Wavelet Technology Marketing Limited - Application Release
by Chris Williams

In response to the initiative to improve the quality of evidence available, a number of major data recording projects have been commissioned for the North Yorkshire Police force, using Wavestore Digital Video Recorders (DVRs). These projects were specified to record the video and audio evidence from the witness and custody suites. A total of eleven Wavestore DVRs were installed in six separate police stations to fulfil these and other allied requirements.

The Witness and Interview Suite application in York Police Station utilises a DVR capable of recording 8 channels of video and 8 channels of synchronised audio. The machine is specified to record 8 channels of video, each at a rate up to 25 images per second, whilst also recording the complementary channels of audio.

The Witness Suite consists of cameras in several different interview rooms, where strategically located switches control the specific recording activation. The installation uses radio microphones to record the entire conversation during the interview. The audio is digitally recorded and automatically time stamped and synchronised to the relevant video channels.

Upon completion of an interview or identity parade, copies of the relevant video clips can be recorded onto DVD, containing all the audio and video data acquired. Three DVD’s can be burned simultaneously using Wavestore’s Triple-DVD burner, which was developed to minimise the manpower and recording time required of current single copy systems.

DVD’s can be recorded in Wavelet format and replayed using a proprietary replay programme (which is included on each DVD and permits frame by frame analysis), or standard DVD Video format which is compatible with commercial DVD players in order that they may be viewed in preparation for a court appearance or shown during a court hearing.

A similar Wavestore system was installed in the Cleveland Police Identification Unit, to provide indisputable video evidence of the selection process. This installation differed from the North Yorkshire system in that it was required to capture and record 12 real-time video channels together with their synchronised audio channels enabling the proceeding of identity parades to be recorded.

Custody Suite applications were commissioned at a further four police stations involving the installation of networked groups of 2 or 3 Wavestore systems, each recording 8 channels of video at 12 images per second per channel as well as 2 audio channels. These networked DVR solutions are used to create a factual record of the audio and video evidence at various important processes within the Police station.

When an arrested individual arrives at the custody desk of these Police stations, they are made aware that their actions are being filmed by means of a “live” monitor behind the desk. When their possessions are passed over the desk, a strategically located camera records the entire transaction, in detail, including the conversation that takes place between the detainee, the office in charge and others present.

These DVR’s are also utilised to record the process of breath testing, (CAMIC), providing proof that the process is conducted in accordance with the due process. Specific custody cells, used for the detainment of 'vulnerable persons’ are also monitored to maintain vigil over those detained and recorded should an adverse event occur. Other cameras within the installations are utilised to monitor the police station entrances and corridors, in order that any exchange between the police and the public may be recorded. The Wavestore design provides synchronised and time stamped recording across such networks, and its “Fast-Find” and “Multiple Clip Copy” features enables relevant video and audio data to be located and retained for evidence. In addition, the Wavestore solution provides image-by-image video analysis, permitting specific “still” images to be printed as required.

The Police’s intention in installing the recording technology is to improve the accuracy and efficiency in the criminal process and provide indisputable video evidence to assure the public and those detained that an acceptable standard of conduct is maintained. It is anticipated that the number of allegations of Police mistreatment or of incorrect processing will be greatly reduced due to the audio-visual evidence now available, and reduce the number of spurious allegations which have become commonplace.

The successful installation of these systems has enabled the police officers; now familiar with the capabilities of the system, to extend the system deployment to address other aspects of policing, such as the development of HR, on-the-job training and assessment programmes.

About Wavestore:
The Wavestore DVR and Management System is designed and manufactured by Wavelet Technology Marketing Limited (WTML) in Hayes, Middlesex, UK.
 
Wavestore is a real-time audio/video recording system that interfaces to access controls, alarms and control systems to provide high integrity monitoring of all areas of interest. Operating on the LINUX platform, Wavestore never stops recording, whilst simultaneously providing high-speed find, view, transmit and archive functions.
 
Excellent image quality is achieved through the combination of proprietary high-speed digital hardware, (image capture up to 50 pps per camera simultaneously), and the wavelet compression technology. Text can be automatically generated onto the recording, adding to the date & time data, such details as personnel or vehicle ID and authorisation level.

A remote client software development tool, which is designed to operate on a Windows platform, allows the user to design unique viewing screens to show either or both recorded and live images, and automatically display images from any camera that has been triggered.
 
A single Wavestore unit can provide up to 20 individual camera control and recording functions, however the Linux design enables multiple Wavestore units to be easily networked together to support hundreds of users and thousands of cameras.
 
The system allows those users to be assigned password profiles to access specific cameras and permit them to assign unique local references to those cameras in any international language supported by the western keyboard. The combination of an open software platform (LINUX) and Wavestore’s hardware and software development road map permits an installation to be upgraded and expanded to achieve a projected ten-year life span.
 
A host of additional features includes embedded software for all leading PTZ cameras, dynamic motion detection, areas of interest intelligent search and the export of selected data to CD or DVD. Wavestore installations can be integrated, monitored and managed across LAN/WAN, ADSL, ISDN, Internet or Ethernet networks. Wavestore is installed internationally through a network of approved installers who provide the first line support for technical and commercial requirements.

Wavelet Technology Marketing Ltd
Unit 1, Hayes Metro Centre
Springfield Road
Hayes
Middlesex
UB4 0LE

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Website: www.wavestore.com