Patent Publication Number: US-6709172-B2

Title: Temporary surveillance system

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/958,706, filed on Feb. 7, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,428 (now pending) which is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US01/04533, filed on Feb. 12, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/502,028, filed on Feb. 10, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,370), and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/127,017, filed on Apr. 19, 2002 (now pending) which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 091502,028 filed on Feb. 10, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,370). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to surveillance systems and more specifically relates to a temporary surveillance and security system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Surveillance systems for monitoring remote installations are well known, and typically include on-site surveillance equipment, such as video cameras, microphones, infrared sensors and the like, positioned at various locations, to capture electronic data and information, as well as visual images of the site. These conventional systems often utilize a central monitor station for receiving and processing the electronic data from multiple remote installations. Such surveillance systems require a structure on which the camera or other device may be securely mounted at a desirable elevation. The structure may be a wall of a facility, for example. 
     On a building construction site, for example a site where an apartment building is under construction, such conventional surveillance systems are less than adequate, as the apartment building itself may be the target of theft or vandalism. The nature of the building under construction lends itself to being climbed by persons intent on vandalism, and the camera used for surveillance can be easily tampered with or destroyed, leaving the construction site virtually unguarded. Theft and arson are not uncommon at such sites, and therefor security guards may be hired to watch the site during off-hours. As can be appreciated, such a solution to vandalism problems is costly and may not be as reliable as an unmanned, mechanical surveillance system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a surveillance system which is especially advantageous for temporary use where a conventional surveillance system would be undesirable, such as at a construction site, outdoor concert event, or political rally. The system is transportable to the site in separate portions and then assembled on the site. Once assembled, the system is effectively indestructible, tamper-proof and highly reliable to use. Advantageously, once the system is no longer needed, it can be disassembled and used again in another location. 
     Accordingly, a temporary surveillance system is provided by the present invention which overcomes the inadequacies of conventional systems. The system is easily assembled at an area to be surveyed. The system is highly versatile for accommodating a number of different applications for example, for daytime and/or evening monitoring of construction sites, outdoor concert events, political rallies, or any other location or event which could benefit from ongoing surveillance. 
     Importantly, the system is designed to be easily assembled at a site, and effectively tamper-proof once assembled. 
     The present surveillance system in accordance with the present invention generally comprises a surveillance assembly, including a platform or one or more support brackets adapted to support surveillance equipment, for example cameras, lights, motion detectors, microphones and a base, including a substantially hollow enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply and electronics equipment for controlling the surveillance equipment. 
     The system further includes a support pole, including a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion detachably mounted to the surveillance assembly platform. Applicable wires and cables for connecting the electronics equipment and the surveillance equipment are provided through conduit aligned along or within the support pole. For example, the support pole may be substantially hollow and when disposed through the base may provide an inlet for running wires and cables from the base enclosure through the pole and into the surveillance assembly. The support pole preferably has an inner diameter of a suitable size to accommodate wires and cables and conduit, which may include for example PVC conduit isolating any communication cables from electrical wires/cables. The support pole may be comprised of a unitary structure of up to about 25 feet or more, or may be comprises of a plurality of separate telescoping segments. 
     The base can comprise a heavy concrete structure weighing, for example, at least about 1500 pounds, sufficient to prevent the base from being manually displaced. However, lighter or heavier bases can be employed. The concrete structure may include a steel door frame and steel recessed doors resistant to prying or breaking. 
     The electronics equipment and surveillance equipment may be connected to a power source by hardwiring or quick connect plugs and receptacles. The power source may be an existing 120V or 220V commercial power source. Preferably, the surveillance assembly further includes a power distribution box, mounted in a water tight enclosure to the upper portion of the support pole, the power distribution box being adapted to receive and distribute electrical power from the power source to the surveillance equipment. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a circuit box or distribution box including a receptacle for connecting to an existing power supply is provided and is advantageously housed within the enclosure. However, the circuit box or distribution box can be mounted on or housed elsewhere in the surveillance system, such as on the platform, mast, or on the base. The circuit box preferably includes a plurality of receptacles for accommodating equipment plugs. A power supply may be included within the base enclosure for providing electrical power to the electronic equipment. If power supply is provided, it is preferably enclosed within the concrete base enclosure. The power supply may be electrically connected to an existing power source through wires disposed through the center of the base. Batteries, generators, solar collectors or other suitable means for providing alternative sources of power may also be provided. These alternative power sources may be enclosed within the base enclosure or may be attached to the platform. 
     The system may further comprise vent means for facilitating passage of air through the system in order to cool the electronic equipment enclosed in the base. For example, the vent means may include an air inlet within the upper portion of the support pole and a fan within the base enclosure, for drawing ambient, cool air though the air inlet through the pole and into the enclosure and for forcing relatively warmer air out of the base enclosure. 
     The surveillance equipment may comprise many different pieces of equipment, depending on the application desired. The surveillance equipment may comprise a plurality of cameras, for example video cameras, digital cameras, time lapse, digital, still photography cameras, and/or infrared sensors. The platform or supporting brackets may be sized and adapted to support any number of cameras or sensors, between one and up to about 250 pieces of equipment. The surveillance equipment may comprise a multiplexor, which may be a four camera multiplexor, an 8 camera multiplexor or a 16 camera multiplexor. The surveillance equipment may be permanently secured to the platform or may be removable. Other surveillance equipment may be alternatively or additionally be provided, for example, pan and tilt devices, zoom cameras, lights, transmission/receiver devices, motion detectors, light sensors, satellite transmission devices, and cell phone applications, and computer devices, directional microphones and sound detectors. 
     In an alternate embodiment, of the present invention, the base can comprise a heavy, solid concrete block, a heavy metal plate structure, a metal or plastic reinforced tank capable of holding water and/or sand, or a reinforced frame with a bladder capable of holding water and/or sand. Such bases have means for permanently or detachably securing the pole. A secured metal container or box for holding, protecting and securing the power supply and electronic equipment for the surveillance equipment can be permanently or detachably secured to the pole and/or the alternative bases. 
