Sarasota, Florida Installs Longwatch
Provides Video Documentation of Trucks at Receiving Station
Once known primarily as a vacation or retirement destination, today's Sarasota is home to diversity. A great year-round climate, expanding employment opportunities, abundant leisure time activities and excellent schools attract creative entrepreneurs, skilled workers and professionals who want to thrive in a community where life is fun. Almost half of Sarasota County's population is in the prime working age range of 25 to 64.
The beaches of Sarasota stretch over 35 miles along the west coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
Remote Video Surveillance Made Easy
The Longwatch Surveillance System can utilize existing SCADA low-bandwidth communications to transmit video. Unlike stand-alone security
systems that use closed-circuit or broadband networks for video transmission, Longwatch does not require the installation of a new
communications network. The Longwatch solution allows operators to manage both SCADA system alarms and security alarms using the same system.
"We recognize that installing video is one of the best methods to help secure our facilities. An obvious concern is the number of remote sites we have across our widespread operation. One example is our lift stations. We have over five hundred lift stations connected to my Wonderware SCADA system, the majority communicate by radio. I doubt we would ever add a dedicated communications network for video to monitor those sites. Longwatch's wireless communications ability can help us get the job done", explained Fred Sherrod, Instrumentation Technology Manager.
Video Documentation – Event Archiving
Longwatch records, forwards, and stores video event clips. Its unique archiving ability allows system operators to retrieve and review
video clips for forensic purposes, as well as, after hour activities. Sarasota's installation demonstrates a creative use of this
advanced design feature.
"We installed Longwatch at a septic receiving station. The facility is manned, but the operator is not always in a position to observe the comings and goings of the many trucks that unload each day. This is of particular concern during the first and last hour of operation when a driver may arrive earlier or later than expected. With Longwatch we now automatically capture the driver vehicle ID number. The event clip is immediately sent to our watch office. That information, in conjunction with the driver's password, gives us verification of each transfer", said Sherrod.
Vandalism and Intrusion Protection
All water operators are aware of the heightened security measures that have been mandated by the EPA and the Homeland Security effort. Of
additional importance to many operators is the need to monitor remote sites against the unwanted presence of individuals that may or may
not want to bring harm to the community. Water system operators are required to respond to all intrusion alarms. Unfortunately sending
employees or officials to a site doesn't provide the level of information needed, even if the intruder is apprehended. The intruders may
claim no harm was done, but precautions must be taken. There have been recent situations where communities have been forced to shut down
their system for multiple days to test water for contamination. With video surveillance and archiving, operators can review video clips to
confirm if any hostile activities took place.
"We are very concerned about the potential threat of a terrorist act. We are also concerned about illegal dumping activities. We have had problems in our community with individuals who have dumped grease and other contaminants into our system. It is a public health issue, as well as, an additional burden on our water treatment facilities," described Sherrod.
Easy to Install and Operate
"The Longwatch installation went well. It is integrated into my Wonderware HMI. I can honestly say the system is performing to the advertised
specification. We fully intend to install Longwatch at additional sites", explained Sherrod.
For More Information
For more information on the Longwatch Surveillance System, or to find out how Longwatch can help provide faster, more efficient
and cost-effective threat deterrence, detection and response, contact:
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