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Sperry West's Video Commander Kit Credited with Helping Save Baby's Life

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 31, 2004 -- Suspecting a case of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy (MSBP), Pediatric Doctors of a San Diego hospital called in the hospital's Security Director for assistance.

Immediately, the security team implemented an undercover video surveillance in the child's hospital room using a wireless disguised video camera and digital video recorder from Sperry West's Video Commander 1000w kit. Only a few hours of video were needed to capture the vivid evidence necessary to arrest the child's mother and save the young victim from continued harm and a potentially fatal situation.

Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy occurs when a parent or guardian falsifies or induces medical conditions requiring ongoing and often severe medial intervention, surgeries and hospitalizations to the child. The guardian may induce the illness by poisoning, physical abuse, or sexual abuse over a period of time -- often ending in fatality to the child. The guardian often appears extremely loving and caring and overprotective of the child, making MSBP very hard to detect by medical professionals.

After reviewing the digital evidence the hospital's security team credits the Video Commander Kit with saving this young child's life. The security administrator of this facility comments that every medical facility or hospital should have a covert surveillance kit on hand in the event of an emergency deployment, where a day's time can mean life of death. Clear and decisive digital evidence will now be used to determine whether or not to press criminal or civil charges against the mother. The child is currently in protective care.

"Video Commander covert surveillance kits are often credited with catching acts of vandalism and stopping theft of property and drugs within hospitals and medical facilities," says Barry Levine, CEO at Sperry West. "However, protecting visitors and patients' physical security and safety is probably one of the more vital uses of this covert video security kit."

"We are so pleased with the outcome of this incident," continues Levine. "The combination of the doctor's diligence, the swift action of the security team, and the right covert equipment on hand worked together to save this child's life."

Video Commander kits are highly recommended for facilities that offer care to any person, old or young, that may not have the ability to speak for their safety including geriatric programs, pediatric facilities, and critical and intensive care wards.

For information about the newest wireless, digital Video Commander Kits please call Sperry West at (858) 551-2000; email us at info@sperrywest.com; or fax to (858) 505-1034.

About Sperry West Inc.

Located in San Diego, California, Sperry West makes innovative video surveillance cameras, covert kits and under-vehicle detection equipment for industrial, commercial and government security professionals. High-quality cameras and unique product design elements set the company apart from other video manufacturers, making Sperry West a leading provider of superior visual documentation through technologically advanced products and high-level customer service.

CONTACT:  Sperry West Inc.
          Valarie Swanson
          (858) 551-2000
          vswanson@sperrywest.com