NCJ Number
207843
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 68,70,72
Date Published
May 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the possibilities for wireless video surveillance applications for law enforcement purposes.
Abstract
Video surveillance is a highly effective surveillance tool and is becoming even more important in our post-September 11th world. The video capabilities of any law enforcement agency depends greatly on the type of network used; “private wireless broadband systems that support broadband data rates on both the uplink and downlink are ideally suited for video.” Wireless options for video are considered; point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless backhaul is utilized by most wireless video systems. Cellular data is not ideal for use with video because the monthly fees are prohibitive and slow uplinks can significantly reduce the picture quality and frame rates. Ad hoc or mesh wireless systems are a new option that seems well-suited for video surveillance. In the end, the system that is selected should support mobility. Portable video systems should run on wireless networks that have enough bandwidth for the range needed and allow the use of repeaters or wireless routers to increase range while maintaining high data rates. Wireless video surveillance is the trend of the future and will significantly aid law enforcement, as well as public safety agencies, in their duties.