As part of Hanwha Vision’s ongoing spotlight on its technology partners, the latest conversation turns to Genetec Inc., a company that has been at the forefront of unified security solutions for over two decades. Representing Genetec is Ben Durrant, Account Executive specialising in public safety and law enforcement.
With a longstanding and trusted collaboration, Genetec and Hanwha have delivered high-impact video surveillance and analytics solutions across numerous sectors, particularly in large-scale public safety deployments. In this interview, Ben shares insights into a recent landmark project with Thames Valley Police, reflects on what made the partnership so effective, and discusses how evolving video technologies are shaping the future of smarter, safer cities.
Ben, could you start by telling us a bit about your role at Genetec?
Ben Durrant is an Account Executive at Genetec, focusing specifically on the public safety and law enforcement sectors. His role involves working closely with organisations to identify the most suitable Genetec and partner solutions to meet their operational goals — not just for today, but with an eye on long-term adaptability and scalability.
You’ve worked closely with Hanwha Vision over the years. Can you share a project that stands out?
The partnership between Genetec and Hanwha has been instrumental in delivering cutting-edge public safety deployments across the UK. A particularly notable example is the recent video security project with Thames Valley Police, the largest non-metropolitan police service in England and Wales.
This project required a coordinated effort between multiple stakeholders, including local councils, police forces, and the technology providers themselves. Many local authorities were operating outdated systems, prompting an ambitious initiative to unify video infrastructure across the Thames Valley region. The result was a single, scalable solution designed to improve public space safety, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency. According to Ben, the trusted and collaborative relationship between Genetec and Hanwha played a crucial role in making such a complex, region-wide deployment achievable.
What contributed to the success of this award-winning deployment?
The system design, led by CDS Integrated Security Systems, leveraged Genetec’s Security Center platform integrated with a range of AI-powered, multidirectional cameras from Hanwha Vision. A key success factor was the robust cybersecurity posture maintained by both technology partners.
Given the sensitive nature of public safety operations, Thames Valley Police required the highest standards of data protection. Genetec and Hanwha delivered with built-in cybersecurity best practices, including user authentication, encryption, access controls and audit trails. This gave stakeholders the assurance that their video infrastructure was both secure and compliant.
Futureproofing was another important consideration. The system was designed not only to meet immediate needs such as improved response times and situational awareness, but also to support long-term growth. The Genetec-Hanwha solution is fully scalable, allowing for additional functionality to be added as requirements evolve, all managed through a unified and intuitive platform.
How is video technology being used to support public safety today?
Video surveillance has evolved well beyond traditional monitoring. With advances in AI, edge computing, and analytics, video technology now plays a key role in public safety strategy. Beyond evidentiary support for investigations, video systems provide data-driven insights for city planning, crowd and traffic management, and overall operational efficiency.
Ben points out that today’s smart cameras can detect patterns in pedestrian and vehicle flow, monitor public behaviour, and trigger alerts in real time. This situational intelligence not only helps to prevent incidents but also contributes to the broader development of safer, more liveable urban environments.
Looking to the future, how do you see video surveillance evolving?
Cloud technology is already reshaping how video systems are deployed and managed. Ben anticipates this trend will only accelerate as more public safety organisations recognise the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of cloud and hybrid models.
He highlights a growing number of deployments that utilise cloud infrastructure to support temporary or mobile surveillance needs — whether for large-scale events, remote areas, or joint operations across multiple jurisdictions. In these cases, the ability to rapidly deploy cameras with only an internet connection is a game-changer, particularly for budget-conscious councils or forces seeking regional collaboration, as was the case with Thames Valley Police.
Ultimately, the combination of cloud readiness, AI-driven analytics, and strong cybersecurity practices positions video technology as a cornerstone of the modern smart city, and Genetec and Hanwha remain at the heart of that evolution.