The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney.
Trends in video surveillance and technology have continually evolved in the age of Smart Cities, AI and advanced analytics. For state agencies and local government this has represented yet one more area of modernization in their already long list of next-generation technology needs. The Federal Communications Commission hastened attention to these issues in 2022 by introducing a ban on equipment from certain manufacturers that creates a greater risk to national security. US regulators announced this decision based on concerns raised by US intelligence agencies about potential data breaches from Chinese-based equipment manufacturers. Many states followed suit, including New Hampshire.
Sidebar Callout: The governor of the state of New Hampshire issued Executive Order 2209 with the following message:
“…several Chinese companies that produce Telecommunications and Video/ Audio equipment and we reasonably believe use of these products may enable the manufacturer or vendor to:
• Collect sensitive citizen, financial or other business data.
• Enable Business Email Compromise and act as a vector for Ransomware Deployment.
• Conduct effective Cyber-espionage against government entities.
• Conduct surveillance and tracking of individual users.
• Use algorithmic modifications to conduct disinformation or misinformation campaigns.
In order to “preserve the safety, security, and privacy of the citizens of New Hampshire” a list of products can no longer be used in connection with a state network.
The Trends Driving Change in Video Solutions
Along with the government regulations, several other key trends are driving change in video management.
1. Edge Computing
Edge computing is continually becoming more pivotal in video surveillance because of the need to bring data processing directly to the camera itself. This simplifies the actual hardware infrastructure and drives more instant insights into video footage and rapid decision-making.
2. Smart Cities
Smart cities leverage technology to improve support and safety to its citizens. Video technology can optimize transportation, utilities and public safety. Modern video management solutions can capture and analyze critical information to enhance the overall protection and efficiency of community environments.
3. AI-Optimized Solutions
AI-driven surveillance cameras can allow law enforcement and security teams to sift through footage rapidly, which in turn sharpens their response times and elevates their situational awareness.
New Hampshire’s Approach
With all of this in mind, agencies have to consider the state of their video management systems. Several New Hampshire agencies have moved to a Cisco Meraki camera solution in recent years, providing a modern and scalable approach to video management. So when the State of New Hampshire faced the need to replace its own antiquated camera system, leaders had a good idea of where to start. The existing system required on-prem hosted solutions with ongoing maintenance and secure, which was not sustainable for growth. Based on the success of the Meraki cloud-based solution provided to other agencies, the State of New Hampshire elected to standardize the Meraki cameras throughout its operation.
The Meraki solution is cloud-hosted and doesn’t require ongoing maintenance for the municipality. The cloud reduces the amount of hardware that is onsite and provides a simplified means to monitor facilities.
About Cisco Meraki Cameras
Cisco Meraki MV smart cameras make it easy to keep citizens and government workers safer with intelligent tools and powerful advanced analytics. Video is stored and processed on the camera, and all configuration
and management are done from the Meraki dashboard. This simplified architecture reduces the cost and complexity associated with traditional systems, and eliminates the need for NVRs, software or plugins. MV cameras provide zero-touch deployment and remote, centralized management through the cloud. Using just serial numbers, an administrator can add devices to the Meraki dashboard and begin configuration before the hardware even arrives on site.
Through the web-based dashboard, operators can easily stream video and create video walls to monitor key areas at once. With granular access permissions, department heads and law enforcement can access footage from anywhere.
Meraki MV cameras are equipped with powerful AI capabilities that enable them to create custom solutions that enhance the safety and security of government organizations. These capabilities are made possible through advanced machine learning algorithms and cloud-based processing.
The Benefits of AI in Meraki MV Cameras:
• Enhanced Security: AI-powered features can help identify potential threats and improve overall security.
• Operational Efficiency: By automating tasks like person counting and occupancy monitoring, AI can streamline operations.
• Data-Driven Insights: The analytics generated by these cameras can provide valuable data for decision-making and business intelligence.
• Scalability: Meraki's cloud-based platform allows for easy management and scaling of AI capabilities across multiple cameras.
Procurement Simplified
As leaders consider the need for IT modernization efforts, procurement is almost always a top concern. New Hampshire agencies have the ability to purchase the Cisco Meraki cameras through the state NASPO contract, creating more streamlined access to the technology.
As agencies determine the response to executive orders protecting national security and initiatives supporting AI, modern video management is an important part of that plan for state and local government. Fortunately state contracts provide access to new solutions like Cisco Meraki. For more information on video management systems and their ideal path forward, contact Red River: info@redriver.com.