     In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the surveillance system further comprises means for facilitating transport of the system by vehicle. More particularly, the system includes a trailer that is both sized and adapted to support and accommodate the concrete base. For example, the trailer may be a wheeled trailer comprising a saddle having a floor portion, and at least three sidewalls. The trailer is sized to cradle the base, and includes means, for example a hitch, for enabling the trailer to be towed by a motor vehicle. Trailers may also be sized to transport two or more surveillance systems. 
     Preferably, the trailer includes means for facilitating loading and unloading of the base from the trailer. For example, a rotatable gate may be provided, which would both function to secure the base in the trailer during transport and, upon downward rotation of the gate, as a sturdy ramp element. The floor and/or ramp may be provided with rollers to ease the movement of the base. It will be appreciated that such a trailer preferably may include, or be adapted to include appropriate signal, stop and brake lights and any other equipment and/or necessary features for ensuring legal travel along public roadways. 
     Moreover, with the trailer feature, the entire surveillance system may be transported substantially intact. For example, a lower portion of the support pole may be permanently mounted to the base, thereby further reducing any chance of vandalism or theft of the pole mounted cameras or other equipment. As described briefly hereinabove, the pole may be comprised of a telescoping configuration, or may include detachable segments that can be assembled for use and disassembled for transportation and/or storage. One feature of the invention includes a fixed length support pole, which may be irremovably mounted to the base. Means for enabling an upper portion of the pole to be rotated with respect to the fixed, base-mounted lower portion are provided. Thus, during travel, the base is cradled in an upright position in the trailer, and the upper portion of the support pole is rotated, for example, toward a rear of the trailer, thereby reducing the effective vehicle height. Preferably, a support bar is provided for stabilizing the upper pole portion during travel. In addition still, a trailer mounted winch mechanism may be provided for facilitate raising and lowering of the upper portion of the support pole and for stabilizing the base during loading and unloading from the trailer. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
     FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention, including a heavy, immovable concrete base adapted to contain electronics equipment and a power supply, a support pole, a platform supporting a plurality of surveillance cameras and other surveillance equipment, and cables and wires running at least partially through the support pole to provide electrical and communications connection between the electronics equipment and power supply and the surveillance equipment; 
     FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the base shown in FIG. 1 comprising a substantially hollow enclosure for containing the electronics equipment, and a mounting bracket for enabling the support pole to be detachably mounted to the base; 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 show in cross-section a side view and a front view, respectively, of the base enclosure shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 shows a perspective front view of the base enclosure including a tamper-proof, steel door for enabling access to the equipment in the enclosure; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the surveillance system; 
     FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention, including a trailer assembly for facilitating transport of the system; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 17 is top view of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the joinder of two pole sections of the surveillance equipment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom of the mast and the top of the platform of another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention similar to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of the mounting of surveillance equipment on the pole of the present invention; 
     FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of the surveillance equipment for the present invention; and 
     FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of the surveillance system of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to FIG. 1, a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at  10 . The system generally comprises a surveillance assembly  12 , including a platform  14  adapted to support surveillance equipment  16  for providing observations of an area  18  (FIG. 21) in a vicinity of the surveillance system  10 . 
     The surveillance equipment  16  may include any number and type of device  16  suitable for providing observations of objects. For the sake of simplicity, the surveillance devices  16  shown in FIG. 1 include a plurality of video and/or digital cameras  20 , though it is to be appreciated that the devices may alternatively or additionally include, for example, time lapse, digital, still photography cameras, and/or infrared sensors. The platform  14  may be sized and adapted to support any number of such cameras or sensors, for example between one and up to about 250 pieces of equipment. Furthermore, the surveillance equipment  16  may comprise a multiplexor, which may be a four camera multiplexor, an 8 camera multiplexor or a 16 camera multiplexor, as are known in the art. In addition, it is contemplated that the surveillance assembly  12  may include equipment such as lights, light, sound or motion sensors, microphones, transmitting/receiving devices, satellite transmission devices, computer devices, and equipment enabling cell phone applications. 
     The cameras  20  are shown as secured to the platform  14  by pivotal connectors  22  and the viewing direction and/or angle of the cameras  20  may be controlled by pan and tilt devices (not shown). The platform  14  itself may be a substantially planar element made of steel or other suitable material or materials of construction. The platform may be reinforced with struts, beams, framing, and the like (not shown). 
     The system  10  further comprises a base  26 , including a substantially hollow enclosure  28  sized and adapted to contain equipment, for example electronics equipment  32  for controlling the surveillance equipment  16 , for example a video cassette recorder unit or a digital video recorder unit or a digital recorder  33 , and a multiplexor server unit  34 . The electronics equipment  32  may be housed within a sub-enclosure  36  made of, for example, plastic, metal, fiberglass or other suitable materials. This sub-enclosure  36  may be equipped with a cooling fan  38 , blower or other apparatus to maintain a suitable temperature for effective operation of the equipment  32 . 
     The base  26  is preferably made of concrete and has a weight sufficient to prevent the base  26  from being displaced or tipped by hand or wind. The base  26  may have outer dimensions of, for example, 4′×4′×3′, and inner enclosure dimensions of 1′×2′×4′. In addition, the base may have a weight of between about 1000 pounds and about 5000 pounds, conveniently between 1500 and 3000 pounds. However, lighter and heavier bases can be employed. The base  26  is constructed to be substantially impact resistant as well, for example with respect to collision by a motor vehicle such as an automobile. Although not shown, the base  26  may include additional concrete block structures, bolted or otherwise secured to the sides of the base  26 , to provide additional weight thereto as additional security against theft or tampering. The base also serves as a heat sink and insulator to protect the electronic equipment stored in the enclosure from external temperature variations. 
     As shown, the system  10  further comprises a support pole  40  having an upper portion  42  mounted to the surveillance assembly  12  and a lower portion  44  detachably mounted to the base  26 , for example at a top center of the base  26 . The pole  40  may be about 12 feet high or more and may be comprised of a single pole structure or may be comprised of multiple telescoping portions (see FIG. 14) or multiple attachable/detachable portions (see FIG.  18 ), or be hinged (see FIG.  12 ). The height of the pole desired may depend on the elevation for which the surveillance equipment will be best suited for observing a desired range of the site. The pole  40  may be made of steel, aluminum, or the like, and preferably includes a smooth surface finish for preventing climbing thereof. The pole may also be constructed of fiber reinforced synthetic or polymeric materials, or concrete, preferably reinforced, or wood, preferably laminated. 
