Abstract:
A customer premise or site is fitted with cameras and other sensors. The sensors are interconnected with a central station, which monitors conditions. Upon occurrence of an emergency requiring dispatching of public safety officials to the site, the sensor information is routed to the responding units, so that they may monitor conditions within the site during travel, and upon and after arrival. 
     Various parameters of the sensors are controllable from the central station or the responding units.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an arrangement and method for providing communication between premises and emergency personnel responding to an emergency at the premises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Security and public safety officials often respond to emergency situations under conditions in which they know little or nothing of the nature of the emergency. among the factors which must be evaluated by the responding emergency personnel are, in the case of a crime, the number of suspected perpetrators, the type of armament, if any, whether there are hostages, location of a get-away vehicle, and the like. Time must be spent by the responding emergency personnel in becoming acquainted with the situation after their arrival on the scene, and some of that time may be spent on matters which are ultimately not needed. In those cases in which a person on the scene of the emergency is in telephonic contact with a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), which is the formal name for 911 dispatch centers, and the dispatcher is in radio contact with the emergency crew on its way to the scene, the emergency response personnel or crew may be advised moment-by-moment of the conditions at the scene, so that upon arrival, the crew may be immediately effective. The readiness and safety of the officials and of victims at the site of the emergency could be enhanced by a more effective arrangement for providing information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A method for responding to an emergency according to an aspect of the invention includes the steps of, in response to a declaration of an emergency condition at a site, enabling a television camera previously located at the site, if the camera is not already enabled, to thereby generate video signals representative of the site. A signal representative of the declaration is transmitted to a central response location remote from the site; the signal is intended to alert operators at the central site. At the central response location, the signal representative of the declaration is responded to by coupling the video signals to the central response location, if it is not already coupled to the location. At the central response location, responding to the signal representative of the declaration by transmitting radio signals to at least one motorized emergency response person instructing the emergency response person to proceed to the site. This step of responding may be accomplished by way of an intermediary step, which may include sending a telephonic message to a Public Safety Access Point, which in turn transmits the radio signal. At the central response location, scene images are transmitted to the at least one motorized emergency response person by way of radio signals, whereby the emergency response person can view images of the scene before entering the scene. If appropriate, the last step can also be performed by way of the PSAP, or the central response location may itself be, or include the PSAP. 
     In order to aid in accomplishing the above function, an apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes one or more television cameras located at a site which may be the scene of an emergency. The apparatus also includes an emergency declaration arrangement located at the site, for being enabled in response to indicia of an emergency, for generating electronic emergency declaration signals representative of an emergency condition at the site. Such an emergency declaration arrangement may be as simple an arrangement as a conventional “silent alarm” as presently used in banks or stores, or it may be an automatic alarm system which responds to glass breakage or the like. The apparatus further includes a central emergency response station, which as mentioned may include, or co-act with, a Public Safety Access Point. A first transmission arrangement is coupled to the emergency declaration arrangement, for transmitting the emergency declaration signals to the central emergency response station; this is a dedicated telephone line or cellular link, a telephone or cellular dialer which responds to the emergency declaration arrangement, a data path, or the like. The apparatus further includes an enabling arrangement for enabling the television camera in response to the emergency condition, if the television camera is not already enabled at the time the emergency condition arises, whereby the television camera produces video signals representative of the scene at which it is located, which at the relevant times is the site of an emergency. A coupling arrangement is coupled to the central emergency response station and to the television camera, for coupling the video signals from the television camera to the central emergency response station. This coupling arrangement may include video switches, processors, andor signal paths. 
     An electromagnetic radiation communication arrangement including a first portion located the central emergency response station and a second portion co-located with the emergency response person or vehicle, for communications between the central emergency response station and the emergency response person, for transmitting the video signals to the location of the emergency response person, and for display of a sequence of images of the scene of the emergency, as a result of which, or whereby, the emergency response person can view the images before, or concurrent with, entering the site of the emergency. Naturally, the emergency response person will ordinarily be in a vehicle which is initially at a location which is remote from both the emergency response station and from the site of the emergency. The emergency response person will drive the vehicle to the site of the emergency, and then leave the vehicle in order to address the emergency situation. The video path should extend not only to the vehicle, but also to the emergency person&#39;s communication device. 
