Innovative Border Patrol
Innovative Border Patrol
An industry worth over $2 billion annually to the Victorian state economy is worth protecting. When the Victorian horse industry was threatened, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) sought the assistance of a private security company, Wilson Security, to help protect it.
Late last year Equine Influenza (EI) hit Australia. With outbreaks of EI across parts of New South Wales and Queensland it devastated the states’ horse industries and imposed estimated costs in the hundreds of millions. Being such a contagious disease it threatened the entire country’s thriving horse industry. To contain the spread and help protect the Victorian industry, the State Government introduced bans to prevent the movement of horses and horse related equipment. Wilson Security was employed to assist with the enforcement of the ban.
As a provider of integrated security services, Wilson Security developed a solution that utilises manpower and remote video monitoring to monitor border traffic. To meet the immediate need to minimise the likelihood of an outbreak of EI in Victoria, Wilson Security initially provided a manpower solution. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days per week, Wilson Security established border controls on nearly 30 bridges and crossing points on the Victoria-New South Wales border. Guards were deployed to take registration details of horse-related vehicles, check permits of vehicles crossing the border and report any potential breaches to the appropriate authority.
“Within 48 hours of being awarded the contract, we had deployed approximately 100 personnel, 30 vehicles and ancillary equipment to nearly 30 remote locations along the State border,” CEO of Wilson Security, John McMellan said.
“Our success in this operation was achieved through thorough planning, strong relationships and a commitment to our people,” said Mr McMellan.
With the initial phase of the contract implemented, Wilson Security further strengthened border control by introducing new technology. The innovative security company installed twenty remote video monitoring cameras across five sites to record the details of any horse-related vehicles crossing the border into Victoria.
The cameras are strategically placed at locations across the border. Real time footage is relayed back to Wilson Security’s 24/7 control room day and night. Highly trained control room operators monitor the footage and forward images of any horse related vehicles or equipment crossing the border to the DPI for further investigation. This provides the Department and Victoria Police with essential information to take any reasonable steps to deal with a breach.
“We take a holistic approach to our security solutions. Using technology, such as CCTV, GPS and remote monitoring to complement our manpower, we are able to provide effective and value for money solutions,” Mr McMellan said.
While the threat of EI has lessened and restrictions have been eased, the need for monitoring horse related movement is still present. Wilson Security ceased their manpower service at the end of January but will continue to provide remote monitoring services until mid-March.
www.wilsonsecurity.com.au
1300 WILSON
[Fri 21/12/2007 08:46:15]
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