The Community Builders (TCB), a nonprofit organisation, is committed to creating and maintaining thriving communities by collaborating with businesses, institutions, and public officials.
Their alliance with Salient Systems demonstrates the effective application of video technology to enhance security in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Security challenges and requirements
Managing 150 sites nationwide, TCB faces diverse security challenges across its properties. These locations, varying from campuses to individual buildings, necessitate a robust video management system (VMS) to ensure resident safety and address property maintenance concerns.
Under the guidance of Joe Giggey, Senior Director of Information Technology, TCB established security standards that allow remote video access via smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Integration with existing infrastructure, including over 30 access control systems and around 6,800 different camera models, was essential. Cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, reliability, scalability, and centralised management were also critical considerations.
Implementing the solution
Salient's CompleteView VMS was selected to meet TCB's criteria, marking the start of their collaborationIn 2016, Salient's CompleteView VMS was selected to meet TCB's criteria, marking the start of their collaboration. Today, the deployment spans 85 site recording servers and over 2,300 camera licences. To ensure effective implementation, certified regional integrators were chosen to install and customise CompleteView systems across various locations.
Training and manufacturer support from Salient's System Engineering team have been crucial, with TCB highlighting the exceptional support they received.
Positive outcomes
Salient’s CompleteView VMS has become instrumental in resolving issues, educating residents on lease compliance, and preventing evictions. The system's ability to provide detailed information during incidents allows for quick resolution and informed responses by first responders. TCB staff have reported the VMS's valuable role in this respect, with Giggey noting the system's immediate payoff as a testament to its effectiveness.
This successful partnership illustrates how leveraging technology can drive positive community transformation. With the continued support of Salient Systems, TCB remains dedicated to fostering strong, resilient neighbourhoods where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
The Community Builders (TCB) is a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive.
They work with businesses, institutions, and public officials to revitalise neighborhoods in ways where all people can live in healthy homes with equitable access to resources and opportunities to pursue their dreams.
Their partnership with Salient Systems exemplifies the use of video technology in vulnerable neighborhoods to help achieve these goals.
Challenge
TCB operates and manages 150 sites and properties across the country, employing over 600 staff members. These locations range from campus environments to individual buildings, each presenting unique security challenges to ensure overall resident safety. The primary focus for implementing a video management system is not only to ensure safety and security but also prevent property maintenance issues.
Under Joe Giggey’s leadership as senior director of Information Technology, TCB established enterprise- level security standards. These standards enabled access to video remotely through smartphones, iPads, and laptops for a central team of sites in 30 cities. Additionally, seamless integration with existing cameras and access control systems was required, considering TCB’s extensive network of
30+ access control systems and about 6,800 different camera models. Affordability was another crucial factor, as is often the case for nonprofit organisations. Having an easy-to-administer VMS, reliable search and video export functionalities, scalability for future property acquisitions, and centralised management in a distributed environment were also significant requirements.
Solution
Salient’s CompleteView VMS met all the specified criteria, marking the beginning of the partnership between TCB and Salient in 2016. The deployment of CompleteView has grown to 85 site recording servers and over 2,300 camera licenses. Given the widespread nature of TCB’s properties, certified regionalised integrators have been selected to install CompleteView across TCB locations.
These integrators have been trained and received certification from Salient Systems professional trainers on installation, executing upgrades, expanding systems, and customising the deployment ensuring effective implementation and ongoing support. In addition, manufacturer support by Salient’s own System Engineering team has been utilised and according to TCB personnel, “has been phenomenal.”
Results
TCB staff help address complaints, educate residents on lease rules, and avoid evictions. Salient’s CompleteView has assisted in resolving disputes, and investigating incidents. In addition, the ability to verify details of incidents in progress helps pinpoint the location and gives first responders details about the situation they may face on arrival.
Video footage provided by Salient’s VMS, CompleteView has proven invaluable in multiple instances and according to Giggey “The VMS paid for itself immediately, highlighting the effectiveness and value of this partnership.”
The collaboration between TCB and Salient Systems has become an exemplar of how technology can be harnessed for the greater good, building trust and effecting positive changes in vulnerable neighborhoods. With ongoing support from Salient Systems, TCB is committed to making a lasting impact and ensuring strong communities where all people can thrive.