     In addition, means, such as suitable wiring  46  and cables  48  are provided for connecting the surveillance equipment  16  on the platform  14  to the electronics equipment  32  contained in the base  26  and optionally to a distribution box or to an external telephone or other communication system, and/or external power source. Wiring can also be supplied to receive external power for power supply  66  or to supply power to the surveillance equipment  16 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the support pole  40  is substantially hollow and is adapted to accommodate the wires  46  and cables  48  used to functionally connect the electronics  32  with the surveillance equipment  16 . Preferably, separate means are provided for connecting communications cables  48  with the surveillance assembly  12 , for example the communications cables  48  may be run through PVC pipe  52  or other conduit suitable for effectively separating and shielding communications cables  48  from any electrical field. Alternatively, cables, wires and conduit may be secured to an outer surface of the pole  40 , preferably in a secure or armored conduit, such as a steel tube or pipe. 
     In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base  28  also houses a ground fault breaker (G.F.I.) box  56  electrically connected to receptacle means which may include for example an electrical box  58  having four or more standard plug receptacles as shown for connecting to the electronics equipment  32 . Conventional current breakers can be used such as ground fault breakers (G.F.I.), fuses, circuit breakers, ground fault detectors, and the like. Although the current breaker is conveniently located in the enclosure in the base to protect it from tampering and environmental conditions, such as rain, wind, dust, heat, and the like, and to make it more convenient to reach for resetting, the current breaker can be mounted at the top of the pole in its own protective box, underneath the platform or on top of the platform, again in its own protective box, or the current breaker can be attached at the point where the power supply line  74  for the surveillance system  10  is secured to the external power source. External power sources for most sites will be power lines mounted on poles, normally wooden poles. The power line  74  for the surveillance equipment  10  is normally strung from the top of the nearest pole having a power line (see FIG.  1 ). The current breaker can be secured at the top of the pole acting as the interface between the external power line and the power line for the surveillance equipment. The current breaker is preferably employed, and in many communities, will be required by code. The current breaker increases the safety of the surveillance equipment and minimizes the chance of shock to those who come in contact with the conductive portions of the surveillance equipment and it protects the electronic equipment employed in the surveillance equipment, which is a very expensive item, from power surges. The G.F.I. box is connected to an incoming power source of 110 volts or 120 volts or to a higher voltage source. As shown, for security reasons, the G.F.I. box may be powered by a power line  59  running through an aperture  60  in a bottom portion  62  of the base enclosure  28  (see FIG.  4 ). The aperture  60  may be more specifically a portion of PVC conduit having a diameter of about 3 inches centered in the concrete base bottom  62 . It should be appreciated that electrical power may alternatively be supplied to the G.F.I. breaker box by other standard means, for example by power sources available through power poles at construction job sites, or by means such as batteries, generators, solar collectors or the like. Battery power can be converted through converters, indenters, or other suitable means. 
     Preferably, electrical power is provided to the surveillance equipment  16 , through a separate power supply  66 , for example an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mounted within the base enclosure  28 . An external power supply, such as standard utility  120  or 240V power, preferably supplies power to the power supply  66 . The power supply  66  may comprise a single power supply unit for each surveillance device  16  or may be a larger power unit for supplying power to multiple devices  16 . The power supply  66  may be mounted within the enclosure  28  by for example first mounting the power supply  66  to a (plywood) board by bolts which are bolted to the enclosure  28  by nuts poured in place while the concrete base is poured during construction of the base  26 . 
     A distribution box  70 , preferably mounted to the upper portion  42  of the pole  40 , is provided for distributing electrical power from an external source via power line  74  to the power supply  66 , and from the power supply  66  to the various surveillance devices  16 . Preferably, the distribution box  70  is water tight and weather resistant. The distribution box can be mounted on top of the platform, bottom of the platform, at the top of the mast, at the bottom of the mast, on the base, and the like. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution box  70  may alternatively be connected by line  74  to an existing power/utility pole  76  having a 110V or 120V, or 220/240V power supply source which is connected to power supply  66  by electrical wiring extending through pole  40 . It is contemplated that communications devices, such as telephone devices and Internet communication lines and cables, in the surveillance system may further be connected through communications lines and cables provided or carried by such utility poles. 
     It is to be appreciated that there are many alternative means for functionally and electrically connecting the surveillance equipment  16  with the electronics equipment  32  and many alternative means for electrically powering these devices, as will be known to those skilled in the art. All such alternative means are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     Solid poles  40  can be utilized, and when they are utilized, an armored or secured conduit is run up from the base along the side of the pole up to the top of the pole. The armored conduit, which is hollow, carries the required lines and cables from the enclosure  28  in the base to the top of the pole in the same manner that a hollow pole does (see FIG.  20 ). If the pole  40  is metal, the conduit  50  can be welded or secured to the side of the pole. If the pole is a polymeric material or concrete, a conduit can be glued to the side of the pole with a strong adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive. If the pole is made of wood, the conduit can be attached with an adhesive or with brackets or bands securing the conduit to the pole. In FIG. 20, the conduit and pole are metal and the conduit is welded at intervals to the side of the pole. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2,  3  and  4 , an example of suitable means for attaching the pole  40  to the concrete base  26  is shown. FIG. 2 shows the base  26  as including a steel mounting bracket  82  (for example, 24″×24″×{fraction (3/16)}″ thick) having anchor bolts  84  projecting therefrom, and a sleeve  86  welded thereto for receiving the support pole  40  . As shown in FIG. 3, the base enclosure  28  includes an aperture  88  defined in a top wall  90  thereof aligned with the sleeve  86 . The mounting bracket  82  is preferably secured into the concrete during the pouring stage. Turning now to FIG. 4, the support pole  40  includes a complementary base plate  94  (for example, 8″×8″×⅝″ thick), with apertures  96  for receiving the anchor bolts  84 . The necessary cables/wires  46 ,  48  and PVC conduit (not shown in FIG. 3) have preferably been run through and are disposed within the pole  40  prior to connecting the pole  40  to the base  26 . It is noted that alternatively, a support pole  40  may be provided without a base plate  94  and thus the lower portion  44  of the support pole  40  may actually be slidably engaged with the base enclosure  28  by being slipped into the top wall aperture  88  and allowed to contact the bottom slab  62  of the base  26 , or may be prevented from contacting the bottom slab  62  by suitable weldings (not shown) on the pole limiting the distance the pole  40  will slip into the base enclosure  28 , or it may slide into the bottom wall aperture  60  (see FIG.  1 ). 
