Hikvision USA has provided a state-of-the art surveillance solution to Colorado’s Greenwood Village Police Department for use in its crime lab. This solution, which incorporates video content analysis (VCA) as well as 360-deg. fisheye technology, allows the Greenwood Village police to protect forensic evidence from external threats as well as improve employee accountability and monitor departmental procedure.

The Greenwood Village Police Department’s crime lab is a vital facility inside which evidence from crime scenes is stored, including firearms, narcotics and cash. The primary goals for the video surveillance solution were to integrate VCA into the critical areas of the crime lab to boost employee accountability, while creating new security capabilities as well.

“We had a system before but it was very archaic and outdated. There was no recording capability except for live viewing by the dispatch center. It couldn’t detect motion and was in limited areas,” remarked Commander Joe Gutsgell, division commander of the Greenwood Village Police Department’s Investigations Unit. 

Safe Systems Inc., based in Louisville, Colo., provided its technical expertise when installing the crime lab’s new video surveillance system. The security company chose Hikvision products due to Hikvision’s reliable performance, excellent customer support, and cost-effective product line, according to a press release from the manufacturer. Hikvision’s 6 MP fisheye camera (DS-2CD6362-IV) allows for broad yet precise coverage of the evidence room. The fisheye is designed to capture images from every corner of a particular location and eliminate blind spots: a helpful, cost-effective solution for small, indoor spaces like this one. One camera takes on the job of what required three or more fixed cameras in the past, Hikvision described.

“We’re taking advantage of the 360-deg. fisheye to look at three doors simultaneously: the exterior door, an interior door to another part of the office, and the evidence room,” explained Mark Overland, senior safety and life security consultant of Safe Systems Inc.

Hikvision’s 1.3 MP mini dome cameras (DS-2CD2512F-IS-2.8MM) stand guard in the room where highly sensitive property confiscated by police is stored, and in the vehicle processing room, where Commander Gutsgell’s team collects evidence from vehicles involved in investigations. Recorded video of this room also provides forensic accountability for the department’s procedural integrity. Hikvision’s professional series 16-channel NVR (DS-9616NI-ST) rounds out the solution. This high-performing, 48 TB recorder offers the ability to add cameras to the system as needed in the future. VCA features such as motion detection further maximize storage efficiency, reducing saved data when it isn’t needed.

All said and done, Greenwood Village Police Department’s crime lab is making good use of a comprehensive surveillance system with features that will serve them well for many years down the road.

“Hikvision works to bolster the natural relationship between the security industry and law enforcement officials,” commented Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. “We create products and solutions that help make these officials’ jobs easier and more efficient, allowing them to maximize their resources. We are proud to support the Greenwood Village Police Department in their tireless efforts to protect their community.” 

To read a detailed case study about the Hikvision solution in use by the Greenwood Village police, visit http://overseas.hikvision.com/us/SuccessStoryDetail_19_i7646.html. To learn more about Hikvision’s video surveillance solutions, visit Hikvision’s booth at ISC West, #14059.