Genetec, a provider of IP security solutions, announced New Jersey's Paramus Public Schools has installed Genetec's security platform at all eight of its school campuses. It was important to Paramus to select an all-in-one system like Genetec's system, which provides one interface for both video surveillance and access control. Using an IP system was also ideal, as it has allowed security data to be shared between campuses over the network, and has saved Paramus cabling costs.
Paramus preserved a few existing analog cameras using IP encoders, and purchased more than 100 network cameras to complete the system. A Dell server was provided to each school, allowing video and security data to be stored locally to maximize network efficiency. Currently video surveillance and access control data can be viewed by authorized personnel located at each of the eight campuses.
Additionally, Paramus rebuilt the entrance to the high school, incorporating a new security control room for the entire district. Staffed security guards will manage the unified security platform spanning all eight campuses from this central location. The security platform will allow direct access to police and emergency services to allow for a quick response should the need ever arise.
For now, Paramus uses the surveillance system as an investigative tool. They can pull archived video to discover who committed an act of vandalism or theft, definitively prove “who started what” to parents, and more.
“It was important to use a company that was established and reliable. Genetec's security management has been fantastic. Where my previous system had upgrade glitches that caused downtime, Genetec's system has had upgrades and no downtime. Now I have people from other districts coming to look at the system because they're interested in switching over as well,” said Robert Autorino, Director of Buildings and Grounds.
“I have the opportunity to do business with almost any company, but I choose Genetec. They are constantly working to improve their products, they have a great support staff, and in general, we rarely have service issues with Genetec products – the systems work, they perform,” said Richard Adams, Consultant at Let's Think Wireless, the Genetec-certified integrator for this project.