     In a particular embodiment of the invention, the emergency declaration arrangement comprises a switching arrangement responsive to an automatic alarm system. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation communication arrangement comprises a satellite link. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified overall representation of a system apparatus according to an aspect of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a simplified representation of an equipment assemblage and interconnection at a security center and/or tactical control center premises; 
     FIG. 3 is a simplified flow chart or diagram illustrating various steps according to an aspect of the invention, which are performed at the customer premises, which may include both computer steps and computer steps enhanced with human intervention; 
     FIGS. 4 a,    4   b  and  4   c  illustrate various steps performed at the security center and/or tactical control center, which may include both computer steps and computer steps enhanced with human intervention; 
     FIG. 5 is a simplified flow chart or diagram illustrating various computer or human-enhanced computer steps which are performed at the mobile or responding unit according to an aspect of the invention; and 
     FIG. 6 is a simplified representation of a responding unit. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified overall representation of a system apparatus  10  according to an aspect of the invention. In FIG. 1, a customer premise is designated as  12 . This customer premises  12  represent a location such as a bank, store, or other location which is to be protected in the manner described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the customer premises  12  include at least one camera or video source  22 , at least one audio source such as a microphone  24 , and other sensors, illustrated together as a circle  26 . The audio and video sources, and the sensors, are all coupled to a controller  28 , illustrated as a computer. The “other sensors” portion includes a “panic button,” andor an automatic alarm system of the conventional sort, which responds to glass breakage, door opening, or the like, to effect closure of an electrical contact, to which the controller  28  may respond. Controller  28  is also connected by an additional signal path, illustrated as  30 , with a security center  14 , which is at a remote location relative to customer premises  12 . Controller  28  receives the audio and video signals, and the sensor signals, and processes them according its programming, so as to respond to an emergency situation indicated by the sensors, or by command transmitted over signal path  30 , by transmitting audio andor video information from customer premises  12  to security center  14 . The transmission of the audio andor video information may be by way of signal path  30 , or by some other path (not illustrated). Signal path  30  may be a dedicated transmission path extending from the customer premises  12  to security center  14 , or it may be a path established by a dialer (not illustrated) through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a cellular system. 
     The programming of controller  28  at the customer premises  12  of FIG. 1 allows switching among the various video and audio sources upon receipt of appropriate commands from the security center, so that various ones of the sources can be accessed, either in a timed sequence, or upon individual selection. The cameras illustrated as  22  in FIG. 1 may include traversing or scanning devices which scan the scene being imaged around the camera location, so that various views can be observed. The cameras may also include controllable zoom lenses. The camera scanning devices andor zoom lenses should also be controllable in response to signals produced by controller  28 . Such programming for controller  28  is generally known, and remote control of surveillance cameras is old. 
     Upon receipt of a declaration of an emergency at the customer premises  12  of FIG. 1, the security center  14  activates the video and audio sources, preferably automatically by means of a controller  38 , illustrated as a computer, or by way of operator inputs. The declaration of the emergency may arrive by way of an appropriate signal over signal path  30 , or it may arrive in some other manner, as by a telephoned warning from someone within or without the premises  12 . A communication over path  30  is established in response to the declaration of emergency. The communication may be in accordance with H.323 or T.120 standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In response to the declaration of an emergency, the security center  14  immediately notifies the appropriate public safety officials. If security center  14  is a Public Safety Access Point, the notification may be by a radio message to a patrol car, by telephonic communication to a fire station, or the like. This notification may be made automatically by controller  38 , or it may be performed manually by an operator. 
     At the present state of the art, the Public Safety Access Points are not equipped to accept information in a form other than that of speech. Thus, no response from the PSAP can be predicated upon a data message, such as an automated alarm system, or a data command from the controller  28  of FIG.  1 . Thus, the present situation is one in which an automated alarm system must produce a speech signal for transmission to the PSAP. According to the invention, either the PSAP is equipped with data-processing or -handling equipment, or the security center  14  of FIG. 1 is an additional entity which is capable of processing data. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the audio andor video information produced at the customer premises  12  of FIG.  1  and coupled over signal path  30  to the Security Center  14  is processed by the controller  38  in a fashion which transmits audio andor video information, as appropriate, over a network, illustrated as a security element network  16 , to the responding unit illustrated as  18 , which includes a bidirectional network accessing controller, illustrated as a laptop or notebook computer  48 . The information may also be transmitted to other sites, one of which is illustrated as a tactical control center  20 . The transmission of the data by way of the network  16  is accomplished using Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) which uses Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) protocol for routing the data. As an alternative, the data could be routed by way of the switched cellular system using a mobile Internet Protocol (IP), which is a software protocol that can transport and route itself through switching equipments. The responding unit will typically be mounted in a vehicle. Upon being apprised of an emergency situation at customer premises  12 , which may be by way of a PSTN, or by way of the network  16  or by way of cellular telephone or a dedicated radio arrangement, the vehicle operator proceeds to the customer premises  12 . The PSTN mode could be used in the case of an emergency response vehicle which is maintained at a fixed location, such as a fire truck at a fire station, or an ambulance at a garage. The abovementioned network, cellular telephone or dedicated radio all depend upon electromagnetic radiation, and can be used to reach a mobile site, namely an emergency response vehicle which is on patrol. 
