January 15, 2008
Jermyn Shannon EL VP of Interactive Marketing Blacksonville Community Network (BCN) Blacksonville, LLC, P.O. Box 28818 Jacksonville , FL 32226 Proposal: Community based surveillance network Dear Jermyn Shannon, Per your email of Jan 15, 2008, I am hereby proposing to design and install a community based surveillance network as part of the East Jacksonville Housing Alliance WiFi network. As discussed in our online dialogue, the City of Jacksonville Florida is currently looking to build and activate a WiFi infrastructure to service a variety of public and private sectors of the Jacksonville and Duval County community. It is our understanding, per your online conversations with Meraki, the WiFi network will serve as infrastructure framework for creating wireless hubs (Cyber Cafes/Tech Centers) in the "hood" to provide free access, training, education and community service projects. InterServe Network proposes that with web based (IP) digital video technology, combined with a high-speed data network and the current public acceptance of Internet/mobile technology and video surveillance systems, a costeffective, value added service might be to include a Community Based, Private/Public Surveillance Network as part of the WiFi service. Comparatively speaking, a web based video surveillance network would cost out at approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per location (depending on the quality of the IP camera). The IP video signal would be transmitted over the proposed WiFi infrastructure. The city could then utilize its existing computer servers to host the web site. InterServe would develop a custom multimedia website, that allows any member of the community, private business, and/or law enforcement to view the video feed with any Net connected device available to them. For example, anyone that had Internet access through any device (desktop, laptop, PDA, cell phone) could view any camera, at any time. Our system design will even allow a signal to be converted and retransmitted on the local cable system. By utilizing high resolution cameras in conjunction with digital video recorders, the city would have indisputable digital evidence for identification and prosecution. After 9/11 there has been a move within American society towards volunteerism and community service. We at InterServe Networks propose that the city of Jacksonville, capitalize on this good will by enlisting the community as a whole to become part of its eyes in the neighborhood. The material cost would be drastically less expensive and the overall affect of a community based surveillance network, would be to bring the power of community peer pressure to bear on gangs and criminals. The following outlines the primary components on the surveillance network.
(213) 944-4173 5873 ● West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 ● jneusom@citylightssoftware.com ● www.citylightssoftware.com
Blacksonville CBSN Proposal Jan 15, 2008 Page 2
Municipal Infrastructure: The basic infrastructure will consist of city owned IP video cameras, existing high-speed WiFi data transmission (DSL or Cable can be used as an alternative), and a standard web based computer server. IP video technology is a relatively new approach to distributing video signals. InterServe Networks has the in-house resources, and proven skills/expertise to insure the compatibility and interoperability of the hardware and data network. InterServe Networks will design the actual system configuration to meet standard industry specifications in order that it will be backward compatible with the city’s current IP network, as well upgradeable and expandable. Considering that the video surveillance network is being designed for public access, it is critical that the streaming platform (Windows Media, Quicktime, Flash) be compatible with current consumer electronic standards. InterServe Networks has the real-world experience in streaming video and communications technology to assure that operational and software issues are adequately addressed. In accordance with the aforementioned considerations of compatibility and interoperability, InterServe Networks would design a professional and functional mirrored website. One designed on standard HTML protocol and another on wireless application protocol (WAP). On the server side, bandwidth and memory need to be considered. The city’s current web server would be more than adequate to meet system needs. Due to our background in cable broadcast technology we can configure an IP video card interface that will be able to rotate through multiple web pages and convert the video feed to a standard broadcast signal for transmission via cable TV. Camera vandalism would be a natural concern. InterServe Networks would address this issue by installing the cameras and electronics in hardened commercial enclosures with an ongoing maintenance program that would include a physical inspection of each camera and hub on a monthly basis. This maintenance contract would include a provision that would authorize and facilitate the repair or replacement of any damaged component within a timely manner. Community Participation: Involvement of the community (School clubs, Rotary groups, Church and grass-roots organizations) in the surveillance network will generate a feeling of self-empowerment and civic action within the general populace of Jacksonville. Community peer pressure and the physiological consequences of public exposure would be on the mind of any perpetrator long before they committed the actual crime. Knowing that their chances of being caught on tape and prosecuted to the full extent of the law are greatly increased, only the most hardened criminals would even attempt to violate the city’s anti-dumping or graffiti laws. The community itself would benefit by creating positive activities and programs a lowering of the general crime rate, and a more vibrant and cleaner community environment. The business community will benefit due to the ability to access the surveillance network and proactively increase their own security options, and thereby reduce in-house maintenance/clean up costs. The City of Jacksonville would gain national recognition, for applying state-of-the-art technology to an age-old dilemma. InterServe Networks is grateful for the opportunity to propose this unique concept in community empowerment and technology integration to the City of Jacksonville. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to call me direct. We look forward to your response and discussing the details at your earliest convince. Respectfully, James I. Neusom, President (213) 944-4173 5873 ● West Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043 ● jneusom@citylightssoftware.com ● www.citylightssoftware.com