From its central call and dispatch centre in St. Helens, Columbia 9-1-1 uses the solution to remotely monitor multiple radio towers located throughout a 680 square mile (1,094 square kilometer) radius. Live video from surveillance cameras and March Networks 4000 C Series Networked Video Recorders located at each site is streamed via the district’s existing microwave radio network to St. Helens. The video is then displayed on both overhead monitors and dispatchers’ computers using March Networks’ Videosphere SiteManager software and Edge Decode Station. Staff can also easily review or download recorded video evidence over the network.

“We are seeing increased demand from state and local governments for integrated solutions that enhance infrastructure security and support comprehensive communications and emergency response,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. “In response, we continue to deliver high-performance IP video solutions optimised for network efficiency, and provide end-to-end interoperability working with best-of-breed telecommunications companies as a founding member of the Secure City Technology Alliance.”

Columbia 9-1-1 engaged its security and IT providers, as well as its systems integrator Huser Integrated Technologies of Portland, to identify the best video solution for its requirements. Huser, a March Networks certified solution provider, referred the district to several customers who, in turn, recommended March Networks.

“We are very happy with the March Networks solution,” said Steve Watson, Systems and Facilities Specialist with Columbia 9-1-1. “Our priority goal is to operate quickly and smoothly in every emergency situation and the March Networks solution enables us to do that. The system is easy to use, which accelerated how quickly we could deploy and start to use the technology throughout our district. We have already provided video evidence from the system to assist in police investigations.”