     Concurrently with, or after the declaration of the emergency condition, the security center  14  of FIG. 1 processes the video andor audio information, if necessary, to compress the bandwidth of the information, and transmits it over the security element network  16 . The bandwidth compression may be necessary for full-bandwidth sound, andor for transmission of a stream of video frames. In the case of transmission of stop-action frames of video, which are produced by some security cameras, the bandwidth may not need to be compressed in order to be accommodated by the network  16 . The emergency response person(s) have the opportunity to view the video representing locations the customer site  12 . According to an aspect of the invention, the emergency response personnel at the responding unit are able to select among the views which are available, by producing the appropriate keystrokes on their controller  48 , and are also able to control the scanning of the cameras, and the zoom status of the lenses, so as to customize the views to their particular needs. 
     FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of the arrangement of the security center  14  of FIG.  1 . In FIG. 2, controller  38  receives data from customer premises  12  by way of signal path  30 . Controller  38  is connected to a data source illustrated as a block  210 , which includes such information as floor plans of, and resources available at, the customer premises  12 . The data may be in the form of hard-copy plans which can be viewed by a camera, or the data may be in the form of a database loaded with equivalent information. Also, the security center  14  may include a recording or archiving database or memory  212 , which automatically records the video, audio, and/or other sensor information arriving at center  14  for later use by the responding emergency party, if required, or for evaluation. A playback arrangement  214  is illustrated as being coupled to memory  212 . 
     FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram of the processing which may be performed by controller  28  at the customer premises  12  of FIG.  1 . In FIG. 1, the logic starts at a START block  310 , and proceeds to a logic decision block  312 , which evaluates the current state of the signals from the alarm sensors andor external alarm source. So long as the condition is normal, which is to say the condition is not an emergency condition, the logic leaves decision block  312  by the NO output, and loops back to the input of decision block  312 . The logic loops around decision block  312  until such time as an emergency condition is indicated, whereupon the logic exits decision block  312  by the YES path, and proceeds to a block  314 , which represents contacting the security center ( 14  of FIG. 1) to attempt communication therewith. From block  314 , the logic flows to a further decision block  316 , which routes the logic by way of the NO output and a path  318  back to the input of block  314  so long as communication is not established. Eventually, the communication will be established, and the logic leaves decision block  316  by the YES output, and proceeds to a block  320 , which represents the sending of sensor information to the security center  14  of FIG.  1 . From block  320  of FIG. 3, the logic flows to a decision block  322 , which routes the logic by way of its NO output to a decision block  324  so long as the communications or the conference are not ended. Decision block  324  examines incoming commands from the security center, to determine if a change in the sensor parameters is required. The sensor parameters may be the particular camera from among a plurality of cameras, the positioning of the particular camera to display the desired view, or the position (power or zoom value) of the zoom lens. The commands may also require switching among the various audio sources, or possibly a change in audio gain so as to detect whispers. If no such commands have been received, the logic leaves decision block  324  by way of the NO output and a logic path  326 , and arrives back at the input of decision block  322 . If a command is received to change a sensor parameter when the logic again reaches decision block  324 , the logic leaves the decision block by way of the YES output, and arrives at a block  328 . Block  328  represents the execution of the command to change a sensor parameter. From block  328 , the logic returns by way of a logic path  330  to the input of block  320 . The logic recurrently traverses to the NO output of decision block  322  until such time as a signal is received that communication is no longer desired, whereupon the logic leaves decision block  322  by the YES output, and flows to a STOP block  332 . 
