DVTel, Inc., multiple award-winning market leader in the development and delivery of intelligent security solutions over IP networks,  announced that Newark Housing Authority (NHA), in Newark, NJ, is experiencing excellent results after deploying the DVTel intelligent Security Operations Center (iSOC) to manage surveillance video from more than 600 cameras located throughout the Housing Authority‟s many properties. Millennium Communications Group Inc. is providing expert integration and installation for this long-running project.

Three years ago the Newark Housing Authority was in crisis, laboring under the threat of a Federal takeover. A new Executive Director, Keith Kinard, was hired and he shook up the organization from top to bottom—the executive team was completely revamped, due to budget cuts numerous staff were let go, and the direct-hire security guard unit was switched out for a private security service. In addition, NHA embarked on a major initiative to upgrade physical security systems to provide more effective assistance to staff deployed to create a safer community for the 30,000 people residing in over 8,000 public housing units.

Prior to installing the DVTel iSOC, Newark Housing maintained low-tech, black and white cameras that were unmonitored. If an incident happened, "We might get lucky," said Tory Gunsolley, Chief Administrative Officer for the Newark Housing Authority. But given the level of crime and general low quality of life throughout the housing developments, the security staff wasn‟t getting lucky very often.

NHA installed a fiber optic backbone connecting all its buildings, providing a strong infrastructure for a high-performance IP camera solution connected directly to the network. A dedicated Command Center is staffed by two operators at all times; monitoring the 600+ live video feeds 24/7. The DVTel iSOC manages video covering upwards to 50 of the Authority‟s buildings. The iSOC functionality includes a mapping program which displays icons of the various security devices and their location, with flashing red icons to signify alarms and potential trouble. In addition to the new video surveillance and system, NHA upgraded access control throughout many of its buildings and the DVTel iSOC is integrated with an Emerge access control solution from IEI.

"The video system has exceeded our expectations," said Kinard. "We use it not only for crime prevention and prosecution, but for management purposes as well." For example, a camera is installed above every security guard desk, which allows the guarding company to monitor if officers are where they are supposed to be—in effect doing roll call of 30 security guards by camera in a matter of minutes, remotely.

"Our DVTel system has resulted in numerous arrests and convictions," continued Kinard. "The judges have been very interested when we bring our laptops to court and show them footage of what has happened. Some have been caught off-guard at just how clear the images are." Prosecutions coming out of the NHA have included aggravated assault, petty thefts, vandalism, and numerous drug crimes.

Kinard again, "We‟ve been very pleased. We‟ve seen crime go down as these arrests happen. Last month, we received a request from a television journalist for some recent footage—I was pleased to say we didn‟t have any." But it‟s not all crime; the NHA was able to use their DVTel system to successfully fight a worker‟s compensation claim when the video clearly showed no accident had occurred.

NHA‟s initial security strategy was to lock down all the buildings housing elderly residents with improved access control and a 24/7 guard presence. From there, Millennium advised on interior and exterior placement for the hundreds of fixed and PTZ cameras to be installed. Each building‟s guard monitors that building‟s cameras, along with the Command Center, and each building‟s manager(s) have access to the video as well. "The residents‟ feedback has been positive, „We want more cameras,‟ is what we are hearing," reported Kinard.

Another important aspect to the improved security and overall atmosphere at NHA properties is that Newark Police now take a more active role in policing the properties. Future, even closer, cooperation between the NHA and Newark Police should bring even more positive results.

Kinard commented on how the DVTel system has fundamentally changed residents‟ lives, "One of the neatest things has been the visual changes we see at the family properties. A few years ago, we‟d see 30 guys hanging around the basketball court selling drugs and acting in a menacing way. Now, kids are playing basketball and mothers are out there with children in strollers—from a quality of life perspective, it‟s a huge improvement."