     Importantly, the system is constructed, so as to be tamper-resistant and indestructible for all reasonable purposes. As mentioned hereinabove, the base  26  itself is a substantially heavy structure. The base  26  also is preferably constructed so that the electronics  32  and other equipment in the enclosure  28  is effectively inaccessible by unauthorized persons. Referring briefly now to FIG. 3, cover plates  102  are provided on open ends  104  of the enclosure  28  for preventing unauthorized entry into the hollow enclosure. Each side portion of the base  26  preferably includes a steel frame (not shown) cemented therein to secure the cover plates  102  to the base. 
     More specifically, for example, turning now to FIG. 5, the base  26  is shown wherein at least one of the cover plates  102  comprises a lockable door  108  providing means for enabling authorized access to the equipment in the base enclosure  28  while preventing access or tampering by unauthorized persons. The door  108  is “pry-proof” and may include one or more lock shields  112  enclosing a padlock[s] (not shown). The base  26  may be poured from concrete/cement at the site it is to be used. The support pole and surveillance assembly, including applicable cables and wires within the pole, may be transported from a place of manufacturing thereof, to the site and secured to the base as described hereinabove, by means of trailers and lifting cranes or other suitable machinery. Once assembled, the system is in effect, tamper-proof, and substantially indestructible. 
     Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 5, the system  10  may further comprise vent means, including for example, vent perforations  120  on the door  108  for facilitating passage of air through the system  10  in order to cool the enclosure  28  and the electronic equipment  32  therein. However, vent means are purely optional and have not been found necessary in the cover plate for operation. However, we have retained the opening at the top of the pole which is open to the sky via a hole in the platform (see FIG.  5 ). The vent means is adapted to draw ambient air through the upper portion of the support post  40  and into the base enclosure  28 . For example, an aperture  124  in the platform  14 , or alternatively in the pole  40 ) may be provided for enabling inflow of cool air into the pole  40  (for example in direction represented by arrows  130 ) and into the base enclosure  28 . As mentioned hereinabove, a mechanical fan or blower (not shown in FIG. 5) may facilitate the cooling process. With a ventless door, the warm air raises through the pole and exits out the top and cool air enters the top and flows down into the enclosure. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The base  26 A is a solid structure, such as a concrete block having a vertical pole bore  160  extending down from the top for receiving hollow pole  40 . An enclosure  140  for electronic equipment and power supply is secured to one side of the base. (The enclosure could also be secured to the top of the base.) The enclosure has side walls  142 A, top and bottom walls  142 B and back wall  146 . Back wall  146  extends outwardly beyond the walls  142 A and  142 B forming a skirt. The skirt has bolt holes (not shown) to receive anchor studs  152  extending out from the wall at the base. The skirt is secured to the studs with threaded nuts  154 , which are welded to the studs, after tightening, to secure the enclosure. 
     The concrete base can be formed of lightweight concrete that contains vermiculite to give the concrete greater insulation value. 
     The enclosure has a front frame  148  to receive a front plate  149  to secure the hollow enclosure  156  and the electronic equipment therein (not shown). The front plate receives lock clasps  150  through apertures (not shown) in the front plate. The clasps have holes to receive shackles of locks  138 . The hollow enclosure  156  communicates with the hollow pole  40  for wire and cable via hole  145  in the back plate, utility bore  161  in the base  26 A, bore  160  and window  159  in the pole. 
     The pole  40  supporting the surveillance platform  14  is received within bore  160  of the base  26 A. A pair of retaining plates  162  secured in the base are located on opposite sides of the bore. The plates have pin apertures  164 . The pole has pin hole  170  which are can be aligned with apertures  164 . The apertures and holes receive pin  166  which is secured on one end by head  167  and by lock  138 A on the other end. The pin has lock shackle hole  168  to receive the lock. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.  8 . The surveillance system  10 B has a heavy metal plate base  180 . A sleeve  182  is secured to the top of the base. The sleeve receives and secures hollow pole  40  with a pin  184  which is received in holes (not shown) in the wall of the sleeve and the pole. The pin is secured in a manner similar to pin  166  in FIGS. 6 and 7. A secured enclosure  140 A for the electronic equipment and power supply is secured to the top of the base. The enclosure has front plate  149 A secured by clasps  150 A and locks  138 C in a manner similar to the front plate  149  of FIGS. 6 and 7 with a lock  138 B. The enclosure is in wire and cable communication with the hollow pole  40  by armored conduit  186 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the base  190  comprises a housing having end walls  191 , side walls  191 A, a bottom wall  191 B and a subdividing wall  191 C within the housing running between side walls  191 A and subdividing the housing into an open to compartment  192  and an enclosed compartment  194  having a top wall  191 D. The compartment  194  houses the surveillance electronic equipment (not shown) and has a front plate  149 B secured by clasps  150 A and locks  138 D in a manner similar to securing front plate  149 A to enclosure  140 A in FIG.  8 . 
     The base is fitted with sleeves  196 A and  196 B to receive and secure the pole  40 . Hollow pole  40  has a window  206  to permit communication for cables and wire (not shown) from the equipment and power supplies (not shown) in compartment  194  with the interior of hollow pole  40 . 
     The open top compartment can receive a bladder  198  which can be filled with water via fill spigot  200  to weigh the base down. The bladder is fitted with drain spigot  202  which extends through windows  204  of wall  191  for ease of drainage. The spigots can be lockable to prevent tampering. Alternatively, the open top compartment can be filled with one or more concrete or stone blocks, or with dirt and/or sand to weigh the base down. 