     FIGS. 4 a,    4   b,  and  4   c  together represent simplified logic flow diagram which can be used at the security center  14  of FIG.  1 . In FIGS. 4 a,    4   b,  and  4   c,  the logic starts at a START block  410 , and proceeds to a decision block  412 , which represents an evaluation as to whether a communication or conference is desired. If not, the logic leaves decision block  412  by the NO output, and loops back to the input of decision block  412 . The logic continues to loop about decision block  412  until such time as a determination is made that communication is desired, in which case the logic leaves decision block  412  by the YES output, and arrives at a block  414 , representing validation of the request for communication. Validation is accomplished by use of a password, authorized user ID, or authorized IP address. A decision block  416  routes the logic by way of its NO output back to block  414  if validation did not occur, or by way of its YES output if validation has occurred. From the YES output of decision block  416 , the logic arrives at a block  418 , which represents establishment of communication or a conference, and the receiving of sensor data. The logic flows by way of a logic node A and a path to inputs of decision blocks  422 ,  424 ,  426 ,  428 ,  430 , and  432 . Decision block  422  evaluates whether a response unit should be dispatched. While this may be performed automatically, so that if the fire sensor went off at the customer premises, the fire company should be called, and if the silent robbery alarm has been tripped, the police should be sent. However, due to the high false-alarm rate in public service calls, block  422  may include a human decision-maker. If no unit is to be dispatched, the logic leaves decision block  422  by the NO path and a further logic path  434 , and returns by way of a logic path  440  to node A and to path  420 . If a response unit is to be dispatched, then decision block  422  routes the logic flow by way of its YES output to a block  442 , which represents an attempt to contact the appropriate response unit. Most public service agencies have an internal administrative process for deciding which response units to dispatch, and this internal procedure may be followed, or, if the response units are fitted with GPS equipment, the unit closest to the emergency location may be dispatched. The logic leaves block  442 , and arrives at a decision block  444 , which determines whether the response unit has been contacted or not. If the response unit has not been contacted, the logic leaves decision block  444  by the NO output, and returns to block  442 . Eventually, contact will be made with the response unit, and the logic then leaves decision block  444  by the YES output, and arrives at path  440 . 
     Decision block  424  of FIG. 4 b  makes a determination as to whether or not to stop recording sensor information. If stop recording has not been requested, the logic leaves decision block  424  by the NO path, and a further logic path  425 , and returns by way of a logic path  440  to node A and to path  420 . If stop recording has been requested, the logic leaves decision block  424  by the YES output, and arrives at logic block  446 , which represents a list of sensors. Upon choosing a sensor to stop recording in logic block  446 , the logic arrives at logic block  448 , representing the turning off of recording for the sensor chosen in logic block  446 . The logic then leaves decision block  448  and arrives at path  440 . 
     The logic arriving at decision block  426  of FIG. 4 b  by way of logic node A and path  420  is routed by the YES output to a block  450  if sensor information is to be played back from memory  212  of FIG.  2 . Block  450  represents display of a Playback Panel. the Playback Panel displays the date and time of the recording and provides the following control buttons to control the playback: Play, Stop, Rewind, and Fast Forward. The recorded data is routed from its storage location to the Security/Tactical Control Center via the Security Element Network. Upon reception of a command to cease playback, logic block  426  routes the logic to a block  452 , representing termination of operation of the playback apparatus. From blocks  450  and  452 , the logic returns to the decision blocks by way of logic path  440 , logic node A, and logic path  420 . 
     Sensors will be initially installed according to their optimal positioning, as determined by a site survey. However, during an emergency situation, a sensor&#39;s operating parameters may have to be manipulated to provide more accurate and clearer information, such as by zooming a camera lens or rotating a camera&#39;s field of view. If a sensor parameter change is requested, logic arriving at block  428  leaves via the YES path to the “Choose Sensor &amp; Sensor Parameter” block  454 , which represents a list of sensors at the Customer Premise and a list of parameters for those sensors. Upon choosing a sensor and a parameter change, logic moves to the “Send Control Command” block  456 , which represents the transmission of the sensor parameter change to the sensor at the Customer Premise via the communications link  30  of FIGS. 1 and 2. If there is to be no change in the parameter, the logic leaves decision block  428  by the NO output, and flows back to node A by way of path  440 . 
