Photo of a windmill in a field

How is this product new?

Q. If this concept is all so singing and dancing brilliant, then why has this not been done before?

A. Because it simply was not practically possible before the latest generation of 3G.

A mobile CCTV unit has to communicate via 3G.It cannot be connected to the telephone network by cables on a remote empty site. Now whilst 3G has been around for a while, few people appreciate that it has only very recently had sufficient band width (in the UK) to carry LIVE VIDEO. This is not to be confused with downloading pre-recorded films etc, which have been pre-buffered and require far less bandwidth.

When you are dealing with a crime in real time, you need to watch it in real time and respond in real time. The on-going development of 3G is now the top priority for the telecoms industry today and although it is good already, it is improving exponentially every month.

Setting up the system & detection options

We cannot reveal too much technical information for obvious commercial and security reasons but the basic facts are as follows:

When our Engineers install a system on site, whether it is a single Tower or Lamp/Wall unit, or several of either, the critical aspect is installing a suitable intruder detection system. On most sites this will be invisible infrared beams emitting from detector units, which connect to the Towers by WiFi.

In the case of exceptionally large areas such as Airports, we sometimes use a highly sophisticated ground hugging radar system. This system not only detects intruders but also constantly tracks them within the protected area by keeping the camera locked onto them (this system is not rented out at the standard rate).

Whatever detection system is employed, within 2 seconds of a Tower being alerted by it, a trained operator is looking at the site and has taken control of the camera. The operator has a simultaneous display of the site address; along with all relevant details such as the local Police and Key Holders contact numbers. Critically, also the pre-arranged response protocol agreed with our client, the site owner/operator.

Response protocol

The response protocol might be that a client prefers us to warn off the intruders first via the powerful P.A. audio system installed on all our equipment before calling the Police. Or conversely, to keep quiet but call the Police. Or maybe to call the owners first, then the police. The combinations are limitless and can vary on a particular site according to the type of intruder, which is why it is essential to have the protocol to hand as soon as an alert occurs.

For example, children trespassing just to play may only be warned off, whereas older youths vandalising plant will find themselves dealing very quickly with the Police. The client sets the protocol, but also at the end of the day, the operators in the Monitoring station are highly experienced and capable of using discretion and commonsense too. Borderline decisions do not have to come down to one mans judgement. A senior station manager is always on hand to assist, and our motto is ‘If in doubt – call the Police out‘

Multiple Cameras

Each Tower or Lamp/Wall unit can process up to 4 cameras, so sometimes we put individual cameras on other parts of a site which WiFi back to the units containing the 3G coms.

Night operation

As many intrusions happen at night, night capability is important. Again there are many variables to consider. Sometimes the potential of light pollution in a built up areas dictates that invisible infrared lighting only can be used. Sometimes irrespective of this, clients may prefer to use it as a covert means of catching criminals. In other cases, conventional lighting or triggered conventional security lighting is the best option. Whatever the issues are, RDC can address them.

Thermal imaging

In situations where budgets allow and only the highest security will do, such as Top Security or Military installations, we offer the ultimate in night viewing capability, Thermal imaging. We have a dual mode camera which can switch from conventional video in daytime to Thermal Imaging at night. When used in conjunction with our target tracking ground hugging radar, there is no escaping detection even for highly trained intruders such as enemy Special Forces operatives.

How the cameras are powered

The units can be connected to any site provided power source including a generator. We also have self-powered Tower units with wind and solar charged batteries. In the event that there isn’t enough wind or sun to keep the batteries charged, then on-board fuel generators back up the eco systems by cutting in when battery charge levels drop.