Hanwha Techwin a global supplier of IP and analog video surveillance solutions, a 2020 Double Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner, and Multiple Product Nominations Competing in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has been selected by Star of Hope Mission in Houston Texas, for hundreds of Hanwha security cameras and a Wisenet WAVE VMS (Video Management System) system installations to help secure facilities for unhoused men, women and children.
The Star of Hope Mission serves Houston’s homeless communities offering assistance for their immediate crisis needs and with longer term life-changing recovery programs.
The mission runs two centers: the Doris and Carloss Morris Men’s Development Center, a 70,000 square foot facility that can house 300-350 men, and the recently completed Women and Family Development Center, which is made up of seven-building campus that can house up to 160 single women and 130 families.
(Star of Hope Mission is a 501 (C)(3) Christ-centered community supporting Houston’s homeless men, women and children, that encourages positive life changes through programs in spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and substance abuse recovery. Courtesy of Star of Hope Mission and YouTube.)
Star of Hope wanted to install a security system at the Women and Family Development Center that would allow them to provide a safe environment in which their clients could recover.
Given the campus’ extensive layout, they faced several design challenges.
Ike Kimmel, the Director of Facilities Development, worked closely with the installing contractor, Ricky Johnson from Design Security Controls, a Houston-based integrator to create a system that includes cameras, access control and video intercom that would meet the Center’s needs.
“Because of the configuration of the campus, we had to make sure that we had coverage inside and outside – inside the buildings and the fence and then outside on the surrounding perimeter area,” explained Kimmel.
“On the camera side, it was a big challenge for us to make sure that we covered everything.”
After reviewing options from a variety of manufacturers, the Star of Hope selected Hanwha Techwin cameras and later adopted Wisenet WAVE as its VMS.
“At the end of the day, Hanwha Techwin offered Star of Hope better value at a more cost-effective price with the highest quality images and an outstanding warranty,” added Johnson.
Star of Hope selected a combination of Wisenet S, X, and P series Hanwha Techwin cameras for its video surveillance system. In part, the decision about which cameras to purchase was based on the level of detail required for different locations.
In particular, Star of Hope needed higher levels of detail for outside locations and lower levels for interior spaces.
(Learn about Wisenet P series AI cameras which feature resolutions of up to 4K and are equipped with onboard license-free intelligent video analytics including mask detection and AI-based human and vehicle object classification with attribute extraction for easy forensic review. Courtesy of Hanwha Techwin America and YouTube.)
In total, Star of Hope installed 262 cameras, using 12 MP cameras on the perimeter, 4 MP cameras in courtyards, and 2 MP cameras inside buildings. P series 12 MP 360° fisheye cameras also were installed in classrooms.
These cameras are not actively monitored, but Kimmel wanted to ensure that there were no blind spots in any buildings.
The Women and Family Development Center has a Security Command Room with a video wall that features nine 40-inch screens that are actively monitored 24/7. Kimmel also has a screen in his office that he uses mainly for forensic investigations.
Wisenet WAVE also enables the Command Room to display supplemental maps and graphics that provide a virtual tour of the campus and camera locations.
Kimmel is particularly impressed with the VMS and said, “To my knowledge, there is nothing else on the market that compares with Wisenet WAVE.”
“It is incredible how easy it is to use and just amazing how much it helps us with both active monitoring and finding recorded video.”
In a recent case of theft on campus, for example, Star of Hope was able to find and share video footage with local law enforcement to support the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
In addition to live monitoring, security at the Center also relies heavily on recorded video for forensic investigations, and all of that high-resolution video footage requires large amounts of storage, especially since the standard retention rate at the Center is 30 days.
To reduce bandwidth and storage requirements, the Center uses H.265 and Wisestream II compression technology.
(See how with WiseStream II, encoding and compression are dynamically controlled so that static images are highly compressed when recorded whereas point of interests such as movements are recorded with low compression so that they can be viewed clearly in high resolution. Courtesy of Hanwha Techwin America and YouTube.)
Star of Hope Mission has been so satisfied with its Hanwha Techwin video surveillance system at the Women and Family Development Center that it is about to start a new deployment.
“We are currently working with Johnson on an upcoming project to install 52 cameras and the Wisenet WAVE VMS at the Men’s Development Center, said Kimmel.”
“The new system will also include a dedicated Security Command Room that will enable the security team to monitor live video 24/7.”
(See how Wisenet WAVE is an IP Video management platform that allows users to create IP video surveillance solutions tailored to any type of project, usable by anyone and on any device. It is simple to setup and use, yet a reliable VMS designed for you. Courtesy of Hanwha Techwin America and YouTube.)
Kimmel is also excited that the systems at the two centers will be joined using WAVE Sync, making his job easier.
He explains, “Instead of having to go back and forth between the centers, our Hanwha Techwin systems will allow me to monitor video from my office at the Women and Family Development Center or from my mobile phone.”
For Star of Hope Mission, ensuring the safety and security of its clients is vital.
With its Hanwha Techwin-based systems and the support of a Hanwha-trained integrator Design Security Controls, Star of Hope is able to continue supporting some of the most vulnerable men, women, and children in Houston.
Hanwha Techwin America is a subsidiary of Hanwha Corporation, a leading global supplier of solutions for IP and analog video surveillance.
Building on the company’s history of innovation, Hanwha Techwin America is dedicated to providing solutions with the highest levels of performance, reliability and cost-efficiency for professional security applications.
To view their full line of products, please visit www.HanwhaSecurity.com.
Hanwha Techwin America Returns to Compete in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 18, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors
ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Register for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East – Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
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