     It makes sense that some sensor information may be enhanced, such as filtering audio to block unwanted noise. If a sensor information enhancement is requested, logic moves from decision block  430  of FIG. 4 b  via the YES path to the “Choose Sensor &amp; Enhancement” block  450 , which represents a list of sensors at the Customer Premise and a list of sensor enhancements. Upon choosing a sensor and specifying the enhancement in block  438 , logic moves to the “Enhance Sensor Information” block, which represents the manipulation of the sensor information according to the requested enhancement. From block  458 , the logic returns to node A by way of path  440 . If no enhancement is desired, the logic leaves decision block  430  by the NO output, and bypasses blocks  458  and  460 . 
     Additional data about the Customer Premises, such as floor plans, may be stored. If additional data is requested, the logic flow through decision block  432  switches from the NO output to the YES output, which routes the logic through blocks  462  and  464 , which represent presentation of a list of stored data relating to the Customer Premises, and transmission of a request for display of the selected data, respectively. 
     The logic flow from node A of FIG. 4 b  flows to node B of FIGS. 4 b  and  4   c.  Logic arriving at node B of FIG. 4 c  flows over path  420  and arrives at input ports of decision blocks  434 ,  436 , and  438 . Decision block  434  determines whether a command has been given to edit the conference. If no such command has been issued, the logic leaves decision block  434  by the NO output, and returns by way of path  440  to node A of FIG. 4 b.  If editing is commanded, the logic leaves decision block  434  by the YES path and arrives at a block  470 , representing a change in conference parameters. From block  470 , the logic returns to node A of FIG. 4 b  by way of path  440 . 
     When the conference is eventually finished, the logic arriving at decision block  438  exits by the YES output, and arrives at an END block  478 , which stops the processing at the security center. If the security center is transferring control of the processing to a tactical control center, the logic will include a decision block  416 , which determines if a command has been issued to transfer control. If no command to transfer control has been given, the logic leaves decision block  436  by the NO output, and flows to return path  440 . If a command has been given to transfer control, the logic leaves decision block  436  by the YES output, and arrives at a block  474 , which represents contacting of the Tactical Control Center. From block  474 , the logic flows to a further decision block  476 , which returns the logic to block  474  if the Tactical Control Center has not been contacted. When the Tactical Control Center is eventually contacted and control is transferred, decision block  476  routes the logic by the YES output to END block  478 . 
     FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of logic which may be used in the. controller  48  of FIG.  1 . In FIG. 5, the logic flow begins at a START block  510 , and proceeds to a further logic decision block  512 . Decision block  512  evaluates the presence or absence of a request for a conference and routes the logic by way of the NO output, by way of a logic path  514  back to the input of logic block  512  in the absence of a request for a conference. Eventually, a conference is requested, the logic exits from block  512  by the YES output, and proceeds to a block  514 . Block  514  represents implementation of the command to contact the other party. From block  514 , the logic flows to a decision block  515 , which determines whether the conference has been established. So long as the conference has not been established, the logic loops from the NO output of decision block  515  back to block  514 . Eventually, the conference is established, and the logic flows from the YES output of decision block  515  to block  518 . Block  518  represents receiving and displaying sensor data. From block  518 , the logic proceeds to a further decision block  520 , which responds to a command to send local sensor data. If such a local transmission has been commanded, the logic leaves decision block  520  by the YES output, and proceeds to a block  522 , which represents transmission of the sensor information. If no such command has been received, the logic exits decision block  520  by the NO output. Regardless of whether the logic leaves decision block  520  by the YES or NO output, the logic flow eventually arrives at a further decision block  524 . Block  524  evaluates any command to terminate the conference or communication, and returns the logic flow by way of the NO output and a logic path  526  in the absence of such a command. If such a command is given, the logic exits decision block  524  by the YES output, and ends at an END block  528 . 
     FIG. 6 represents a responding unit, which may include a vehicle  610 . The vehicle is fitted with a dedicated data communications arrangement illustrated as a laptop computer  640 , which communicates with security element network  16 , and which also includes input/output (I/O) ports  642  for various controls, and for sensors, some of which are illustrated as a video camera  644  and a microphone  646 . A GPS receiver/transmitter illustrated as a block  648  may also be among the sensors. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while, in the above description, the cellular system is an alternative to the cellular system, the dialer may be arranged to attempt to use the PSTN to first establish communication between the customer premise  12  and the security center  14 , and in case of failure or slow response, to then attempt communication by way of a terrestrial or spacecraft-based cellular system. Those skilled in the art of digital communications know that the signal paths for such communication may be serial or parallel, and that conversions between serial and parallel form may be made at various locations as required. In the context of communication system inventions such as the present invention, the term “between” does not have a meaning related to relative physical location, but instead identifies terminals of the communication or signal path; the communication path may of course include terminals or stations other than those listed in conjunction with “between.” While a terrestrial network  16  has been described, the network may also include a spacecraft repeater, illustrated as  17  in FIG.  1 . 
