City of Naperville, Ill. Installs IP Video Surveillance Solution to Proactively Protect Numerous Critical Infrastructure Sites

Increased perimeter security at electric and water utility stations and interdepartmental collaboration serves as example for National Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Month

Axis Communications, the global leader in network video surveillance, recognizes the City of Naperville’s deployment of IP surveillance to protect the City’s electric and water utility stations in honor of National Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Month. 

As part of a pilot project with local systems integrator WOWaccess, the city installed network cameras from Axis Communications around the perimeter of its utility stations, enabling officials to monitor activity from numerous locations helping to ensure a steady supply of power and water to the thriving community.

“The addition of this video surveillance at certain water and electric sites serves two important purposes,” said Linda LaCloche, communications manager for the City of Naperville. “In addition to the peace of mind that comes from providing important added security to sensitive, critical areas of our City’s infrastructure, we are also reducing costs incurred through additional in-person visits to these areas by the presence of the cameras.” 

Naperville, a prosperous city of 145,000 residents and the fifth-largest in Illinois, routinely ranks among the nation’s top places to live, and the camera system is one of many programs aimed at maintaining the community’s high standard of living. The utility station cameras are an extension of a successful deployment of Axis cameras at key locations downtown in 2009. The cameras transmit video back to the city’s 9-1-1 dispatch center, where the video can be accessed, monitored and archived according to public safety needs. The new cameras also stream back to the dispatch center, increasing the city’s situational awareness while reducing the need to make additional visits to the sites. 

“The camera system helps give city officials a better idea of what is going on around the town,” said Brian Armstrong, owner of systems integrator WOWaccess. “With the additional sets of eyes, they can allocate their resources much more efficiently.”

To capture clear, usable video evidence both day and night, the city selected wide-angle AXIS P3364-LVE Fixed Dome Network Cameras with HDTV-quality video and IR-illumination and Lightfinder technology for low-light surveillance. Additionally, AXIS Q6044-E PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) Network Cameras were installed at the electrical substations to inspect equipment during blackouts to determine the source of failure. 

The camera system is a true collaboration between City departments. The IT department maintains the network, and the Public Works and Electric and Water departments installed the cameras on location. The Police Department uses the video for investigations and public safety, as well as to monitor snow fall on the roadways during winter storms. 

“While not as visible as parks or shopping centers, critical infrastructure like utility distribution stations is essential to keeping a city alive and flourishing,” said Anthony Incorvati, business development manager, transportation & critical infrastructure for Axis Communications. “Often, these distribution systems are scattered throughout communities, and this makes it hard to effectively monitor them with manpower alone. By installing IP cameras that stream back to a central location, the City of Naperville shows how municipalities may take a proactive, budget-friendly approach to gaining more eyes throughout a city.”

National Critical Infrastructure Security & Resilience Month is a yearly initiative launched by the Department of Homeland Security to increase awareness and understanding of the need for robust and well-protected infrastructure. The DHS is calling for public, private and community organizations across the country to partner together and share this message. To do so, they have provided access to toolkits which provide information, resources and promotional tools to promote safe and secure critical infrastructure programs.