The Corps of Commissionaires launches new remote monitoring service technology to enable fewer people to work more effectively and safely
Keyword Building security
Since June 2000, The Corps has been offering advanced remote monitoring services for commercial, industrial and public space, managed by its newly-completed UK monitoring centre. Initial trials are now underway.
Developed in conjunction with technical and installation consultants, Balfour Kilpatrick, the new CCTV facility supports a range of accepted video transmission systems and offers communications, data networks and data evaluation. Customers will be able to set up tailor-made monitoring services according to individual business needs, rather than being confined to a fixed menu of options.
"We started this project a year ago to resolve the three main on-going problems of CCTV monitoring – effectiveness, training and rising payroll costs caused by employment legislation", says The Corps' commercial director, Patrick Dealtry.
"Good security equipment is only as efficient as the humans behind it. That means experienced people who know how to make the right decisions fast as events occur. Our answer has been to take a fresh look at remote monitoring– starting with a new style of control room that has independence of action, a proven technical specification, digital data storage, complete audit trails and highly trained staff."
Among the features of the new service is Dark Screen Monitoring, in which the screen only lights up when an event, such as an illegal entry, occurs. The operator then fully engages the site and is able to view the scene immediately before, during and after the incident.
Depending on the operator's assessment and the customer's instructions, a decision can be made on a false alarm, callout of police or security company, or"verbal response" to the intruder as appropriate.
The new Corps service can also provide remote patrolling at agreed intervals,using CCTV; "real time monitoring" in which cameras are permanently online; and a Communication Centre Helpdesk which might, for example, monitor lone workers who go to locations where they might be at risk.
"Our expertise is that part of the process which uses people to evaluate the data transmitted by the networks", says Dealtry. "With the right technology in place, we can make useful and sensible decisions, then communicate them effectively."
In some cases, Dealtry expects the new service to be complementary to conventional manned guarding, with integration between the two for cost efficiency.
The Corps can be contacted on Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 1125. It is unique among UK security organisations – a 2,500 strong team of professionals drawn primarily from the military, the police and the emergency services. Once,literally, a Corps of Commissionaires, the company is now a major force in the security industry offering uniformed staffing, technical expertise and consultancy for long- and short-term contracts.
