PRESS RELEASES

HIGH TECH NORTH WEST SCHOOL IS FIRST IN COUNTRY

A Preston high school has become the first in the country to install a state-of-the-art video surveillance system to benefit both pupils and staff.

The 'Sentinel' system which is now in use at City of Preston High School uses the latest technology to monitor pupil behaviour and classroom situations and records in real time for instant playback and monitoring.

Head teacher, Mr Steve Roe , said:" We were keen to have the latest technology to help the school run in a manner than benefits both pupils and staff. The use of the cameras not only deters bad behaviour, but supports the creation of a supportive learning environment that can only be good for the whole school population.

"The technology frees senior management from the difficulties of discerning what has actually taken place during an incident as well as staff time for teaching, rather than supervising, and has led to a more ordered environment in which pupils can flourish. We needed a solution that was both cost effective in cash terms, but also in the demands on staff for monitoring the output.

"I am delighted in the results which fit in with our ethos of using the very best technology on offer to benefit our school."

The new video network security system has been installed by East Lancashire Company Marnita, who has headquarters in Accrington .Their technical director, James Hughes said:"The system can use up to 64 high quality vandal proof cameras on a single recorder and does not use tape. It gives real time recording, with no time lapses and there is full audio linked to the images.

"The benefits to users are immediate and although the system uses the latest technology it is easy to monitor and use.

"We are pleased with the feedback from the school and I am sure that there are lots of other establishments that could also benefit from this breakthrough technology. This was one of the first systems to be installed in the country and I am sure that in the future the systems will be specified in lots of new buildings so that users can enjoy the advantages of the system for personal and community safety."

For further information contact: Mr James Hughes 01254 872500 or 07971 689 227.

Cameras Work

Statistics point to major reductions in the amount of crime being committed where there are cameras are installed. An article in 'New Scientist' magazine showed that simply installing a system can reduce crime, in the areas covered, by over 95%. As our customers inform us that they are having similar results in all types of business, you will begin to appreciate why CCTV is seen by many as the best system for deterrent and detection.

We are sure that you would wish to avoid having to catch those who are perpetrating crime against your organisation. Generally, once a Camera system is installed, it will only be fools who attempt to perpetrate offences within its field of view. These are often caught but for the majority it will provide a very high level of deterrence.