Motorola Solutions expands video security portfolio to support SA crime-fighting

Whether a large or small crime, a vehicle accident or even a large-scale incident, it’s crucial for any law enforcement agency to see the full picture before, during and after an incident. Motorola Solutions is a global leader in mission-critical communications, which are typically used by emergency or disaster response services.

Motorola Solutions continues to make significant investments in innovative technologies that support these needs, helping public safety agencies optimise their responses as well as improve their investigations. Motorola Solutions has now expanded its video security portfolio with new solutions that help police respond more efficiently in emergency situations.

The new video solutions include a portfolio of body-worn cameras from Motorola Solutions’ recently acquired Scottish subsidiary Edesix, previously part of VaaS International Holdings. Motorola Solutions has also released new Avigilon video control centre software, which uses artificial intelligence to simplify and streamline work for control room operators.

Phil Jefferson, vice-president for Middle East and Africa at Motorola Solutions, says: “Video is a natural and paramount extension of our mission-critical communications platform. By harnessing the combined power of video, advanced software and artificial intelligence, public safety agencies can make their operations substantially more efficient and increase security for citizens.”

Motorola Solutions’ portfolio expansion is in response to a growing demand for video security solutions in markets worldwide. According to the Body-Worn Cameras & Digital Evidence Management 2018 Report from IHS Markit, the global installed base for law enforcement and police body-worn cameras alone will “increase by nearly 30% in 2018, exceeding 1.5 million body-worn cameras in use worldwide”. With general trends of rising crime rates and violence against public safety and security personnel, the demand for body-worn camera solutions is likely to increase in the future.

Keeping the streets safer with body-worn video

Body-worn cameras play an important role when it comes to public safety. They have been shown to deter aggression and protect those working on the front line. They also can provide secure evidence to aid in court proceedings. Edesix provides robust, secure, user-friendly body-worn cameras for police, prison services, security teams, and emergency services workers globally. The new addition will integrate into Motorola Solutions’ existing video security and digital evidence management portfolio for public safety and commercial users.

Edesix’s body-worn video solutions are used by public safety organisations and commercial customers around the world, allowing users to record, store, review and manage their evidence. The company’s latest product is the Video Badge VB-400, an IP67 protection rating, which delivers full 1080p HD recording capabilities to capture evidence-quality footage, Bluetooth sensor monitoring, and built-in GPS functionality that will greatly simplify camera asset management across large estates.

The new video cameras join Motorola Solutions’ existing body-worn video portfolio, which provides frontline teams with an intuitive solution for capturing crucial video evidence. Motorola Solutions’ integrated cameras for police officers allow them to work more effectively. These video solutions record high-quality video evidence, all easily managed through Motorola Solutions’ evidence management platform – CommandCentral Vault.

Body-worn video cameras also can help build trust with communities. As video-recorded encounters with civilians become more widespread, both sides are inclined to interact in a calmer manner. A recent survey conducted by London’s Mayor Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) and the College of Policing, found that 92% of the public questioned about body-worn cameras agreed that they improve police accountability.

Body-worn video can save time for both police and civilians. This is due to the fact that high-quality video evidence means a significant reduction in the number of officers and civilians having to attend court. A survey among Edesix customers using body-worn cameras found that over 90% of criminal cases where these devices were involved resulted in early guilty pleas prior to trial, saving valuable time and resources.

Motorola Solutions expects its newly expanded video security portfolio, which has been well received across the globe, to help further promote security for countries like South Africa.

Focusing on attention with AI-powered video

Motorola Solutions’ Avigilon video security solutions include advanced video management software, designed to transform the way users interact with and gain situational awareness from their video security systems.

The latest Avigilon Control Center (ACC) 7 video management software introduces Focus of Attention, a cutting-edge user interface for live video monitoring. Rather than watching static video feeds, Focus of Attention uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Avigilon self-learning video analytics and Unusual Motion Detection technologies to determine what information is important and should be presented to security operators.

By providing actionable information immediately to users, the system is designed to help ensure that critical events do not go unnoticed. This new level of proactive response is set to help change the future of video security operations.