The American television show CSI, thanks to syndication, is one of the most popular shows on the planet. However, the work done on such shows is based on real science done by real law enforcement agents, forensic technicians, and scientists. But, unlike the TV CSI, where security is a few extras standing and wearing police uniforms, and the access control pad for the stars to swipe their cards against when entering, real CSI security is serious business. Take a new Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex in Toronto, Canada. Opened in September 2013, it’s the largest of its kind in Canada, and one of the three largest in the world.
Not only will TV-style CSI operations be housed in the Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex (FSCC), but it is also designed to handle biology, toxicology, chemistry, firearms, document and photo analysis, and electronics. The FSCC includes multiple examination bays, ballistics facilities, and Canada’s first Containment Level 3 autopsy suite, and is equipped to cope with mass fatality events such as airline crashes.
To protect these scientists, researchers, examiners, and administrative staff, as well as the facilities, Marcomm Systems Group Inc., the integrator working on the project, teamed with Carillion (the facility management company for the FSCC).
David Trudel, President and CEO at Marcomm Systems Group Inc., said: “At Marcomm Systems Group Inc., we do all of our product testing in-house, so we know – without a doubt – that what we recommend does what its specifications say it should.”
During the installation, Hikvision cameras were chosen “because Hikvision not only met the project specifications, but in many cases, exceeded them,” said Trudel.
This project marks an important step for Hikvision in the Canadian market, the Chinese CCTV manufacturer says. It is the first public project of this scale Hikvision has been involved in. As such, it was critically important for Infrastructure Ontario (the quasi-public, quasi-private owner of this project) to see proof of quality. Hikvision reports its products passed testing at all levels. And, being able to integrate with the existing VMS software without any difficulties, or modifications was the final seal of approval.
Once approved, four Hikvision camera models were selected – The 2MP Vandal Resistant Network Dome Cameras, 1.3 MP Indoor and Outdoor Network High Speed Dome Cameras, and 1.3MP WDR Outdoor Network Cameras now provide the eyes for the FSCC.
These models, in use around the FSCC, are to monitor the roof line, building exterior, parking areas, medical labs, courthouse, jail cells, ballistics testing rooms, administration facilities, as well as other critical areas.
Due to the sensitivity nature of this project, exact locations, as well as Hikvision camera benefits in relation to these areas cannot be specified. Mr. Trudel said: “As for where the cameras are placed, we were given a scope of work that helped determine where the cameras should be positioned. Our goal was to put Hikvision technology in specified areas in order to achieve the greatest performance and highest impact possible.”
The issue of quality is paramount for the Government of Ontario, as well as its real shareholders – the public, who will be paying for a portion of this facility with their taxes. As such, financial responsibility is a real concern for all the players involved – from Infrastructure Ontario to Carillion to Marcomm Systems Group.
Trudel summed up: “With Hikvision, we feel extremely confident that we can provide tremendous value. The technology in our eyes is top-notch, as is the sales and engineering support we’ve received to date. The synergy is a true advantage.”
