ATCH_8.__JBA_UH_CAMPUS_VIDEO_SECURITY_SYSTEM_EVALUATION_(POST).pdf

Report of

Closed Circuit Surveillance System Joint Base Andrews, Barracks

Overall Findings

After a full review of the notes and concerns listed, it was determined that the video security system employed at Joint Base Andrews (JBA) meets all of the basic technical criteria for standards utilized by the Electronic Security Association. However, some systems are quickly becoming dated and are approaching an end of life (EOL) scenario.

For advanced criteria, some systems employ older coax style architecture while still others utilize the full functionality of a true IP based system. This is described in detail for each building in its respective report below.

It was further found that some systems, while utilizing newer up to date technological methods, had substandard workmanship while others employed out of date older technology and received excellent workmanship. This is also outlined in the detailed report to follow. Based on budget concerns and EOL scenarios, all systems should be considered to be brought up to IP based systems, and at the least, substandard workmanship reworked to industry standard for reliability.

It seems as if no thought was given to environmental systems for 90% of the initial project. Heat, moisture and exposure seem to have been the biggest contributing factor to the current system deficiencies. This is followed and ties into the systemic perspective, it seems as if little thought was put into the functionality from a user’s perspective. From camera locations all the way through to accessibility, and location placement the current end users either were not consulted or input not valued. It is our recommendation that not only environmental issues be addressed, but that systemic systems addressed as well.

This will be addressed in the report below.

There seems to be no forward leaning plan on Preventative Maintenance in place, and that is the reason for some of the deficiencies. A manufacturer PM plan should be implemented for continued operation once repairs are complete.

Finally, there are some safety concerns from both the technological and the systemic viewpoints. Technologically, some areas have blind spots, poor camera placement and the systems are not linked into a central warehousing system for redundancy. From a systemic, the systems are not protected from outside influence and in one case, an electrical cord is actually running across a floor into a closet where the system is housed.

Not only is this a trip hazard, but someone could simply pull the plug on the system without gaining access to the actual closet. More detail, and a plan of action to follow the individual reports.

Building 1624

Bad Monitor at this location:

DVR #1 “4TB of storage, set to continuous record, approximately 6 months storage” Issue #1 – Camera #4 is not showing

DVR #2 “4TB of storage, set to continuous record, approximately 30 days storage” Issue #1 – Camera #5, #6 and #21 are not showing

This is a full IP based system.

Proposal #1 - Send cameras back to Bosch for repair.

Proposal #2 - Replace monitor.

Recommendations:

1 - Put climate control in the room that contains the main equipment rack.

2 - Use environmentally hardened network switches in the remote closets due to lack of climate control.

Above Pictures: Bad monitor

Building 1631

DVR #1 & #2

Found that both units are not functioning. One issue seems to be bad hard disk drives, probably due to heat. No video is being recorded at this time. The 46 cameras could not be evaluated due to the DVR’s not functioning. The Network Switches could not be evaluated due to the DVR’s not functioning. This system will have to be re-evaluated once we have operational DVR’s. It is impossible to know the full extent of the damage to the system at this point.

This is a full IP based system.

Proposal #1 - Send DVRs in for repair Proposal #2 - Replace bad network switch

1 - Put climate control in the room that contains the main equipment rack

Above Pictures: Both DVR’s show Not Recording and 0GB disk size

Building 1631 (Cont.)

Below Pictures: 2nd DVR showing Not Recording and 0GB disk size, Remote closet with network switch

Above Picture: Bad reote network switch

Building 1657

DVR #1 “4TB of storage, set to continuous record, approximately 30 days storage” No issues

DVR #2

Found that this unit was not functioning possibly due to heat. No video is being recorded at this time. The cameras could not be evaluated due to the DVR not functioning. The Network Switches could not be evaluated due to the DVR not functioning. This system will have to be re-evaluated once we have an operational DVR. It is impossible to know the full extent of the damage to the system at this point.

This is a full IP based system.

Proposal #1 - Send DVR in for repair.

Above Pictures: DVR #2 Not Recording and 0GB disk size

Building 1690

DVR #1 “set to continuous record, approximately 120 days storage” Issue #1 – Camera #5 is not showing

DVR #2 “set to continuous record, approximately 120 days storage” No Issues

This system has both good workmanship and environmentals. It is however the lowest end of the systems and is a coax based analog system.

Proposal #1 - Send cameras back to Bosch for repair.

Proposal #2 - Replace broken camera with new Bosch cameras.

1 – Replace KVM with rack mount version for better access.

Above Pictures: Camera #5 needs to be replaced, KVM should be relocated for better access

Building 1691

DVR #1 “4TB of storage, set to continuous record, approximately 90 days storage” Issue #1 – Camera #6 is not showing Issue #2 – Camera #7 is not showing Issue #3 – Camera #11 intermittently working

DVR #2 “4TB of storage, set to continuous record, shows 2 years storage” Issue #1 – Camera #3 intermittently working

This is a coax based analog system.

Proposal #1 – Replace broken cameras with new Bosch cameras.

Above Pictures: Camera #6 & #7 are not working

Above Picture: Wiring needs to be cleaned up, a 120vac outlet should be installed near the rack (120vac to be installed by others). Safety and Trip hazards need to be addressed.

Building 1692

DVR #1 “8TB of storage, set to motion record, 11 months storage” Issue #1 – Camera #10 is not working Issue #2 – Camera #7 & #16 are intermittently working Issue #3 – BNC connectors are loose and need to be redone Issue #4 – Wrong time on system

DVR #2 “8TB of storage, set to motion record, 11 months storage” Issue #1 – Camera #2 intermittently working

This is a coax based analog system.

Proposal #1 - Replace broken cameras with new Bosch cameras.

Proposal #2 - Replace loose BNC connectors.

Above Pictures: System was in temperature alert, wiring needs to be cleaned up

Building 1692(Cont)

Above Pictures: show temperature warning and cameras not recording

Above Picture: Camera needs to be replaced

(Also a good example of why a PM plan should be implemented).

Recommendations

1. Technological Suitability

Send all DVR’s off for repair that need repair. Due to heat stress and lack of environmental concern, warranties are void on these units. Create plan on end of life systems for future upgrades and funding for upgrades. Optional: Look into connecting all systems with a PtP wireless ring for security and additional functionality.

2. Operational Status

Optional: Look into wireless links to connect all buildings. Include the users on camera placement and additional camera locations. There are many blind spots and security concerns that were out of the scope of this project to review.

3. Environmental Concerns

Option 1- Relocate systems. This is unlikely given the cable plant that has already been run. Option 2- Install inexpensive non water producing floor ac units. These systems are around $500/ea and would cool a closet or small room fully.

4. Systemic Suitability

Include users on planning of systems and functionality.

5. Ongoing Preventative Maintenance

Create a plan to maintain the systems, periodic cleaning and checking of hard drive space. Updates to firmware on cameras and dvr’s. Identify a funding source and timetable to accomplish this.

6. Safety and Security Concerns

Properly power systems to remove extension cords. Secure systems, and adjust or add cameras to remove blind spots.