     Referring to FIG. 11, the base  210  comprises a hollow housing having a continuous side wall  212 , a bottom wall  212 A and a top wall  212 B. The base is designed to hold water or other fluid to weigh the base down. A sleeve  218  extends from the top of the base down to the bottom wall  212 A. The top wall  212 B has a fill spigot  214  and the side wall  212  has drain spigot  216 . The sleeve is adapted to receive and secure hollow pole  40 . The pole is secured to the base by chains  220 A and  220 B which are secured to the pole and sleeve and the chains are secured to each other by lock  138 E. The top wall  212 B or side wall  212  can be fitted with a secure enclosure, similar to the enclosure  140 A and  140  of FIGS. 8 and 6, respectively, to hold surveillance electronic equipment and power supplies. The enclosure could communicate with the hollow pole by an armored conduit. Alternatively, a secure enclosure (not shown) can be attached to the pole  40  and communicate with the interior of the pole by holes through the back of the enclosure and the pole. 
     Turning now to FIG. 12, still another embodiment  300  of the surveillance system of the present invention is shown, the system further comprising means for facilitating transport of the system  300  in a substantially assembled configuration, to and from a surveillance site. Particularly, the base enclosure  26  may be specifically adapted to be easily accommodated on a vehicle trailer, for example a single-axle trailer configured in a conventional manner for towing thereof by a motor vehicle. 
     Moreover, the system  300  may further comprise such a trailer assembly  316  that is specifically adapted to facilitate transport of the system  300 . The trailer assembly  316  may include a cradle portion  320  sized to contain the base enclosure  26  and, mounted in a conventional manner on a single wheeled axle  322 . The trailer assembly  316  further includes a tongue  323  and a conventional hitch  324 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the system  300 ′ is adapted for transport on a public roadway with base  26  and support pole  330  connected together and disposed in a substantially upright, vertical position during the transport thereof. 
     Preferably, the trailer assembly  316  further includes features which provide means for facilitating loading and unloading of the heavy, concrete base  26  to and from the trailer assembly  316 . Particularly, the trailer assembly  316  may include a rear access gate  326  which functions as both a security gate during travel and as a ramp element  326 ′ during loading and unloading of the system  300 . The floor of the trailer and/or the rear access gate can be provided with rollers (not shown) to ease the passage of the base  26  on and off the trailer assembly. 
     In one highly advantageous aspect of the invention, the support pole  330  is height adjustable in order to enable the system  300  to be transported in the upright (or at least substantially upright), vertical position. By transporting the system  300  upright and substantially assembled as shown, the system  300  will be more easily installed at the surveillance site. By transporting the system in the vertical, upright position, the need for lifting or substantial tilting of the heavy base  26  is reduced or eliminated. In addition, the adjustable support pole  330  reduces effective height of the trailer-mounted system  300  during travel on public roadways where height restrictions are common. 
     For example, the adjustable support pole  330  may comprise telescoping segments (not shown). Preferably, however, the adjustable support pole  330  includes a hinge mechanism  338  adapted to enable rotation of an upper portion  340  of the support pole  330  with respect to a lower portion  342  of the support pole  330  in order to facilitate vehicle transport of the system in an upright position. 
     In order to provide sufficient stability and support for the upper portion  340  of the pole  330  in the rotated position, a trailer-mounted support bar  344  may be provided. Even more specifically, the pole  330  may include a support tongue  346  and the support bar  344  may include a cooperatively engaging yoke  348 . 
     Upon arrival at a destination, or surveillance site, the base  26  is unloaded from the trailer assembly  316 , for example by pulling the base  26  down the ramp element  326 ′ using suitable equipment such as a winch (not shown). Alternatively or additionally, the trailer  316  may be initially lowered to the ground by using a fixed or demountable jacking mechanism  350  to facilitate unloading of the base  26 . 
     It is anticipated that some types of surveillance cameras and other equipment may be sensitive to excessive vibration during travel, and therefor are preferably connected only after arrival at the site. Therefor, after unloading the base  26  from the trailer cradle  320 , the desired surveillance apparatus (not shown) is secured and connected to electronic and power cables  46 ,  48  disposed through the support pole  330 . Similarly, the necessary surveillance equipment and power supplies (not shown) may be then installed in the base enclosure  26  using access door  108 . At this point, the yoke  348  and tongue  346  may be disengaged from one another and the upper portion  340  of the support pole  330 , having surveillance assembly  12  mounted thereon, is rotated forward into a vertical position, facilitated by hinge means  338 . Matching flanges  350 ,  352  on support pole upper and lower portions  340 ,  342 , respectively, are then bolted together using suitable, locking means. 
     Turning now to FIG. 13, as an alternative means of transport, the system  300 ′ may be transported by a trailer, such as assembly  316 ′, with the base  26  and support pole  330 ′ in a horizontal position (rather than in the upright position such as shown in FIG.  12 ). Although other similar arrangements are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present invention, in this example, the base  26  rests at about a 90° angle from the upright position within the trailer cradle  320 ′ during transport. The support pole  330 ′ (which may be adjustable length or fixed), is fixed to the base  26 , and projects substantially horizontally therefrom, and may function as a trailer tongue for towing. In this case, a fixed or demountable trailer hitch  360  may be detachably mounted on platform as shown. Alternatively still, the trailer means  316 ′ may be adapted to cradle the base  26  in a substantially horizontal position with the support pole projecting rearward away from the towing vehicle (not shown). 
     Suitable means, such as a winch (not shown), lifting cable  364 , and suitably placed cable leverage arm  366  may be provided for safely and controllably hoisting the pole  330  into the upright position, as shown by arrows  372 , upon arrival at the surveillance site. In addition, a spider outrigger and/or hydraulic, mechanical or electrical jacks, or other means are preferably provided for supporting and stabilizing the system  300 ′ during the lifting process. The cable leverage arm  366  is either fixed to the base enclosure  26  or detachably mounted to the enclosure base. 
     Advantageously, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the surveillance system  300 ,  300 ′ may be transported to a surveillance site in a substantially assembled configuration, with relatively few assembly steps performed at the site. 
