JMG Uses Panasonic CCTV System for Staples Center Security Upgrades
The Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles has security issues as challenging as the current quest for a “three-peat” by one of its tenants, the two-time NBA champion L.A. Lakers. The home of 300 functions per year, from rock concerts to the games of five professional sport franchises, Staples draws crowds in the millions that eagerly anticipate exciting finishes,but not when it comes to their individual safety.
Safeguarding patrons, employees and assets
“We have a triad of safety and security concerns,” confides Staples Security Director Shahram Ariane. “We need to safeguard our patrons as well as our employees and assets.”
Such widespread protection is a daunting task that has proved to require more than the initial security systems installed when the arena opened in January of 2000. Ariane, who has more than two decades of security experience in the hotel and retail industries, was not involved in those early planning decisions but has since taken swift remedial action by contracting with JMG Security Systems.
Among the improvements has been the addition and replacement of numerous closed-circuit TV cameras, hard disk recorders and high-resolution monitors from Panasonic Security and Digital Imaging Company. The Panasonic camera is the new WV-CS 854 and the hard disk recorder is its Model WJ-HD 500AV.
“JMG has been very, very professional from its advice to its workmanship,” Ariane said. “Everyone on the JMG team, from its president Ken Jacobs to Panasonic representative Brian Karadizian of Pacific Group, has helped us reach our goals.”
Customized monitoring system
Under the guidance of JMG manager of corporate accounts Andy Schimmel, the entire Staples’ monitoring system was customized to meet Ariane’s needs. For example, the original CCTV cameras were neither strategically positioned nor sensitive enough for crowd control at the four-level 18,000-seat area.
According to Schimmel, who continues to work closely with Ariane, one benefit of the JMG improvements through Panasonic equipment was increasing from two to five the number of Staples security operators who can use the monitoring system. As a result of the additional personnel who are now able to watch the crowds, vandalism, theft and forced entry are not a problem at the varied events at Staples.
“I’m very pleased with our relationship with,” Ariane said. “If I were limited to one word to describe the company, I would use integrity. Everyone there has done everything they’ve promised and there’ve been no surprises at any level.”
Arena of the year
In its short history, Staples has established its bona fides as well. A popular as well as safe venue, it was named “Arena of the Year” by an industry journal. In addition to the Lakers, Staples is the home floor of the L.A. Clippers of the NBA, L.A. Kings of the NHL, L.A. Avengers of the Arena Football League and the L.A. Stars of the Women’s NBA.
In the past, other major events such as the Democratic National Convention, concerts from Barbara Streisand and Bruce Springsteen, and a title fight featuring Oscar De La Hoya have occurred there.
Meeting unique customer needs
Based in Fountain Valley, JMG security systems is one of the largest independent security system companies in Southern California. Its client service area ranges from San Diego to the San Fernando Valley.
Specializing in medium to large commercial industrial and retail business, JMG is well known for its legendary customer service, which includes customer training. Its sales agents design individual systems that meet the unique needs of its customers and integrate seamlessly into their day-to-day routines.
Like Staples Center, some of Southern California’s most prestigious names are part of JMG’s customer family. View them and learn more about the JMG philosophy and business capabilities by visiting the company’s Web site at www.jmgsecurity.com or by calling the company’s sales department at (714) 545-8882.
