While both of these facilities share the goal of educating and rehabilitating Rio’s youth for their future integration into society, the specific Hikvision tools needed for this goal slightly differ.

The first type of juvenile detention facilities, reserved for more serious offenders, is called Degase. These facilities number 6 and are located within the state capital of Rio de Janeiro; they are also very large and contain a high number of juvenile inmates.

Due to potentially higher levels of violence and vandalism inherent in Degase , VMI Sistemas de Segurança – Hikvision’s official distributor for Brazil – and Interimagem (VMI’s partner and integrator for this overall project) took special care in selecting which Hikvision products best fit this environment. Ultimately, 6 Hikvision components and software were chosen for Degase.

Hikvision’s DS-2CD886MF-E 5MP CMOS-based network camera is placed primarily indoors, at key access point and other areas of high importance. "This is a great camera with better resolution frame-per-second than any competitor," explained Alvaro De Souza, CCTV Manager at VMI.

A big key to the success of this camera is its 5 megapixel ability. "With the DS-2CD886MF-E, we can optimise this 5 megapixel ability in a number of ways. The first is by requiring fewer units, reducing the infrastructure costs. For example, one 5 MP camera removes the need for two or three 1.3 MP models. Additionally, we are able to gain a wide area of coverage and achieve tremendous picture detail … all of this greatly helps us in determining exactly who is in a specific place with excellent resolution," Mr. Souza added.

Additionally, placing this camera at higher locations – to prevent possible inmate manipulation – causes no loss in image quality due to Hikvision’s 5 megapixel technology. And, in the cases where this camera is placed near exterior locations, such as at entrance/exits, an excellent image is also achieved through an ICR auto filter.

Where the DS-2CD886MF-E 5MP CMOS-based network camera provided a tool for specific indoor recognition purposes, the DS-2CD7153-E 2MP Network Mini Dome Camera served as the main camera throughout the general indoor facility.

Placed in areas such as corridors and rooms, Mr. Souza noted a prison setting provided initial challenges: "the reality is, inmates are prone to disable, manipulate, or vandalise cameras that they have physical access to. Due to Degase’s lower indoor ceilings, we knew this was a critical issue that needed to be overcome". This was achieved through Hikvision’s vandal-proof housing. Additionally, these mini domes have an alarm trigger that immediately notifies the security control room if any of these cameras are tampered with.

Furthermore, due to the low ceiling heights, the DS-2CD7153-E’s 4mm lens and 2 megapixel resolution provide a 720 HD real-time picture that “greatly help authorities distinguish who the bad guys and good guys are, should any trouble occur,” Mr. Souza noted.

The third camera utilised by Degase is Hikvision’s DS-2CC192N-IR3 540 TVL IR bullet camera – the primary camera used outdoors. One major stipulation made by the Brazilian government was that any outdoor camera be durable, weather-resistant, and have a long life span. With an IP66 weather-rating, the DS-2CC192N-IR3 obviously fits the first of the requirements.

"But, Hikvision adds an extra level of assurance that is usually not found in the security market. Every camera unit is pre-tested by Hikvision for climate control purposes; and in this way Hikvision can absolutely assure the quality of every unit before it reaches its final destination," Mr. Souza explained, "Furthermore, the 540 TVL has a feature that turns the camera’s infrared LEDs on only when at zero LUX – adding additional life to this camera," Mr. Souza further elaborated.

Placed along the perimeter, the DS-2CC192N-IR3 utilises an up-to 40 metre IR distance range to accurately observe adjacent parking lots, streets, and the prison yard. Additionally, a high-quality 1/3” Sony CCD and 540 TVL horizontal resolution combine to provide an excellent analogue picture. Furthermore, both day and night are covered with respective automatic colour and black/white capability; as well as auto white balance, auto gain control, electronic shutter control, and backlight compensation.

The final Hikvision piece in this Degase puzzle is the DS-4216HCI compression card. Hikvision, the pioneer of the compression card, provides a technology that is believed not to be found in any other competitors product. The DS-4216HCI brings a state-of-the-art Texas Instruments chipset, H.264 video codec, 16-channels at CIF real-time audio/video capturing and encoding, thereby allowing great resolution and a high-standard compression rate. "This card saves on video storage capacity by utilising the card’s motion detection feature with analogue cameras, and using an IP camera’s internal motion detection ability," Mr. Souza noted.

The second detention facility, called Criaad, is referred to as a semi-liberty facility used by less-serious juvenile offenders. Criaad facilities, located throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro, number 17 total units and require a lower level of security than the previously mentioned Degase detention centres.

As with Degase – and for the same reasons – Criaad’s primary outdoor camera is the DS-2CC192N-IR3 540 TVL IR bullet camera. One Hikvision component only found at Criaad is the DS-7208HVI-ST standalone DVR. "One helpful feature of the DS-7208HVI-ST is when a system crash is imminent; an alarm automatically sounds, allowing the DVR to automatically save its video data and information is not lost," Mr. Souza related.

Other features, such as 4CIF resolution recording matching 540 TVL, promise perfect frame size and resolution. Additionally, a Texas Instruments chipset provides great quality, reliability, and performance.

Tying this solution together is Hikvision’s 'iVMS-4200' software – a full platform, capable of controlling not only DVRs and compression boards in the same interface, but also IP cameras. This software can manage up to 256 pieces of equipment (cameras, DVRs, etc.), and manage all Hikvision products on one user-friendly interface. As Mr. Souza notes: “iVMS-4200 software is one of the more exciting additions to the Brazilian video surveillance market … it will be a great tool in the security world’s future.”

Beginning in early 2011, this overall solution was installed on the inside and outside of these 23 detention centres comprising both Degase and Criaad. Already, acts of vandalism, prisoner riots, and other misbehaviour have been not only curbed, but completely eliminated due the implementation of Hikvision technology.