     With both embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, it is contemplated that the surveillance system/trailer assembly  300 ,  300 ′, would include appropriate brakes, brake lights, signal lights and other safety equipment as may be desired or required by highway regulations for transport. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is a trailer-mounted surveillance system  400  illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16. The trailer-mounted system  400  comprises a trailer  402  with trailer frame  416  on which is mounted a telescoping pole assembly  404 . The electronic surveillance equipment, battery packs, controls and the like for the surveillance system are in secured enclosures  434 A through  434 D, which are shown in FIG. 16, are mounted on the trailer. Trailer  402  has a frame  416  which is supported by twin wheel assemblies  418  comprising wheels and axles and suspension spring systems  420 . The frame is weighted down with ballast  422  which can be cement blocks, tanks filled with sand, gravel, concrete or water. The pole assembly  404  comprises two or more members, a lower pole base member  406  and a pole upper member  408  which is telescopically received on the pole base member  406 . Mid way up the pole base member there is secured a base flange  410  and at the bottom of the pole upper member, there is secured an upper flange  412 . The flanges limit the penetration of the pole base member  406  into the pole upper member and are used to secure the two members together either with bolts, locks or the like. The two pole members are preferably hollow so that wiring and cabling (not shown) can be run from the surveillance assembly  12  on the platform  14  down through the pole assembly  404  and out a window or aperture (not shown) in the pole base member so that the wire and cabling can go to the appropriate electronic equipment in the secured enclosures  434 A through  434 D. The wire and cabling in the pole base member to the enclosure are secured in armored conduit or the like. At either end of the trailer, there are supports masts  428  which are mounted off the longitudinal centerline of the trailer. Support forks  430  are attached to the top of the support mast  428  and are adapted to receive the pole upper member when the pole upper member is disassembled from the pole base member during transportation, or during storage, or the like. During transportation or storage, the pole upper member can be secured in the support forks with cable or chain and lock, or with pins and lock. 
     On the four corners of the trailer frame  416 , there are secured support jacks which are lowered into position to lift the trailer and support most of its weight when the trailer has been moved to a desired location for use. By actuating the support jacks and lifting the trailer, the trailer is made immovable and stabilizes the trailer from the effects of wind and the like. The support jacks can be screw threaded jacks  424  which ride in threaded supports  426 . The top of the threaded screws have a head  425 , such as a hex head to receive a wrench to move the screw up or down. The support jacks can have a lock to prevent tampering. The base of each threaded screw has a base  427  adapted to rest on the ground. 
     At the front of the trailer, there is secured a conventional trailer hitch assembly  432  which can be pivoted up and downwardly like conventional trailer hitch assemblies. At the end of the hitch assembly (not shown), there is mounted a trailer hitch for securing the trailer to a vehicle for movement to and from locations. 
     In operation, the trailer-mounted surveillance system is utilized in the same manner as the other surveillance systems disclosed herein. A trailer-mounted surveillance systems can be used in situations where the system is to be moved periodically from location to location and/or in situations where it is desired to move the surveillance system quickly onto and on off a site. It is envisioned the trailer-mounted surveillance system will be used for short-term events, such as rock concerts, auto races, sporting events, such as college football games, professional sport games, political rallies, people&#39;s marches and the like. 
     The trailer-mounted assembly will be stored most conveniently with the pole assembly  404  taken down by removing the pole upper member from the pole base member and placing the pole upper member onto the cradle created by masts  428  and support forks  430 . Normally, the platform  14  of the attached surveillance assembly  12  will be removed from the top of the pole upper member when the pole assembly is disassembled. During transportation, the pole upper member will be transported in the cradle and the surveillance assembly  12  will be stored in the vehicle pulling the trailer or on the trailer itself. When the trailer has reached the location where it is to be used, the trailer will be positioned, the jack stands will be extended downwardly to lift the trailer off the ground, the pole upper member will be lifted and inserted over the pole base member  406 . Before elevating and erecting the pole upper member, the platform  14  and surveillance assembly  12  will be mounted on the top of the pole upper member. Power from the utility system can be conveniently brought to the mobile surveillance system via power line  74  into a distribution box  70  as described herein. 
     The mobile surveillance system  400 A shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 is very similar to the mobile surveillance system  400  except that in this embodiment, the trailer  402 A has single wheel assembly  418 . In addition, the pole assembly  404 A is a pivoted pole assembly having a pole base member  406 A and a pivotable pole upper member  408 A attached thereto. A hinge assembly  440  is secured to the pole base member and the pole upper member. The upper base member pivots on the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly has a upper flange  442  and a lower flange  444 . When the pole upper member is pivoted upwardly to a vertical direction, the upper flange and bottom flange mate and can be secured together with threaded bolts and nuts and/or locks to secure the pole assembly. To aid in lifting the mast, the mast can be fitted with a windlass system comprising a windlass  446 , a windlass handle  448 , a cable  450  attached to the windlass drum (not shown) at one end and attached to the upper portion of the pole upper member by cable attachment  452 . 
     During storage and transportation, the pole upper member will be pivoted downwardly so that the trailer mount and surveillance system can travel on the road and clear underpasses, bridges, power and telephone lines, and the like. When the mobile surveillance system is to be used at a location, and the trailer has been placed in the desired location, and the trailer lifted by the jack assemblies, the surveillance assembly  12  (not shown) and platform  14  are mounted on the top of the pole upper member  408 A and then the pole upper member is pivoted upwardly on the hinge assembly  440  by winding up the windlass assembly. When the pole upper member is in a vertical direction, the upper flange and bottom flange is secured together as mentioned above with threaded nuts and/or locks. When the mobile surveillance system has completed it operation, the upper flange  442  and lower flange  444  are unsecured and the windlass is let out to permit the pole upper member to pivot downwardly as shown in FIG.  15 . The pole upper member is supported in the downward position by mast support  428 A and fork support  430 A. The pole upper member can be secured in the fork by rope, cable, chain and lug pin. 
     Referring to FIG. 18, a portion of the pole segments  41 A and  41 B of pole  40 A of FIG. 21 is shown. The pole segments  41 A and  41 B at each end have flanges  43 A and  43 B, respectively. The flanges have a series of holes which mate with the holes of the adjoining flange of the adjoining pole segment. The flanges are secured together by threaded bolts and nuts  44  in a conventional manner. A segmented mast, permits the mast to be disassembled into smaller parts or segments for transportation and/or storage. In addition, the height of a mast can easily be controlled by adding or subtracting segments as desired. The pole can be assembled prior to it being installed on the base  26 . Segments are joined at their flanges and the flanges are bolted together in a conventional manner. The bolts can be drilled to receive the shank of locks in order to lock the bolt assemblies to prevent the mast from being disassembled. The flanges can be fitted with gaskets, O-rings, and the like, to seal flange joint to prevent the entrance of moisture and the like into the hollow bore  42  of the pole. 
