Beginning in late 2011, Bangkok’s Crime Suppression Unit began placing mobile DVRs and portable video recorder in squad cars and motorcycle units. The products used are Hikvision’s DS-8104HMI-A and DS-6101HLI.
Somchai Prajaksoot, Managing Director at Digital Focus Co Ltd, a security products distributor in Thailand, and the distributor for this project, gave the goals of this project:
1. Gather on-site evidence through video recording during incidents
2. Centralise real-time monitoring and remote recording
3. Track police vehicle positions
4. Gather location information for security/efficiency in video file formats; and
5. Produce an integrated solution from one service provider
It was paramount to find a suitable communication method. Mr Prajaksoot explained the difficulties. “In Thailand, our 3G network does not completely cover all areas. Additionally, there are serious bandwidth issues when sending a large amount of data. These facts alone dictated that the choice of hardware needed to be very specific … and very high-quality. We chose Hikvision.”
The Hikvision DS-8104HMI-A mobile digital recorder has been placed in squad cars and patrol motorcycles, but mainly used in cars. Hikvision’s patented hard disk vibration-proof and bracing technology means that the DS-8104HMI-A can continue operating regardless of motorcycle, car, or the state of the road.
Mr Prajaksoot said: “We’ve had very good results with this mobile DVR. Utilizing the unit’s built-in 3G module and GPS module provides exact positional information for the officers. As well, Hikvision’s technology allows us a very stable connection using the 3G network. Most importantly, the DS-8104HMI-A is great for communicating – the command center is able to receive precise data and instantly understand the situation.”
The DS-8104HMI-A can support dual-stream transmission. Specifically, the sub-stream allows both remote video previewing and mobile phone monitoring with it is claimed minimal bandwidth occupation, for system stability. “Features such as this allow Bangkok’s police force the ability to not only follow general security trends, but stay ahead of the curve,” Mr Prajaksoot said.
While the goal of Bangkok’s police department is to ensure that social order remains intact, unfortunately disturbances and crimes are a reality. Hikvision’s DS-6101HLI portable video recorder lets police officers record video at any location, thereby letting supervisors in the control centre make better informed decisions based on real world pictures.
Mr. Prajaksoot described how often, when problems arise, police are called to remote areas: “These areas, generally, do not provide internet access through Wi-Fi. While most solutions would solely use a Wi-Fi connection for a portable video recorder, we are able to utilize our 3G network with excellent results.”
DS-6101HLI features support for up to 640×480 resolution, 3G wireless transmission, micro SD storage, and LCD screen.
Results
Regardless of either DS-8104HMI-A Mobile DVR or DS-6101HLI Portable Video Recorder, Mr Prajaksoot sees a number of common threads: “These are very durable products that stand up to the tough physical police demands, as well as the extremely challenging weather conditions Thailand faces. Digital Focus Co Ltd. has been using Hikvision products for five years now, largely due to the fact that these are very high-end products. While this specific police program in still in its test stages, the results have been tremendous. We are very confident this program will lead to more Hikvision products in more police cars.”
