Payne County Sheriff's New Electronic Security System Offers Seamless Integration with Existing Technology
When Payne County, OK found that the video security system installed in its new jail and existing county courthouse did not meet their current or planned future surveillance needs, they opted to replace it. Looking for a system that could integrate existing security hardware with newer technology, while also improving access, the Payne County Sheriff’s Office selected Oklahoma-based Digi Security Systems to design and install a new system. The system cost far less than competing options, and provides the flexibility and high-quality integration they needed to meet expanding needs. Since its initial introduction, Payne County has continued to work with Digi on necessary expansions, incorporating the updates into a single integrated security system.
County’s evolving video security needs demand new solutions
After rebuilding its county jail facility in 2009, Payne County, Oklahoma installed a new digital video recorder (DVR)-based system to serve both the jail and the nearby county courthouse. The system included 11 DVRs with about 80 cameras.
Right from the start, the Sheriff’s Office found the system inadequate. They could typically use only about 8 of the DVRs at a time, since several were usually in need of service or repair. The system allowed only five logins for reviewing video simultaneously, and it was difficult to add new cameras or other technology to the system.
The Sheriff’s Office began to learn more about potential options and search for a new solution; this search ultimately led them to Digi Security Systems, a local Oklahoma-based company that designs, builds, installs and supports video surveillance, electronic access control, intrusion detection, burglar, and fire solutions. Digi was able to provide a comprehensive solution that most effectively met Payne County’s needs and solved the challenges presented by the former system.
Officials from the Sheriff’s Office spoke with peers from nearby counties with similar-sized or larger facilities about their security systems. Based on these conversations and market research, they decided that a network video recorder (NVR)-based system would better meet their current and projected needs.
The NVR solution provided by Digi is capable of consolidating all of the customer’s video recorder units into one unit. Additionally, Digi’s NVR system gives Payne County more expandability and flexibility, with the ability to add higher quality cameras, manage the system centrally from a single unit, and give access to multiple users. As a result, it effectively solves the issues that had been plaguing the county’s prior system.
“We needed to be able to expand the system to keep pace with the growing needs of the County, both within the jail and courthouse facilities and elsewhere,” said Captain Kevin Woodward of the Payne County Sheriff’s Office. He realized fairly quickly that the existing DVR system, which gave investigators such limited access to stored footage, was not going to cut it. “Our goal was to cost-effectively integrate the 80 analog cameras we already had installed into a new system, as well as to have flexibility in replacing them as they aged,” Woodward said.
Once a decision was made to switch to a new video security and surveillance system, Payne County drafted a request for proposals (RFP), which emphasized the high priority they placed on flexibility. They wanted to be able to use their existing cameras where appropriate, and they also wanted to be able to choose their preferred future camera models, rather than be tied to a particular manufacturer. The Payne County Sheriff’s Office received bids from eight different electronic security and surveillance companies, and eventually awarded the bid to Digi Security Solutions.
Digi Security Systems delivers cost effective integrated electronic security system
Digi had been recommended by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, with whom they had spoken during their information gathering phase. Oklahoma County gave high marks to Digi Security Systems and the Avigilon technology to which Digi introduced them. Oklahoma County noted that the system proved easy and seamless to integrate. In addition, they can use any server they want, quickly setting up new components and getting them up and running smoothly.
According to Captain Woodward, Digi provided the most cost effective solution among all the bidders, offering a solution that cost significantly less than the next closest competitor. Joshua Herron, CEO of Digi Security Systems, then worked closely with Woodward and the rest of his team to review key system needs and determine which existing equipment could be incorporated into the new system. They also discussed how the Sheriff’s Office could perform simpler installations on its own.
“By virtue of their depth of knowledge and expertise about network-based security systems, Digi was able to offer us incredible cost savings,” Woodward said. “They gave us the support we needed to get a system up and running that fully meets our needs at a fraction of the cost of all of the other bidders.”
The new NVR-based system Digi developed was designed to run on the existing network without overloading it. Digi was able to encode all the older analog cameras and consolidate them into one 10-terrabyte (TB) internet protocol (IP) server, while still maintaining the output for their matrix, so they could continue to control all their cameras and pull them up through the new control system. This new system also gives access to multiple users simultaneously, solving one of the challenges of the prior system.
By switching from a DVR system to an NVR one, Payne County reduced the amount of cabling runs and therefore the labor associated with installing and maintaining the system. In addition, the NVR system allows Payne County greater flexibility and scalability in the number of cameras being used in the system, since they are no longer constrained by the number of ports in the DVRs.
The new system is easier to use and provides investigators with far greater access to video footage, leading to improved overall safety and security. For example, they are now able to view hallways, as well as opening and closing doors. The system also lets them identify guards as they approach a door, and provides in-cell activity monitoring and security during moving of inmates.
Since the initial installation, the Sheriff’s Office has incorporated a second, 18-TB server, as well as approximately 50 advanced digital video cameras. Most of the new video cameras are 2 megapixel (MP) HD Micro Dome cameras by Avigilon, which take up less space than their analog counterparts, while providing greater resolution and easier installation. The system was also expanded from the jail and courthouse to include other county buildings, for example, a maintenance facility, and an administration building handling the 811 call system. All buildings are now integrated into a single electronic security system.
Initially the Sheriff’s Office employees performed the bulk of updates required, but currently Digi provides installation assistance on the more difficult or challenging items, for example, cameras installed on the outside of buildings.
“The solution Digi proposed and delivered to us is extremely valuable, since it offers us flexibility to expand as needed and allowed for a rapid transfer of systems with seamless integration with our existing technology,” Woodward said. “We select the server we want, install control software, and are up and running instantly.”
Meeting other county security needs
After the success of the integrated electronic security system, Woodward and his team began looking beyond the initial project scope, working with Digi to meet other county security needs. One such project was the installation of a high-resolution digital camera on the outside of the county courthouse to cover the area better and provide more detail. The 8 MP camera covers the entire side of the courthouse, enabling tracking of people outside the building, while also allowing investigators to zoom in to get a detailed look at faces.
The Sheriff’s Office has also partnered with Digi and several of the County’s oil field companies, using security cameras to identify suspects in a series of after-hours oil field burglaries. In that instance, Digi loaned the equipment required, quickly putting together a system, including a camera, enclosure and lens. In addition, Digi worked with the Sheriff’s Office to set up surveillance in remote fields where fires were being set.
Another useful expansion is a modified bus that has been equipped as a mobile command post so investigators can work remotely. The command post contains its own server and 8TB computer; 4 dome cameras were installed to enable viewing of all sides of the vehicle, as well as other approaching vehicles. The County can use the command post for large scale events, emergencies, and natural disasters. Next up will be working with Digi to install a 27-foot mast with a camera onto the mobile command post.
The Department is also considering integrating the county fairgrounds into the existing security system to ensure safety and security during large-scale events.
Successful electronic security system installation and integration
The NVR-based integrated electronic security system designed and provided by Digi Security Systems has improved safety and security within the Payne County jail, courthouse, administrative buildings, and beyond.
“Payne County is not simply a typical customer looking to add security cameras to a building,” concludes Captain Woodward. “We had complex needs, including Wi-Fi and microwave systems necessary to connect different sites. Digi helped the Sheriff’s Office with all these needs on extremely time-sensitive projects where equipment was required immediately. Without fail, Digi was able to provide us cameras and equipment needed on the same day.”
