The major areas that have been improved include input from a Cine/Television camera or a videotape recorder; a large increase in the volume of stored image; alternative image output device; and enhancement of security capabilities of system software and date files. These improvements turn an IBM-PC/XT into a powerful image processing workstation with an extensive mug photobase that can be utilized to fulfill the needs of a broad range of applications in the public security field. Specifically, a video surveillance system may be connected to computer networks and utilized in a wide range of applications in law enforcement, public security, penal surveillance and crime countermeasures. (Author abstract modified)