     Referring to FIG. 19, to prevent the unauthorized disassembly of the pole  40  from the base  26 , the lower portion of the pole  40  is fitted with a metal rod or pipe  66  which extends across the hollow bore  42  of the pole and is secured in the opposing walls of the pole. A J-bolt  68  is inserted from the enclosure  28  through the bore  88  with the hook  72  of the J-bolt engaging the rod  66 . A strong bracket  76 , such as a L-bracket or U-bracket, or husky piece of pipe with a bore  78  is positioned in the center of bore  88  and the end of the J-bolt is extended through the bore  78  of the bracket. A threaded nut  90  is then threaded onto threaded end of the J-bolt and tightened to place tension between the rod  66  and the bracket  76  to secure the mast. In this manner with the enclosure  28  being sealed off with secured cover plates  102 , the mast is secured to the base even in the event threaded nuts  85  are removed from the threaded studs  84 . Although an unauthorized person can remove threaded nuts  85 , they cannot lift the mast off the threaded studs  84  because the J-bolt secures the base of the mast against the top wall  64  of the base  26 . In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the threaded studs  84  are J-bolt studs, the hook end of the J-bolt being embedded in the concrete in the top wall  64  of the base. 
     Referring to FIG. 20, a current breaker is preferably utilized with the system  10  to ensure protection against short circuits and power surges which could permanently damage the electronic equipment. The surveillance system is preferably fitted with a circuit breaker to which external power or the power supply first feeds power before power is distributed to the electronic equipment and the surveillance equipment, such as the cameras, recorders, sensors, and lights. However, current breaker does not have to be installed within the enclosure. The enclosure is a convenient place for the current breaker since it secures the current breaker, protects it from environmental conditions and renders easy access to it in the event that the circuit breaker is activated and cuts off current to the electronics, etc. The current breaker can be placed in the enclosure, it can be mounted on the bottom of the platform  260 A, or at the top of the pole  260 B, or on top of the platform  260 C, or at the base of the pole  260 C, or even at location where connection is made with the external power, signal and communication lines. Preferably, the current breaker is mounted in a box or housing that is secured against outside tampering and environmentally protected against rain, dust, and the like. This particularly true in the case where the circuit breaker is mounted in a box that is nearer to the ground where someone can easily access it. When the circuit breaker is mounted at the top of the mast or at the bottom of the mast, preferably the circuit breaker connects directly into the interior bore  42  of the pole through a hole in the pole and box (not shown). Cable and wiring can easily be extended through the holes between the current breaker box  260 D or  260 B and the hollow bore (not shown in FIG.  20 ). When the current breaker is mounted under the platform or on top of the platform, external wiring will have to be used which normally will extend through the hollow bore  42  of the pole into the enclosure  28  of the base. Similarly, when the box for the current breaker  260 D is mounted on the power pole, the lines and cables between the surveillance system and the current breaker enclosure will be external and preferably will go to a distribution box such as distribution box  70  shown in FIG.  1 . When the current breaker enclosure is mounted at the top of the surveillance system, the current breaker box can also act as the distribution box to connect the internal power source via line  74  with the power supply in the base, to connect a signal transmission line  75  to an external source, to connect the surveillance equipment  16  with the electronic equipment  32  via line and cables  24  with the electronic equipment  32  in the base, to connect the lights (see FIG.  21 ), to the power the power supply and electronic equipment in the base. 
     FIG. 20 also shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the pole  40 A is either not hollow or the internal space  42  in the pole is not utilized for the lines and cables. In that case, the base  26  has a small orifice  87  which is in communication with an armored conduit  30  extending from the base plate  94  to the top of the pole where the conduit can end in an elbow through which extends wiring cables  24  and  48  (shown in phantom). Face plate  94  has an orifice  96  which is coaxial with orifice  83  and the mounting bracket  82 A which in turn is coaxial with orifice  87  in the top wall of the base. The cables and lines  48  and  24  extend from the top of the armored conduit  30  and extend down through (not shown) the armored conduit through orifices  96 ,  83  and  87  into the enclosure  28 . If the pole is metal and the armored conduit is metal, the armored conduit can be welded to the pole. If the pole is synthetic composite or concrete, the armored conduit can be conveniently glued to the pole with epoxy adhesives and the like. If the pole is wood, the conduit is conveniently secured to the pole with straps in a conventional manner (not shown). 
     Now referring to FIG. 21, although the surveillance equipment  16  can be conveniently mounted on a horizontal platform secured to the top of the pole  40 , other means can be utilized to secure the surveillance equipment, including cameras  20 , lights  122 , motion sensors  130 , and the like. Video cameras  20  can be secured to two large parallel plates  114  secured to opposing sides of pole  40  shown in FIG.  21 . Alternatively, a cantilevered girder bracket  116  can be utilized to support the video camera utilizing end plates  117 . In another embodiment, the video camera  20  can be supported by a tubular member or pipe bracket  118  which can be conveniently welded to the side of the pole and extend vertically outward. End plates  117  can be welded to the end of the pipe bracket  118  to support the video camera. A motion detector can be secured to any of these brackets. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, a motion detector  130  is connected to the pipe bracket  118  via hollow connector  132 . Wiring from the sensor to the electronic equipment flows through the hollow connector, through the hollow pipe bracket  118  and through the hollow pole  40  to the electronic equipment in the base. Similarly, high intensity lights, preferably halogen-type lights, although other types of lamps can be employed, are secured to lamp brackets  114 A. Lamp brackets  114 A can be attached to any of the brackets shown. For example, a lamp bracket  114 A is shown attached to the girder bracket  116 . In another embodiment, the lamp brackets  114 A are shown secured to the side of the pole  40 . Wiring to and from the lamp can go into a hole in the side of the pole sealed with a grommet  128  or the power line can go from the lamp to the distribution box  70 . Cabling for the digital cameras can go directly into a pole through an elbow  126  or extend through the top of the pole down through the center of the pole to the electronic equipment in the base, or the cabling can go into the distribution box  70  and cabling from the distribution box can extend to the top of the pole down through its hollow center to the enclosure  28  in the base. If the electronic equipment is mounted in a location other than the base, the wiring and cabling are routed to it in a manner to ensure the wiring and cabling are secure against tampering and destruction. 
