but it sought a new system with broader capabilities that would reduce costs long term. Axis channel partner A+ Technology Solutions, which served as the integrator and installer, recommended the Axis gear. The district determined network camera locations by analyzing prior incidents. For sports fields, which are located as far as one-half mile from buildings, A+ implemented wireless network cameras.

Prior incidents have included pulled fire alarms and fights to vandalism and arson. Using Axis network cameras, the school district has solved a high percentage of these incidents. The district is also using the network cameras for non-security-related purposes, including recording outdoor school events.

Connetquot maintains a closed campus system, meaning only authorized students and staff are permitted in the schools during the school day. The district uses an IP-based access control system from Isonas Security Systems with proximity cards to track traffic at designated entry and exit points during school or after school hours.

Staff within a central security command center actively monitors school hallways, cafeterias, and areas outside of the schools, including sports fields and the bus yard. Local principals and assistant principals also have access to video feeds from their schools. In addition, A+ is implementing a mobile monitoring center that will enable security staff to monitor incidents while en route to a location.

A+ is integrating a physical security information management solution designed by IPVideo that enables principals to know exactly when buses pull into their schools, so staff is ready to assist children into buildings. The system uses Axis PTZ network cameras integrated with GPS systems onboard the buses. This will reduce the time staff has to wait outdoors for buses in bad weather.

"We selected Axis' network cameras because they offer unmatched quality and dependability," said Don Flynn, security consultant for the district. "Since implementing the network cameras, we have observed a reduction of vandalism at our schools of about 60 percent. In addition to serving as a strong deterrent, we've also increased the number of issues resolved and decreased the time it takes to solve them. This has alleviated parents' concerns and made students feel safer."