In a rapidly changing world, one thing remains constant: the need for safety in schools.
Ensuring a safe learning environment through proper video surveillance has never been more intuitive or streamlined. Gone are the days of security guards trying to muddle through grainy footage. Now, intelligent security camera solutions combine video surveillance with security notifications, video analysis, and storage management—all in one integrated system.
Metropolitan Communications is here to show you how we can install state-of-the-art security technology and help keep schools safe through our partnership with Avigilon. We proudly serve the Greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County, PA. We also assist areas outside of PA, including Gloucester and Camden County in NJ and New Castle County, DE.
Security Solutions We Offer
We specialize in Avigilon systems. Avigilon is a leading surveillance technology enterprise that makes it easy for you to capture, store, and navigate high-definition video surveillance recordings. Their streamlined approach to security makes ensuring the safety of students and staff simpler than ever.
With end-to-end solutions from Avigilon, video is captured, stored, analyzed, and maintained all in one easy-to-manage, integrated system. There are custom solutions for every school, but the basics of an Avigilon security system includes:
- Security Cameras
- Analytic Technology
- Data Retrieval Software
- Cloud-Based Data Management
Cameras for Your Needs
Cameras are most effective when they’re monitoring the most important areas. In a school, that means areas like the entrances and exits, stairwells, hallways, and front offices, along with protected areas where confidential files are stored.
Avigilon offers state-of-the-art, high-definition cameras, which the Metropolitan Communications team can expertly install for you. Some of the most effective surveillance cameras for schools include:
- H5A Corner Camera: This no-grip, impact-rated camera attaches to corners, making it an effective way to monitor a large room, like a cafeteria. Plus, its durability means it can survive even the most extreme attempts to detach, dismantle, or disable it.
- H5A Dual Head Camera: Like the H5A Corner Camera, this high-strength surveillance solution can monitor a large area and minimize blind spots. As an added bonus, it offers Next-Generation Video Analytic capabilities.
- H4 Video Intercom: Using this intercom, front-office attendants can remotely see, talk to, and allow or deny building access to anyone at the school’s doors.
These are only some of the video surveillance cameras that Metropolitan Communications can install for you. To learn more, reach out today!
Behind the Camera: State-of-the-Art Technology
Capturing images is only the start of an effective security system. Avigilon Control Center (ACC) software contains technologies that make it possible to recognize specific objects and faces, as well as detect unusual motion.
Not only that, but this software autonomously sends alerts when it detects events that may warrant attention. In the words of Dr. Saptharishi, Chief Technology Officer of Avigilon, these technologies are valuable because “only the interesting events get presented to you.” Instead of manning a security desk after hours, let technology work for you.
Here are some of the technologies offered through ACC and how they can benefit you:
Next-Generation Video Analytics
This self-learning software enables the tracking and classification of over 50 objects, whether they are moving or stationary. These objects include bicycles, cars, buses, and trucks, making this software an excellent addition to schools, where students can come and go via various modes of transportation.
Facial Recognition
Create watch lists using uploaded photos or appearance parameters, and this AI-powered software can send an alert if it detects someone specific. Since Avigilon values privacy, as well as safety, this technology is assistive and only functional for helping organizations that are already authorized to scan faces.
Unusual Motion Detection (UMD)
After school hours, school hallways and campuses should be empty—and Unusual Motion Detection makes sure you know if they’re not. This technology works with H4 platform Avigilon cameras to learn movement patterns and detect when there is activity outside the norm. Unusual activity can mean people walking very late at night, cars moving erratically, a person loitering in an unusual spot, and more.
Avigilon Appearance Search™
The cameras are installed, and the recordings are in process. Security cameras, especially ones that run full-time, generate seemingly endless hours of data. When it’s time to find specific video footage, how do you start?
With Avigilon Appearance Search™, instead of combing through hours of footage, you can have what you need right away.
Easily search for specific criteria in seconds, much like using an internet browser to find the exact webpage you need. As part of an integrated security solution, this analytic technology makes it possible to search video footage for a person or vehicle of interest based on physical description. The technology can also compare an uploaded photo of a subject to surveillance camera footage.
These ACC technologies work in tandem to maximize safety while minimizing labor. Without these cutting-edge technologies, monitoring school safety takes longer and is less effective.
Data Storage and Management
All this high-definition video footage and cutting-edge software requires an advanced management strategy. Avigilon Cloud Services (ACS) makes it easier than ever to store and manage the data from your Avigilon Control Center (ACC) sites. ACS features include:
- Access from Anywhere: Since the data is securely stored in the cloud, authorized users can retrieve and assess this data remotely, including from a secure ACC app. This access includes an easy-to-read dashboard with smart filters to streamline monitoring.
- Seamless User Provisioning: Schools often have many administrators and staff who need access to security footage. ACC group privileges make it possible for team members to view and access information simultaneously.
- Maintenance Services and Continuous Updates: Technology evolves all the time. With troubleshooting tools and automatic updates, your security system stays at its best.
In addition to all these helpful features and more, Metropolitan Communications offers 24/7 tech support for all the systems we install! Whether you experience an outage or need an expert to walk you through our integrated software systems, our team is here for you.
Security Cameras for Schools: A Case Study
Billings School District, Montana
Middle schools across the country often face issues with vandalism, graffiti, and bullying. This was certainly the case in the Billings School District of Montana, which suffered high crime rates that were difficult to resolve or prevent.
School administrators turned to security systems from Avigilon for help. With high-tech cameras that could detect individuals, school staff were able to catch perpetrators and verify testimonies when students’ accounts differed after incidents, such as fights.
In addition to making it easier to remedy difficult situations, this technology also helped prevent issues before they began. With technology that could detect unusual behaviors, school staff could intervene and de-escalate instances of bullying.
Outside of inter-student conflicts, the security system also detected a building contractor who failed to lock a door upon leaving, which resulted in a subsequent break-in. With this proof, the school did not have to take on the financial liability of the damage.
A complete Avigilon video surveillance solution that includes video analytics, ACC software, and Avigilon Appearance Search™ technology can help combat and prevent issues in your school too.
Installation and Maintenance
Avigilon offers unparalleled technology and services, which is why we’re so proud to work with them. At Metropolitan Communications, we install these systems and are on call for anything you need.
Installing security cameras for schools is simple. It starts with an inspection, where we determine your needs and find the best streamlined solution for you.
For installation, we’ll make sure to consider high-traffic areas, as well as secluded areas in the building and on its grounds. Ideal locations for security cameras include hallways, the front desk, classrooms, fields, stairwells, secluded areas, cafeterias, and more. Our expertise means we can recommend the best cameras and software packages for your needs.
Once the security cameras and other infrastructure are in place, our part isn’t done—we’re still around for 24/7 tech support.
Contact Metropolitan Communications Today!
Our technicians have over 90 years of combined experience, and they constantly undergo new training to stay experts.
We work with schools in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, and Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We help schools stay safe in other states too. Our service areas also include Gloucester and Camden County in New Jersey, as well as in New Castle County, Delaware.
For all your security camera needs in the Greater Philadelphia area, Metropolitan Communications is here to help. Contact us today!