     Although several mounting means are shown in FIG. 21, other means can be employed to mount the video and digital cameras, the lights, the motion sensors, and the like. The flat horizontal platform mounted top of the pole has been found to very advantageous because of its light weight. A thin metal sheet has been utilized which is reinforced with stiffening braces. It is relatively light weight and it maintains the center of gravity of the entire surveillance system within the base. By keeping the center of gravity within the base, the surveillance system is far more difficult to tip over. 
     Referring to FIG. 22, surveillance equipment employing a single camera can be employed. Surveillance camera  135  is illustrated in FIG.  22 . The camera is mounted at the top of pole  40 . The camera has a clear or darkened protective hemisphere  138  protecting the video or digital camera from environmental conditions. The hemisphere is mounted on an enclosure  136  containing the mechanical and electronic equipment for the operation of the camera. The entire camera  135  is mounted on a mounting sleeve  134  which is secured to the top of pole  40 . The camera has the ability to rotate, pan, and preferably zoom. Motion detectors and lamps, etc., can be secured to the pole. In addition, other cameras could also be attached to the pole employing brackets such as the brackets illustrated in FIG.  21 . 
     Referring to FIG. 23, a wireless surveillance system  8  is show. A wireless surveillance system will normally be utilized in a situation where either above ground or below ground transmission facilities for power and signals are not available. For example, if an event is to take place in a large parking lot comprising many acres, it may not be possible entrench lines under the ground or to position poles to support high wire transmission and power lines. In the embodiment shown, there is a master transmitter/receiver surveillance system  10 A and a subservient or slave surveillance system  10 B. Although only one subservient surveillance system  10 B is illustrated in FIG. 23, the wireless surveillance system can employ a plurality of subservient surveillance systems and even more than one master surveillance system. Although in FIG. 23, the master surveillance system is shown having the base  26  and pole  40  with the equipment in the enclosure within the base, the master surveillance system may be a temporary building, permanent building, trailer-type building, or the like, having an antenna extending upward to communicate with the slave surveillance systems. Distribution box  70  is mounted at the top of the pole  40  and power and signal transmission lines  74  and  75  are connected to distribution box to an external source (not shown). At the top of the pole, there is a platform  14 , which is optional in this case. The master surveillance system  10 A may have cameras, lights, and motion sensors. At the top of the pole or on the platform, there is mounted an antenna  250 A for transmitting and receiving signals such as radio signals, microwave signals, video signals, or the like, for one or more subservient or slave surveillance systems. 
     The subservient surveillance system  10 B has a base  26 , a segmented pole  40 A, a platform  14  at the top of the pole having one or more video or digital cameras  20 . An antenna  250  extends upward from the top of the platform and is position to receive and transmit signals to antenna  250 A of the master surveillance system  10 A. The entire power supply for subservient system comes from the power supply in the base  26  and optionally from an ancillary power supply which is conveniently housed within a duplicate base  26  positioned next to base  26  surveillance system  10 B and connected by secure or armored conduit. Real time images from the cameras of surveillance system  10 B can be transmitted to the master surveillance system  10 A. Alternatively, image information can be stored in the electronic equipment within the enclosure of  26  of the subservient system and transmitted to the master surveillance system upon request of the master surveillance system. Data, command signals, addresses, etc., can be transmitted and received by both systems employing wireless transmitting equipment, receivers and transmitters. The video or digital camera  20  picks up the activity within the observed area  18 . Motion detectors can be installed on the surveillance equipment  10 B to activate the cameras only when there is activity. This saves power. However, if the surveillance system  8  is being utilized for an activity where there is a lot of motion, such as a political rally, or the like, a motion detector would not be utilized because of the constant motions. A motion detector is normally limited to use when motion is not expected in the observed area  18 . 
     Frequently the poles of the surveillance system are the highest point in an area, especially large flat areas. In certain areas of the country, lightening is a common occurrence and strikes the highest object in the vicinity. In those areas, the surveillance system is conveniently outfitted with a lightening arrest system comprising a lightening rod  280 , an electrical discharge cable  282 , and a ground  284 . The cable connects the rod  280  with the ground  284 . The ground is normally driven into the ground three to six feet to ensure good conductivity with the ground. A lightening arrest system is preferably installed in all the surveillance systems where lightening is a threat. For purpose of illustration only, the lightening arrest system has been only shown on the subservient system  10 B in FIG.  23 . However, it normally also will be employed on the master system  10 A. 
     The subservient surveillance system  10 B of FIG. 23 has a segmented pole  40 A. The segmented pole is made up of three segments  41 A,  41 B and  41 C. For storage and transportation, the pole is broken up into its individual segments. When the surveillance equipment is installed, the mast is assembled from the segments and erected as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the three segments are secured together by flanges (see FIG.  18 ). The pole can have two or more segments to achieve the desired pole heights. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the surveillance system is tied into telecommunication lines, either twisted wire lines or cable lines. This permits monitoring of each surveillance system via the Internet from remote computer locations. Thus, it is possible from a single location, any place in the country, to monitor thousands of surveillance systems at command. Each surveillance system would have its own Internet address. The operator could access any surveillance system any time. In addition, the surveillance system can have a code which provides double security, only permitting access to the information stored within the surveillance system, and only permitting commands to the surveillance system upon the proper entry of the password. The same system also provides and gives the operator the opportunity from a remote location to modify the operation of a surveillance system via commands over the Internet. For example, if zoom or pan cameras are employed on a surveillance system, control of such cameras can be accomplished over the Internet. In addition, a command can be made to have the lights turned on a dusk, to only have the system activated when the motion detector picks up activity, to have the surveillance system issue a signal alarm through the Internet to the control system address when motion detector picks up activity, and the like. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the surveillance system can fitted out with directional microphones, which can be mounted on devices for panning and rotating the microphones in order to direct the microphones to noises and voices. Conveniently, such directional microphones will be integrated with a sound detection system which will activate the microphones and the recording equipment for the microphones when the noise, other than the background noise, is detected. 
     While this invention has been described with respect to various specific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, and that it can be variously practiced within the scope of the following claims.