Security for Monaco

February 2014 Surveillance

Nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe, the Principality of Monaco is an international hub of wealth and enterprise. People of 119 nationalities live here together successfully. Bankers, businessmen and entrepreneurs, people from all walks of life, mingle together in Monaco, which over time has developed into one of the most cosmopolitan and popular states in the world.

One reason for this popularity is the low criminality in the principality, the result among other things of many years of video surveillance by the German CCTV/IP manufacturer Dallmeier.

The Monégasque government has been using a video surveillance system for a number of years to ensure peace and security throughout the state. However, the analogue system with a manually controlled tape recording had ceased to be suitable a long time ago. Only a portion of the available cameras were being recorded, while the expenses for the regular maintenance works and the exchange of the video tapes was very high. On top of this, the search for relevant image sequences within the recording was time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, the decision was made to install a digital system.

In 2005, the contract for the installation was awarded to Regensburg based company Dallmeier, which had already successfully implemented the video surveillance system at the Casino Monte-Carlo.

Dallmeier developed a custom-made video surveillance solution which met the customer’s requirements regarding quality and ease of use. One of the decisive criteria for choosing Dallmeier was the easy integration of the existing analogue video matrix. Dallmeier had designed a hybrid solution in which the existing system could be converted systematically to a fully digital system. This gradual transition from one system to the other has two advantages: a high degree of investment and cost control as well as simplified integration.

System design

The virtual matrix (digital crossbar) developed by Dallmeier is ideally suited for the requirements on site in Monaco. It enables the transmission and recording of video and audio signals in broadcast quality via an Ethernet/IP network. With this technology the video signals of any number of cameras in public areas are encoded and, if required, transmitted via the IP network. Using the management software SeMSy the system can be very easily and intuitively controlled and administered.

The core of the system is made up of DIS devices. These are real-time streamers and recorders which transmit and record a total of 520 cameras (fixed cameras and PTZ cameras) with redundant/mirrored storage. They are in operation 24/7. Hence, the entire city area is monitored by video surveillance around the clock and events can be investigated in detail.

Owing to its flexible design the DIS-2/M is the ideal solution for monitoring critical areas which require a high recording quality and real-time transmission in compact form. Each system consists of up to 10 modules which operate based on the security operating system Linux. Both a video and audio signal can be connected to every module. Per channel, four input and four output contacts are available for control and switching tasks. Additionally, every module is equipped with a RS-232/RS-485 interface for the control of PTZ cameras.

The system’s modular structure and the hot plug functionality of the single modules, which the redundant power packs of the component rack dispose of as well, ensure a high availability of the complete solution. Based on the DIS-2/M the Dallmeier virtual matrix can be realised in a space-saving and cost-effective way.

The systems record directly onto the integrated memory and thus ensure a maximum availability of recording data – even in the case of network problems and failures. This decentralised storage concept furthermore minimises network requirements such as bandwidth. Simultaneous to the recording, the live transmission of camera signals as well as the display of recorded display are possible without any restrictions.

The DIS-2/M has LGC Forensics certification, which means that swapped image sequences are accepted as evidence in court.

Vigilant electronic eyes

When selecting new network cameras the Sûreté Publique of Monaco decided on Dallmeier IP cameras. The cameras are installed in Police Headquarters and monitor all entrances to the main building. The detention cells located there are also equipped with cameras that record onto DIS-2/M NSU IP servers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In the technical and operative security centre three operating stations are available to the personnel. As part of the renovation and modernisation of the control centre the Dallmeier system was integrated with a large monitor wall with a display surface covering seven square metres.

The evaluation and analysis of the recordings or events are very efficient and fast due to the use of the Security Management System SeMSy, which is specially adapted to the requirements in Monaco. For example, it has a user interface custom-made for the customer.

Three VMC-1 'Eagle' video management centres ideally complement the management software. All functionalities that can be expected of a modern video management centre are united and clearly distributed on the three components of the VMC-1 Eagle (joystick, jog-shuttle and keyboard with monitor). The jog-shuttle is perfectly suited for finding certain snapshots in a video sequence while the joystick allows easy steering of the movable cameras. What sets the VMC-1 apart from products by other manufacturers is the possibility of displaying both recorded video material and live images on the integrated monitor and, for example, showing maps or search functions.

Tested and expanded

Since the video system has proved itself in daily use, five years ago, the responsible persons decided to add an ultramodern number plate recognition system. A total of 15 DI-Detectors NPR by Dallmeier were therefore installed primarily at the streets leading into and out of state territory. Four cameras are connected to each system: two NPR cameras, one for each direction, and two overview cameras. The NPR systems were professionally installed by specially trained technicians and enable identification of automobile number plates from standing and moving vehicles on 30 traffic lanes within the Principality of Monaco.

If problems arise, the persons in charge can use the interlinked cameras to follow the path of the vehicle involved. In addition, they receive an alert if the vehicle in question has been stolen or is suspicious. This facilitates any search.

Because of the modularity and scalability of the Dallmeier system, the Sûreté Publique de Monaco have an extremely future-proof system to work with, which can be expanded and adjusted easily at any time.

Frank Oetjen, project sales manager at Dallmeier, summarises: “The customer’s main requirement in selecting a system was to have a highly available, modular, network-based system, which uses the existing infrastructure and also has excellent image quality, but which has been prepared at the same time for future expansions. Based on the SeMSy technology, we have created a solution that has been adapted in the best possible way to the customer’s requirements and that has already been expanded several times.”

For more information contact Dallmeier Southern Africa Office, +49 941 8700 209,  [email protected], www.dallmeier.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hikvision launches AcuSeek NVR
Surveillance Products & Solutions AI & Data Analytics
By integrating natural language interaction, Hikvision’s AcuSeek NVR enables precise video and image retrieval within seconds, marking a transformative milestone for the security industry's advance into intelligent and efficient applications.

Read more...
2025 video surveillance market set for improved fortunes
News & Events Surveillance
Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition, forecasting a healthy growth rate of 8,1% until 2029, excluding China.

Read more...
Dallmeier and Hexagon form a technology partnership
Surveillance
Dallmeier and Hexagon have agreed to form a technology partnership, which will see the two companies combine their expertise to develop integrated security solutions for various application areas, particularly critical infrastructures.

Read more...
Analyse, automate, and optimise logistics processes
neaMetrics Surveillance Transport (Industry) Products & Solutions Logistics (Industry)
In today’s rapidly evolving logistics sector, the pressure to improve process efficiency, optimise resource usage, and ensure seamless security is more intense than ever. Smart, proactive surveillance is no longer a luxury — it is a critical operational necessity.

Read more...
Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.