Lan-Tel Provides Extra 'Eyes' At The Boston Marathon

Boston police are using all the tools at their disposal when protecting the public for the 119th annual Boston Marathon on Monday.

For the second straight year, Lan-Tel Communications, a Norwood, Mass.-based systems integrator that provides both IT security and physical security solutions, will be installing 1080p HD video cameras all along the marathon route as part of its partnership with the Boston Athletic Association, allowing the BAA and Boston police to observe the approximately 1 million spectators at the event.

"It is used to assist law enforcement as a tool for preventative measures," said John Bartolomucci, director of security at Lan-Tel. "A lot of it helps deter additional wrongdoing because people know it's there. You can look right up and see the cameras. It gives a lot of people a safer venue for the area knowing there are eyes in the sky to capture any situation that may happen. It gives people a safer feel for the area knowing there is assistance and eyes watching from different agencies. They know everything is safe. With law enforcement watching the area, if they feel something is suspicious, they can send someone out there to investigate before anything can happen."

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The 22-year-old company started its physical security division more than 10 years ago, and offers multiple services, including building access control, video management, video camera installation and more.

Lan-Tel Project Manager Eric Johnson is overseeing the marathon project, and his company said the cameras play a huge role in assisting police officers on the scene as they are always watching, aiding police in their efforts to secure the area.

The BAA partnered with Lan-Tel in order to beef up security measures after the marathon bombings near the finish line two years ago, which left three people dead, including an 8-year-old boy, and more than 200 hundred severely injured.

In 2013, video security cameras were crucial to identifying the bombers at the race. That is why the BAA is bolstering the number of cameras being used in addition to their capabilities. The cameras being used are DVTel HD cameras featuring high-magnification technology and DVTel software for video management. Bartolomucci said these cameras are so good, they can give a clear picture of a license plate number of a car that's more than 50 yards down the street.

Being a local company, Bartolomucci said his team is proud to do what it can to help the city keep one of its greatest traditions safe.

"The marathon brings pride to the city of Boston," he said. "We are proud to be affiliated with it -- just to make sure everything is safe and that we have a part in helping the community be safe. Everyone gets involved in 'One Boston' and helping that way. We are very proud of that and doing our little piece. A lot of hands are helping, and we are glad to be part of that group of agencies."

PUBLISHED APRIL 17, 2015