Security on (and off) the line

Combating crime on the railways is a major headache, fraught with challenges – notably, how to find the most viable, most cost-efficient and most effective way of dealing with the serious issues of violence and vandalism that plague network operators, reduce passenger numbers and impact significantly on the bottom line.

Then there is the issue of terrorism. In the last two years alone, terrorists have targeted transport facilities in Moscow, Madrid, London and Mumbai. Between 1995-2006, more than 300 terrorist attacks on railway networks were reported, resulting in more than 1000 deaths and over 6000 injuries. The scale of the problem is vast.

Video surveillance is, of course, key. When fully integrated, CCTV already allows a passenger to be ‘followed’ throughout his journey, from the car park, into the ticket office, onto the platform, the train and ultimately on to his final destination. New technologies can go even further. Centrally controlled systems can detect when a bag has been left on a carriage or platform, and remains stationary to the point that the surveillance system automatically flags that its presence (its ‘behaviour’) is unusual.

Germany’s Hamburger Hochbahn AG is a case in point. Hamburger Hochbahn runs approximately 800 coaches, 215 trams and transports more than 360 million customers per year across the city. Due to the expanse of the network and the demographics of Hamburg, Hamburger Hochbahn has faced a high level of damage through vandalism, as well as violence against staff and passengers. Costs through damage amounted to €1.3 million in 2003 alone.

The decision to explore CCTV was taken for several reasons: the increasing length of the coaches was making it impossible for the drivers to monitor the entire car, and the network size meant it was impractical to have security staff present on all relevant lines (additionally, drivers have had to take on the role of conductors after nine o’clock at night, and were faced with increased contact with violent passengers).

As a first step, Hamburger Hochbahn deployed video surveillance in 450 coaches serving primarily at night, and introduced a policy that the 70-80 new cars bought every year must be equipped with video surveillance by the manufacturer. Hamburger Hochbahn chose colour cameras that automatically switch to black and white below a certain illumination. They integrated Verint’s mobile digital video recording solution, which was configured to continue recording for 30 minutes after the engine ignition is cut, ensuring the capture of valid data, even in cases of heavy accidents, or where the engine stops for whatever reason.

Next, Hamburger Hochbahn integrated each system with GSM/HSCSD signalling back to a central control centre, thus ensuring that critical events are always monitored by dedicated and well-trained staff at the headquarters, 24/7. Images and relevant data are automatically transmitted and recorded if the driver hits a ‘hold-up’ button, or if the control centre orders the system to do so. This device, useful if the driver is in fear of attack, instantly saves the last 15 and the next 30 minutes of CCTV footage, whilst automatically activating a call for police support. Ultimately, the solution will be further enhanced with the use of EDGE technology that offers a higher bandwidth than GPRS.

To date, both Hamburger Hochbahn and the drivers are very happy with the chosen solution, and report less crime and vandalism. Through the integration of the system with the central control centre, much shorter reaction times for security staff and law enforcement forces are also being realised.

The biggest challenge for all those working in the transport sector is one of collaboration: agreeing how best to share images and data, and of getting the different operator networks to work together to deliver a truly integrated solution – integrated across the network, and not simply line-by-line but across jurisdiction. The experts agree that CCTV can play an integral role in reducing crime – and the fear of crime – in transport environments. They also agree that the cost savings can be dramatic. But what is clear is that these benefits will best be realised by working with organisations that have not just the technological understanding, but also the direct experience of the transport sector required to ensure that any CCTV investment is maximised to its fullest potential.

Verint Systems, a leader provider of analytic software-based solutions for enterprise optimisation and security, is at the forefront of developing solutions not only to fight terrorism, but also to tackle the day-to-day challenges that network operators face. Its systems are being deployed across all areas of the transport infrastructure, not just on the station platforms, but also on the trains, buses and trams themselves to deliver 100 percent network coverage.