Macro City surveilance
In recent years, the use of macro city surveillance systems has become increasingly common around the world. These systems involve the use of advanced technologies such as cameras, sensors, and other monitoring devices to track and analyze activity within a city or urban area. While some have raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, proponents of macro city surveillance argue that these systems play a critical role in promoting community safety and enhancing quality of life.
One of the main reasons why macro city surveillance is seen as important is because it can help to deter crime and other unwanted activities. By monitoring activity in public spaces, authorities can quickly respond to incidents and potentially prevent crimes from occurring. Additionally, the presence of surveillance cameras and other devices can serve as a visible reminder to the public that they are being watched, which can act as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers.
Another benefit of macro city surveillance is that it can aid in investigations and post-incident analysis. By capturing footage of criminal activity or other incidents, authorities can use this information to identify suspects, piece together timelines and events, and build cases for prosecution. Additionally, this information can be used to identify patterns of behaviour or other trends that may be relevant to future crime prevention efforts.
Beyond these more overt benefits, Omega believes that macro city surveillance can also play an important role in promoting community safety and quality of life in more subtle ways. For example, by monitoring traffic and transportation systems, authorities can identify areas of congestion or other issues that may be causing safety or quality of life concerns for residents. Similarly, by monitoring public spaces and gathering data on usage patterns, authorities can identify opportunities to optimize these spaces and make them more appealing to the public.
Recognising the need for macro city surveillance, the Omega Group gradually became involved in the delivering of the most effective, sustainable and economic macro surveillance solutions since about 2004/2005. Consequently, the Group has over the years developed the reputation as a world class leader in the design, implementation, management of operations and incident management for macro facilities installations.
Operating in close collaboration with the South African Police Services, Metropolitan Police Departments, the National Intelligence Agency as well as Municipal, Rail and Banking Services, Omega contributed to an 80% drop in street crime and a reduction of some 90% in losses in cities where our designs and systems were installed.
The business philosophy of Omega Risk Solutions is based on a thorough understanding of the clients’ requirements in order to present them with innovative and cost-effective solutions. Application of state-of-the-art technology constitutes an essential part of the group’s approach to providing security solutions.
The systems and procedures implemented by Omega Risk Solutions are aligned with internationally recognised quality management systems. Since every client has unique requirements, every project is approached holistically yet individually. The client is presented with a distinctive, sustainable solution that encompasses strategic assessment, integration, customisation and quality.
Gabon: City Surveillance
A key contract that was awarded to Omega Risk Solutions is the appointment as the sole supplier and operator of a public surveillance system for Libreville, Franceville, and Port Gentil (GABON) which was eventually extended to phase 2. The Gabonese Government identified the necessity to support their various departments, responsible for safety and security, with a state-of-the-art Integrated Security Solution, based on ISO 9001:2000 standards.
The solution proposed by Omega and accepted by the Gabonese Government, included a state-of-the-art Integrated Security Solution, consisting of a Central Control Centre (CCC), a CCTV camera system as well as foot and vehicle patrols, which also acted as a Quick Reaction Force. Important to note, is that the complete system was integrated with the Gabonese Government Departments responsible for Safety and Security.
The CCC, situated in Libreville, presented an effective solution in serving the general interest of the community and the governing body at large, as far as the monitoring, managing and controlling of events in specified areas are concerned. The CCC monitored state of the art CCTV cameras deployed in strategic positions in Libreville CBD, Port Môle and the International Airport.
At the time of Omega’s involvement, it was planned that the CCTV system would have been expanded to cover a wider area in the greater Libreville and will include other provinces.
Attached to the CCC was a Joint Operations Centre. From this room all activities in the CCC were monitored. In event of specific emergencies such as natural disasters, or specific planning such as pro-active crime prevention operations, this centre was utilized by the Gabonese Government Authorities for planning purposes.
Most of the personnel employed in this Integrated Security Solution were Gabonese nationals. They were subjected to a vigorous selection process that met international standards thus ensuring that only the best was selected. All personnel underwent intensive training to equip them for their different roles.
Johannesburg City Surveillance
The contract awarded by the City of Johannesburg for the installation of a macro-CCTV surveillance system, incorporating 231 cameras, which was controlled from a state-of-the-art control centre.
The CCTV operation was integrated with the City’s broader Safety and Security Strategy, which entailed combating all crime in Johannesburg, from bag snatching, pick pocketing and cell phone theft, to smash-and-grab attacks, indecent assault, robbery and other more serious crimes. The entire operation, however, was viewed as a city management tool, and not just a crime-busting operation.
The City of Johannesburg is using CCTV not only for crime detection and prevention, but the use of CCTV also includes, for example, the monitoring of traffic, service delivery problems, and the identification of potential hazards.
The surveillance system, installed and operated by Omega Risk Solutions, and managed by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), consisted of an interactive network of 237 cameras (when Omega was involved) surveying the central business district (CBD) from a single control center. The entire operation was a co-operative relationship between Omega, the Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), emergency management services (EMS), Pikitup and the City Safety Strategy.
The main idea behind the JMPD CCTV surveillance project was to stop all crime and improve the quality of life and personal safety for all residents and workers in the CBD of Johannesburg, without any threat of harm. Increasing police visibility has helped to increase a feeling of safety amongst people in the CBD, while the camera provides a constant awareness that someone is watching over the city.
The CCTV surveillance system was intended to operate proactively, rather than reactively. Omega staff in the control center received intensive training on body language and behaviour to anticipate incidents before they happen.
The surveillance centre also featured Omega’s Interactive Remote Monitoring Control Room, where camera footage of businesses in and around the CBD were constantly monitored.