DNA Sensormatic - the power behind urban surveillance

May 2000 Surveillance

DNA Sensormatic, the southern African agent for US-based Sensormatic Electronics Corporation, is one of the key powerhouses behind the technology forming the backbone of the newly introduced Johannesburg urban surveillance project.

The Johannesburg project follows the success of a similar system in Cape Town. The first phase of this long-awaited project has started with 12 strategically located state-of-the-art cameras between Park Station and the Carlton Centre. With the potential of multiple footprints ultimately monitoring most of Johannesburg's streets, this could become one of the most extensive public area surveillance projects in the world.

Cape Town CBD sets the tone

Sensormatic has been involved with urban surveillance for some years, initially sponsoring trial camera systems for the Cape Town Olympic Bid in collaboration with Business Against Crime (BAC). Starting with a twelve camera pilot project in 1998, Sensormatic subsequently secured the tender to install the entire electronic security system for Cape Town CBD surveillance in 1999.

Advanced CCTV technology

The Johannesburg cameras will be housed in domes. They feature enhanced low-light capability, enabling the identification of suspects in the gloomiest of conditions. The cameras can swivel through 360° and zoom up to 2 km. Images will be transferred by fibre optic cabling to a control centre, staffed 24 h/day by specially trained operators. The cameras will be able to operate on a 'track and trace' basis, due to their strategic positioning. This means that the viewing field of any one camera will be shared by another, so that virtually every incident can be covered from two different angles.

Immediate response the goal

The control centre will be in radio contact with foot and vehicle patrols of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies able to respond instantly to incidents or even suspicious behaviour.

Methodology, technology and expertise

Richard Pople, DNA Sensormatic CEO says the company's strength in urban surveillance is based on three pillars. "The first is methodology. We have developed sophisticated modelling that determines where cameras should be positioned for optimum effectiveness. These models have had to be unique in order to overcome the many specialised crime problems we face in our country.

"Secondly, being able to draw on the technology base of our parent company in the USA, widely acknowledged as the most advanced in the world.

"Thirdly, we have developed expertise in installation through various large projects as well as the successful Cape Town experience."

Pople says the most critical success factor in urban surveillance is the integration of all the sub-systems into one working unit. What this means is that every factor - whether it be the major equipment, documentation, operators, maintainers or logistic support components such as spares and test equipment - all measure up as a complete system. The mission-performing equipment is but one of the gears making the engine run.

"We believe that the expertise within DNA Sensormatic to design, project manage, install, commission and maintain such a system is un-paralleled in Southern Africa" adds Pople.

John Penberthy, MD of BAC Western Cape, is driving BAC surveillance projects nationwide. "We have been very careful to select the best technology available to ensure that the system acts as an effective deterrent to crime and that footage of incidents will stand up to the most rigorous tests in court," he says.

The control room and equipment

The control room monitors capturing suspect activity are of high resolution, enabling well-trained operators to view their area of responsibility at a glance. A secure equipment room houses a powerful video matrix system and the video recording devices. Images from every camera are constantly and automatically recorded without requiring any operator intervention.

The system has a unique configuration of primary and secondary video recorders that automatically switch between the two when a tape reaches the end or malfunctions. An analog record is kept for long-term storage, whereas a networked digital recording system allows for the capturing of all events in real-time, international broadcast standard. The digital recording system is run from a supervisor station where crime situations can immediately be reviewed from any of the recorders and transferred onto compact disc to be used in court action if required.

DNA Sensormatic is part of the DNA Supply Chain group, the JSE-listed Fourth Dimension Logistics service provider. DNA focuses on optimising the efficiency and security of customers' supply chains.

For details contact DNA Sensormatic's CEO Richard Pople on tel: (021) 559 4425 or visit www.sensormatic.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.