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The 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron was given two objectives: ensure the safety of dorm residents and harness the capablitity to capture force-protection incidents without a human eyewitness.
The squadron responded by going outside the realm of their usual mission and installed video cameras for Bldg. 2413, which houses mostly members from the 86th Airlift Wing.This project was the focus of wing leadership’s goal to enhance Airmen’s quality of life.
Eleven cameras now point down each corridor and an addtional two were installed at the main and backside entrance to the building. One of the cameras is a speed dome camera capable of pan, tilt and zoom capabilities.
“All in all, the initial video install gives leadership a powerful tool for protecting our most important resource: our Airmen,” said Tech. Sgt. Darren Zimmer, 1st CMXS video system installation project leader. “The cameras become a logical step in the protection of critical assets during times of Air Force downsizing.”
Technicians from several different work centers within the 1st CMXS contributed to the dorm project on a time-available basis. Once all the holes were drilled and cable was installed, the layout took nine technicians two days to install, align and test the video surveillance and recording equipment.
Running 3,500 feet of video and power cables throughout the building was the most time-challenging, as it became a two-week task. Another major piece of hardware critical to the project was the digital video recording equipment, which allows users to expand the capabilities of the system, such as add five more cameras or change the type of cameras.
The dormitory also created unique complications. Technicians had to drill through solid concrete in certain areas to run cables from floor to floor and from room to room. In some instances, more than 15 inches of concrete had to be drilled to route a cable.
The final product of this installation was an easy-to-use video and surveillance system. In less than 15 minutes, someone can learn how to record, playback, copy and search for video. The equipment can record continuously or on a timed pattern. An operator can simultaneously monitor (single screen or multi-screen), record, playback, search and copy video.
