CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW
National security threat has been a major issue for the government of Nigeria in recent years. Recently, Nigeria has been characterized with different turmoil ranging from human abduction, political mayhem, terrorism and bomb attacks, examination malpractice, etc. Governments have tried several methods in order to curb these menaces but all of them have been proved abortive. Due to this, the government has resolved to adopt the use of computer based video surveillance cameras in public places to monitor and record events that takes place in a particular location. Monitoring is the regular observation and recording of activities taking place in a project or event. Hence the introduction of campus security camera system popularly known as CCTV system.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Sur·veil·lance „sər váylənss‟ is French for to “watch from above “. Although the word surveillance literally means (in French) “to watch from above” (i.e. a God‟s-eye view looking down from on high) the term is often used for all forms of observation, not just visual observation. However, the all-seeing eye-in-the-sky is still an icon of surveillance in general. It is commonly used to describe observation from a distance by means of electronic equipment or other technological means. Surveillance is the art of watching over the activities of persons or groups from a position of higher authority. Modern electronic and computer have given surveillance a whole new means of operation. Surveillance can be automated using computers, and people leave extensive records that describe their activities.
Counter surveillance is the practice of avoiding surveillance or making it difficult, before computer networks, counter surveillance involved avoiding agents and communicating secretly. With recent development of the internet and computer databases counter surveillance has grown. Now counter surveillance involves everything from knowing how to delete a file on a computer to avoiding becoming the target of direct surveillance.
Inverse surveillance is the practice of reversals on surveillance. E.g. citizens photographing police, shoppers photographing shopkeepers, and passengers photographing cab drivers.
Surveillance camera are often connected to a recording device, IP network, and /or watched by a security personnel/law enforcement officer. These cameras may include features like pan, tilt and zoom; may be placed in indoor or outdoor locations; and may include infrared recording options. Most cameras are used with recording systems, either VCR‟S or digital recorders. Using a digital recorder is the preferred option for easy storage, easy recall, and easy viewing over different monitors.
College campuses pose many unique challenges when it comes to security. A video surveillance system must be carefully planned out in order to keep watch over the diverse assortment of facilities that comprise a typical campus community. From hostels and libraries to sports complexes and general campus layout, there’s a lot to look after. A system of properly installed campus security cameras will go a long way in ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and facilities on campus.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The present system used to check for examination malpractice in Wellspring university could be referred to as the manual or traditional system where students are called into their halls respectively according to their registration numbers and departments and are allocated supervisors or invigilators to watch over them as they write. In this system, many deficiencies occur where;
• A student is wrongly accused due to supervisor‟s intuition.
• A single supervisor fails to oversee the whole activities of the students.
• There is the case of inadequate facilities to contain a large number of students.
• There is no proper check for forgery and impersonation.
The problem intended to solve here is Examination monitoring lapses in Wellspring University using CCTV.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are to enhance the idea and conception of using computerized surveillance systems on campus. In a situation where the examination halls are well equipped with CCTV cameras and full conduction of biometric mechanism, examination malpractice if not fully eliminated, it can be controlled to a great rate.
Also this study will help provide a platform for the university security to have enough background knowledge on events worth investigating.
Having this mechanism in operation in Wellspring, objectives to be achieved will be;
• Exploring to the fullest the different activities of examination malpractice.
• Investigating crimes strictly with seen proofs or evidences rather than personal
intuition.
• Extending security to the classroom reach and maintaining student‟s integrity.
• Catching culprits immediately and tendering appropriate judgments.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
With the increase in crime in the nation and diverse sectors of life, it is necessary that stronghold strategies be applied to curb them. If the use of surveillance systems is implemented in examination halls, hostels, gates, stores and other campus facilities.
• Integrity of certificates will be restored.
• True test of knowledge will be achieved.
• Students will take caution to avoid expulsion.
• Hard work of students will be sufficed in terms of the outcome of their results.
• Malpractice will be greatly minimized.
• This will also promote technology literacy of all students involved.
• Appropriate investigation of crimes and decisive judgments will be achieved.
• Usage of surveillance systems is necessary in project to study further, different behavioral patterns of students under examination conditions.
• More job opportunities will be created.
• Wellspring University will be much safer.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
• This work is focused on the security, examination monitoring, attendance and behavior of the staffs and students in the department by having a monitoring system using video surveillance.
• It is not intended for exposing privacy.
• Installation and implementation of system is centered on Computer Science department.
• The major focus is on examination monitoring.
1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This project has the interest of implementing a monitoring system on every aspect of the university student‟s, staff‟s and facilities. However, the constraints such as financial, time and difficulty in getting relevant information etc. are barriers. Hence the project covers only the Examination Hall in the department of computer science, ICT center, University entrances, and library.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Remote Access – A video surveillance system operating with IP network technology enables video streams to be sent over the internet for remote monitoring. Footage from cameras throughout the campus can be viewed online from any computer with an internet connection and access to the network.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is a valuable management and security tool generally intended to prevent or detect crime. CCTV can be very effective in maintaining security.
IP – internet protocol
HTTP – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol