Minnesota School District Selects Hikvision Gear to Renovate Legacy System

A local integrator installed networked security cameras by Hikvision to fulfill its client’s security and budgetary requirements.

BECKER, Minn. – In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2012, administrators at Becker Public School District, located here, resolved the time had arrived to overhaul the district’s legacy video surveillance system.

The district called on local integrator Security & Sound to complete a multistep security upgrade to protect its students, staff and facilities. A rigorous implementation process ensued and the critical nature of the project propelled the work.

“We were really looking to expand our camera system following Sandy Hook,” says Sumre Robinson, network manager for Becker Public Schools. “It wasn’t necessarily to increase the numbers of cameras, but to eventually be able to provide access to the cameras to police in an emergency situation.”

Phil Otto, CFO of St. Bonifacius, Minn.-based Security & Sound recommended Hikvision security cameras to complete the system. The first stage of execution improved visibility around exterior entries. The second stage saw upgrades to interior areas with IP cameras and expanded coverage of hallways and rooms.


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Among Otto’s paramount needs was selecting cameras that were both durable and unobtrusive, as well as vandal-resistant products for outdoor areas and securing zero-light areas at night with infrared cameras.

“As with most schools, the Becker School District had concerns about their parking lot surveillance coverage and video capabilities after dark,” Otto says. “We recommended Hikvision’s DarkFighter line of p/t/z cameras in key outdoor areas where evening lighting was an issue but color video was desired.”

The manufacturer’s DS-2DF8223I-AEL 1080p p/t/z model was selected to cover parking lots due to its color lux rating of .002 and built-in tour and auto tracking features. The camera’s low-light capabilities coupled with the ambient light from the parking lot also allow the camera to stay in full color at all times regardless of cloud cover or inclement weather, Otto explains.

Hikvision’s extensive portfolio provided a full range of networked cameras that fulfilled the district’s project needs. Also key, the manufacturer’s price points helped the district meet its budgetary requirements.

“Hikvision works to create versatile solutions for diverse applications and vertical markets,” says Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA and Hikvision Canada. “Video surveillance in educational facilities is essential, which is why we offer solutions to meet the requirements of these applications. It is satisfying to know that our products help school safety and city officials provide safer educational environments for students and staff.”

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