IndigoVision's integrated IP-CCTV solution is helping to dramatically reduce crime in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, through an innovative security initiative. CSS Tactical, a company that provides mobile security patrols, is breaking new ground with the delivery of security services in South Africa by integrating CCTV surveillance with its area patrols.

"Manpower and visible presence will always be the foundation of our business," explains Ricky Croock, Business Development manager at CSS, "but it was obvious that as soon as IP-based CCTV systems became available, we could offer our clients an holistic solution, at an affordable price, whilst meeting our goals of deterring criminal activity and preventing any incidents in our patrolled areas."

CSS Tactical's main requirement was for wireless video footage to be transmitted from strategically placed CCTV cameras back to a remote central control room. Scalability and bandwidth usage were other very important factors in the choice of a CCTV system. As the new initiative was likely to attract many new customers for CSS, the system had to be easily and quickly expandable, in order that they could maintain their high service levels. Low bandwidth requirement was also important, as this is a limiting factor in South Africa.

CSS partnered with a local IT company, Parallel Technologies, who recommended IndigoVision's solution (distributed in Africa by Norbain), because of its superior video quality and excellent compression technology. This ensures low bandwidth usage and provides the very best evidential quality video to assist in convictions. The installation of the first phase of the project, which covers the Dunkeld area, was so successful that CSS will soon be implementing the system in the Hyde Park, Greenside and Emmarentia suburbs.

"The average crime incident per client rate in the areas in which we operate typically fell from 11.7 to only 1.1 within 2 - 3 months of the cameras being installed, which demonstrates how successful the IndigoVision CCTV system has been," commented Croock. "These compelling statistics are generating great interest with potential clients so we anticipate adding many more cameras to the system in the near future. CSS is extremely pleased with the results achieved through implementing the IndigoVision solution."

A team of 21 controllers, operating 24/7 from a central control room, use ‘Control Center' IndigoVision's IP Video and alarm management software to view live and recorded video from all of the cameras. This allows the team to provide complete coverage of client areas, and to coordinate response from security guards and armed response teams. ‘Control Center' software is supplied by IndigoVision as licence-free, which allows CSS to deploy workstations for no more than the cost of an entry-level PC. This was an important factor for the company as containing costs is key to keeping the service affordable for its customers. ‘Control Center' provides a range of powerful tools for monitoring live video and analysing recorded footage, yet it is very user-friendly. Typical training for CSS operations personnel is around 2 hours.