The two-way Motorola radio has been the cornerstone of real-time communications for the emergency response and security industry for nearly a century, and is soon to be complemented by smartphone technology. However, the smartphone isn’t going to be used for real-time voice, but will instead be a “must have” device for surveillance operations. This is because the device can act as eyes in the field; capturing real-time video and bringing situational awareness and immediate evidence collection capabilities to the next level. Emergency and security personnel represent a significant portion of the monthly operational budget for these industries. The smartphone can improve the operational efficiency and response capability of these personnel, which will drive increased investments at a time when some security operations are facing budget cuts.
These increased “manned” security investments will be seen beginning this year within the mobile surveillance industry. Mobile devices will also be the fastest growing platform for client applications within the physical security industry. However, smartphones and other mobile devices will be used for more than simply viewing video. They will also serve as management clients and mobile HD video surveillance cameras, using a feature called “video push.” This combination of viewing video, systems management and a powerful HD surveillance camera, all running on platforms from either Apple or Google, will drive networked surveillance industry adoption. Now, for the first time in our industry, security officers will be active mobile components of the surveillance system, instead of passive or reactive operators.