     Thus, a method for responding to an emergency according to an aspect of the invention includes the steps of, in response to a declaration of an emergency condition at a site, enabling a television camera previously located at the site, if the camera is not already enabled, to thereby generate video signals representative of the site. A signal representative of the declaration is transmitted to a central response location remote from the site; the signal is intended to alert operators at the central site. At the central response location, the signal representative of the declaration is responded to by coupling the video signals to the central response location, if it is not already coupled to the location. At the central response location, responding to the signal representative of the declaration by transmitting radio signals to at least one motorized emergency response person instructing the emergency response person to proceed to the site. This step of responding may be accomplished by way of an intermediary step, which may include sending a telephonic message to a Public Safety Access Point, which in turn transmits the radio signal. At the central response location, scene images are transmitted to the at least one motorized emergency response person by way of radio signals, whereby the emergency response person can view images of the scene before entering the scene. If appropriate, the last step can also be performed by way of the PSAP, or the central response location may itself be, or include the PSAP. 
     In order to aid in accomplishing the above function, an apparatus ( 10 ) according to an aspect of the invention includes one or more television cameras ( 22 ) located at a site ( 12 ) which may be the scene of an emergency. The apparatus ( 10 ) also includes an emergency declaration arrangement ( 26 ) located at the site ( 12 ), for being enabled in response to indicia of an emergency, for generating electronic emergency declaration signals representative of an emergency condition at the site ( 12 ). Such an emergency declaration arrangement ( 26 ) may be as simple an arrangement as a conventional “silent alarm” as presently used in banks or stores, or it may be an automatic alarm system which responds to glass breakage or the like. The apparatus ( 10 ) further includes a central emergency response station ( 14 ), which as mentioned may include, or co-act with, a Public Safety Access Point. A first transmission arrangement is coupled to the emergency declaration arrangement ( 26 ), for transmitting the emergency declaration signals to the central emergency response station ( 14 ); this is a dedicated telephone line or cellular link, a telephone or cellular dialer which responds to the emergency declaration arrangement ( 26 ), a data path, or the like. The apparatus ( 10 ) further includes an enabling arrangement ( 320 ) for enabling the television camera ( 22 ) in response to the emergency condition, if the television camera ( 22 ) is not already enabled at the time the emergency condition arises, whereby the television camera ( 22 ) produces video signals representative of the scene at which it is located, which at the relevant times is the site ( 12 ) of an emergency. A coupling arrangement ( 30 ) is coupled to the central emergency response station ( 14 ) and to the television camera ( 22 ), for coupling the video signals from the television camera ( 22 ) to the central emergency response station ( 14 ). This coupling arrangement may include video switches, processors, andor signal paths. The invention contemplates that at least one emergency response person or officer is at an initial location which is remote from both the central emergency response station ( 14 ) and from the site ( 12 ). The apparatus of the invention includes an electromagnetic radiation communication arrangement (at least a portion of network  16 ) including a first portion coupled to the central emergency response station ( 14 ) and a second portion co-located with the emergency response person or vehicle ( 18 ), for communications between the central emergency response station ( 14 ) and the emergency response person ( 18 ), for transmitting the video signals to the location of the emergency response person, and for display (on the screen of laptop computer  48 ) of a sequence of images of the scene of the emergency, as a result of which, or whereby, the emergency response person can view the images before, or concurrent with, entering the site ( 12 ) of the emergency. Naturally, the emergency response person will ordinarily be in a vehicle ( 18 ) which is initially at a location which is remote from both the security center ( 14 ) and from the site ( 12 ) of the emergency. The emergency response person will drive the vehicle ( 18 ) to the site ( 12 ) of the emergency, and then leave the vehicle ( 18 ) in order to address the emergency situation. The video path should extend not only to the vehicle ( 18 ), but also to the emergency person&#39;s communication device. In the described system, the laptop device  48  is portable, and can be taken from the vehicle by the emergency person. 
     In a particular embodiment of the invention, the emergency declaration arrangement ( 26 ) comprises a switching arrangement responsive to an automatic alarm system. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation communication arrangement (at least a portion of network  16 ) comprises a satellite link.