Managing technology
Relentless change and rapid integration continue to be key features of the security systems sector. The speed and power of recent developments relating to the gathering and display of information within Control Rooms, offices and related facilities, for example, has been breathtaking.
Against this dynamic background, it’s fair to say that those companies who invest in regular professional training are best placed to exploit the emerging technologies and solutions being put forward by the security industry.
In our ‘Managing Technology’ strand, there are two courses of direct relevance to senior executives, security managers and supervisors. The first – concentrating on Biometrics and Analytics – is a two-day course which runs on 7-8 April, 23-24 June, 21-22 July, 18-19 August, 27-28 October and 24-25 November. It reviews how professionals can make the case for security investment before covering signature, iris and facial recognition technologies.
In relation to video analytical devices, searching in colour is an area for thorough discussion (while video motion detection and activity detection also feature). The course tutors discuss people counting and tracking techniques, Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems, container alpha numeric recognition, standards and legal issues and thermal imaging.
Importantly, the costs involved in specifying and procuring biometrics come to the fore alongside a detailed assessment of the best solution to buy in order to suit your needs.
Digital CCTV and IP
The world of CCTV security systems is changing at a blistering pace, with many client organisations switching to digital and IP-based solutions. That change is leading plenty of end users towards a hybrid set-up, but will they be fit for purpose? How do you define a system?
On the Digital CCTV and IP course, tutors examine digital recording and image transmission techniques, image storage and retrieval, the technology behind digital cameras and display screens, compression types and HD solutions.
All current IP terminology is explained in detail, and there’s an examination of proprietary software versus open protocols. How can you truly secure an IP network? How safe are they in the real world? These issues are examined alongside the topic of latency and ways in which data rates might be improved.
Different types of networks, the procurement of systems (and how managers might evaluate them beforehand) and LANs/ WANs are all considered in great detail on this two-day course, which runs on 17-18 March, 9-10 April, 25-26 June, 23-24 July, 20-21 August, 29-30 October and 26-27 November.
Electronic countermeasures
VIP protection specialists and those managers specifically tasked with securing sensitive sites and/or information can limit the threat their companies face from hidden eavesdropping devices by attending the two-day Electronic Countermeasures course (which runs on 1-2 May, 19-20 June, 21-22 August, 30-31 October and from 4-5 December).
Professionals can learn to recognise bugging devices old and new, and gain the skills necessary for carrying out both physical and electronic sweeps designed to detect any hidden devices in the Boardroom. Audio recorders and telephone taps are on the agenda here, alongside ‘Brooming’ techniques, Trojan Horse disguising tactics and the legal and Health and Safety considerations involved.
There’s no longer an excuse for those ‘back of a cigarette packet’ security system designs. At last, a course is available – Selling Security Systems – that has been specifically designed to suit the security sales manager. This action-packed course looks at the development of presentational skills, with recordings made of each candidates’ performance so that they can identify areas for improvement.
British and European Standards are outlined, and there’s a very useful module segment concentrating on how managers can understand and interpret data specification sheets. Current legislation (including Data Protection and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) is explained, along with the skills needed to sell maintenance contracts as part of recurring income streams. This new four-day course runs on 1-4 April, 6-9 May, 2-5 June, 4-7 August, 8-11 September, 20-23 October, 3-6 November and on the 15-18 December.
Gathering video evidence
The Gathering Video Evidence course has been developed in conjunction with members of the police service, representatives from the Home Office and transport companies to provide the necessary understanding of how digital footage might be effectively exported and used within the UK’s legal system. It’s a classic combination of ‘need to know’ classroom-based theory supported by practical workshop sessions.
Operators and managers involved with gathering and forwarding video evidence should attend to discover all they need to know about compression engines, video extraction, audit trails and basic operational requirements.
Handling video and data storage media, setting up DVRs, video imaging, basic networking principles and Data Protection issues will be reviewed alongside the basic legal considerations pertaining to CCTV. Managers should note that risk assessments and Health and Safety issues are covered, too.
In 2008, this new three-day course – leading to either a Tavcom Certificate or a BTEC Advanced Award – takes place in April (22-24), June (16-18), July (21-23), August (27-29), September (22-24), October (20-22), November (18-20) and on 9-11 December.
Managing CCTV Control Rooms
Managing CCTV Control Rooms is pretty much the course YOU have requested! This constantly updated and refreshed classroom course is now offered as a distance learning programme that brings town centre CCTV managers, project managers, Community Safety officers and security personnel working in the retail, commercial and industrial spaces face-to-face with the ‘real world’ demands placed upon Control Room managers.
The cost of ownership is highlighted, as is preparation of the operational requirements for a given Control Room. Working in partnership for funding is an important area touched upon, as is the all-important selection procedure for consultants and installers working alongside the client organisation.
In addition, the selection and screening of operators and the basic procedures involved with gathering video evidence are highlighted.
Want to gain the skills and confidence required to introduce a new CCTV scheme, or improve and update your existing installation? If so, this is the course for you.
