Canadian City Vandalism Reduction

A Proactive Audio-Video (PAV) surveillance system - including equipment from a BSIA member company - is helping to protect the public parks, swimming pools and other areas of the Canadian capital city, Ottawa, from the safety and
security issues caused by vandalism, drug use, drinking, graffiti and other inappropriate activities.

The Proactive Audio-Video (PAV) system was developed using motion-sensitive day/night dome cameras programmed to activate when an area is closed to the public. Any movement within a defined area triggers the motion detector, sending an alarm to the 24 hour Security Operations Centre, activating a loudspeaker, and starting a DVR recording. PAV systems were installed at all 16 outdoor swimming pools and reduced vandalism costs by $700,000 in one year.

The program was so successful at the city decided to install PAV systems in parks and national historic sites that were the scenes of illegal or undesirable nighttime activities. A mobile CCTV unit was also added that could be transported and placed temporarily in areas identified as potential “hotspots” for criminal activity. The program has fostered a sense of security on the part of the community and encouraged their participation and presence in the parks system.