“Your train is ready to board on platform nine. Doors close automatically. Please beware of departing train.”
Anybody who has ever embarked on a train in Germany will have heard such announcements. Whereas most passengers usually only worry about a punctual arrival, the security personnel of the train operator have a host of other issues in mind. They are concerned with preventing thefts, fighting vandalism, obviating illegal drug dealing at the train station. In times of increased fear of terrorism, security staff might even have to avert bomb attacks. Luckily they are not left alone with the task as video security technology is a valuable help when it comes to prevent or at least clear up any incidents.

For many years, several train operators in Denmark have been relying on video security technology by the Regensburg based CCTV/IP expert Dallmeier an its Danish partner SCANVIEW. When it comes to modernising and expanding the systems, the tried and trusted technology is repeatedly chosen again.

A quick jostle, a swift grasp, and before you know it the handbag is gone. Particularly within large crowds, for instance at station concourses or on platforms, pickpockets are at work. Vandalism and intentional demolition of material goods also often occur at train stations and dimly lit places and pathways sometimes attract illegal drug dealing. Modern video security technology puts a stop to such criminal activities. In most cases the mere presence of cameras and the awareness of a functioning surveillance system deters potential perpetrators and thus criminal acts are blighted. Should there nevertheless be any incidents, the recordings help in positively identifying the offenders.

However, a prerequisite for any identification is that the image material is of high quality and rich in detail. Additionally, the recordings must be approved for use as evidence in court. The Danish train operators informed themselves extensively before choosing a suitable solutions. Eventually, the decision was made to choose digital recording devices and cameras by the Regensburg based manufacturer Dallmeier. The on-site support and the installation of the devices is carried out by partner company SCANVIEW, with whom Dallmeier has been successfully collaborating for many years. Torsten Ussing, Director of SCANVIEW: “The Danish train operators demanded highest quality and did not want to compromise. After all, the safety of employees and passengers alike is at stake.“

The technology
The train operators in Denmark have been using digital Wavelet recorders by Dallmeier since 2001 now. In the course of the continuously made modernisations and expansions of the system, Dallmeier was chosen again. This time, however, it was decided to use the new hybrid recorders DMS 240 “In Memory of Leonardo”. In addition to the proven basic features, which were already integrated into the Wavelet recorders (such as VdS conformity, Linux operating system and many more), train operators benefit from a host of new functions which guarantee unique operational security and optimal user-friendliness.

The DMS 240 “In Memory of Leonardo“ digital video recorders allow real-time recording and offer up to 24 camera inputs, whereby audio is available for all channels. A particularity is the hybrid functionality, which means that analogue and IP devices can be jointly operated. The user thus has the option to quickly and easily integrate the recorder into existing system configurations.

The Danish train operators put particular emphasis on having the option to access the recorders via a web browser. Using the browser live access, the live images of all cameras connected to the recorder can be evaluated on any PC. In order to do so, only the IP address of the recorder and the password must be entered. Subsequently, the cameras can be selected and the images can be viewed at different resolutions.

Additionally, the PView software is used on several workstations. It provides a user-friendly and functional management tool for the Dallmeier recorders. The PView software provides many useful opportunities and applications for the video image display in the user area as well for the administration. For instance, the display of live splits PView is also the right solution in case that the Danish police requires recordings for investigative purposes.

Torsten Ussing: “All recorders are connected to a fibre glass network and can be monitored by different public authorities. Especially the Danish police often use recordings to investigate all kinds of criminal acts. Metros and suburban trains are highly popular and frequently used means of transport in large cities. In those urban areas the police repeatedly get high-quality images of individuals that are brought in connection with criminal acts. Owing to the recordings crimes can be solved much faster!”

The images are taken by cameras of the DDF3000AV model, which is ideally suited for the use at train stations. The high-resolution UWDR dome camera is vandal-resistant and thus also allows for the monitoring of the most critical areas. Thanks to the Cam_inPIX^® technology, a sensor technology which was specifically developed for security applications, the cameras provide high-contrast and colour-true images without any blooming or smearing effects, even under difficult lighting conditions such as backlighting.

Clear tracks ahead
“We have really been very satisfied ever since the installation of the video system. The number of damages due to vandalism significantly decreased, which obviously results in considerable savings for the train operators. Passengers also feel safe because of the cameras,” Torsten Ussing says.

So far, more than 70 train stations have been equipped with Dallmeier systems. Thereby, the systems remain open for expansions or modifications at all times. Safety is and will remain a matter of course at train stations all across Denmark.