Ever since the tragedy at the Boston Marathon in 2013, cities around the globe have started taking extra precautions to heighten all security measures surrounding annual events that draw large spectator crowds. In effect, the Boston Marathon was a turning point for the way police departments leverage surveillance and monitor entire cities.
In September, Oncam had a special opportunity to participate in the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, & Kids Fun Run, an annual event that brings together many surrounding communities for friendly competition and sportsmanship on behalf of noble causes. Debuting in 2003, the Akron Marathon hosted its 13th running this year with more than 13,000 participants and over 120,000 spectators along the course. The Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay took place on a brand new course for participants throughout Downtown Akron and surrounding neighborhoods. This year also marked the first year that race officials decided to expand into the Rubber City Race Series and add to their race calendar with two new events.
Oncam provided the Akron Marathon with several Evolution 05 outdoor 360-degree cameras that were used to seamlessly merge with existing surveillance and event management software by various entities throughout the Akron metropolitan area, including the Akron Police Department. While experimental, video from the cameras will be used to help monitor key areas, manage the race course, and provide an additional layer of security on race weekend.
Oncam’s presence at this race indicates a shift in demand for full-coverage surveillance that enhances security coverage as a value-added asset for police departments during race weekend. Oncam’s 360-degree video solutions allow for pan-tilt-zoom within the live video feed, complementing and even potentially eliminating the need for traditional PTZ cameras that require moving parts to focus on a particular area.
As the scope and popularity of these annual races grow in size, the need for sophisticated, user-friendly surveillance methods that aid police in real-time and investigational situations will grow accordingly, and 360-degree surveillance capabilities offer a multitude of solutions to overcome these obstacles from many angles.