Client: California State University, Northridge | Northridge, CA
The Challenge
With a student body of more than 45,000, CSUN faced the challenges of creating a safe environment for the university community. CSUN wanted to implement an intelligent video surveillance and analytics program (IVA) as a crime deterrent and to investigate incidents. In addition, CSUN Police were looking for a solution that would be a force multiplier for officers, one that would put officers back into proactive patrolling and out from behind a screen. CSUN wanted a video surveillance system that:
- Automatically performs an analysis of captured video;
- Is comprehensive and provides good views around the campus using current technology, allowing the University to “future-proof” its investment;
- Has robust capabilities, yet is intuitive enough for staff to learn to manage and operate;
- Could be implemented in phases with the understanding that funding will be allocated over multiple years; and
- Is an event-based solution that analyzes video feeds without requiring additional headcount for camera monitoring.
Our Approach
IXP worked with CSUN to:
- Conduct an assessment of current video surveillance that included recommendations on video surveillance standards for the University;
- Prepare a preliminary design for video surveillance;
- Develop a business case and budgetary pricing estimate for CSUN to conduct an initial deployment and plan for subsequent deployments; and
- Recommend and implement a video analytics program to sift through relevant video feed quickly and efficiently.
IXP created a system design that was comprehensive, budget-conscious, and reflected the concerns of the University leadership and community.
The Solution
IXP implemented a large-scale IVA surveillance system for CSUN that provided an analysis of video images and automated use of information, resulting in more efficient use of manpower and faster retrieval of critical information. Work started during the summer of 2014 and the first 150 cameras were installed and configured by early December. IXP delivered a comprehensive training program to police officers and dispatchers ensuring those individuals were familiar with: 1) where cameras were deployed; 2) how those cameras operated; and 3) University policies governing the use of video surveillance. Results were immediate for the University and the video surveillance system was key to stopping crimes in progress and aiding in the successful investigation of many incidents. The video and analytics systems provided the police with real-time information to promptly respond to incidents without an increase in workload. The operators are not required to attentively watch many monitors for hours; rather, the IVA system supports and informs operators about the undesired activity. The second phase of camera implementation began in the summer of 2016 and the University has started the preliminary planning for expanding the solution to protect all critical infrastructure on the campus. The intelligent video has made it possible to extract more information out of the video surveillance infrastructure, enabling a higher return on investment and a safer University community.