Page 34 - Security Today, May/June 2025

V I D E O M A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M S
A Model for
Community Security
By Nick Smith
(TCB) is a nonprofi t orga-
The Community Builders
nization whose mission is
to build and sustain strong
communities where all
people can thrive. They work with busi-
nesses, institutions and public offi cials to
revitalize neighborhoods in ways where all
people can live in healthy homes with eq-
uitable access to resources and opportuni-
ties to pursue their dreams.
Their partnership with Salient Systems
exemplifi es the use of video technology in
vulnerable neighborhoods to help achieve
these goals. TCB operates and manages
150 sites and properties across the coun-
try, employing over 600 staff members.
VULNERABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
These locations range from campus en-
vironments to individual buildings, each
presenting unique security challenges to
ensure overall resident safety. The primary
focus for implementing a video manage-
ment system is not only to ensure safety
and security but also prevent property
maintenance issues.
Under Joe Giggey’s leadership as se-
nior 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 fac-
tor, as is often the case for nonprofi t or-
ganizations. Having an easy-to-administer
VMS, reliable search and video export
functionalities, scalability for future prop-
erty acquisitions, and centralized manage-
ment in a distributed environment were
also signifi cant requirements.
Salient’s CompleteView VMS met all the
specifi ed criteria, marking the beginning of
the partnership between TCB and Salient
3 4 DC Studio/stock.adobe.com
in 2016. The deployment of CompleteView
has grown to 85 site recording servers and
more than 2,300 camera licenses.
CERTIFIED INTEGRATORS
Given the widespread nature of TCB’s
properties, certifi ed regionalized integra-
tors have been selected to install Com-
pleteView across TCB locations. These
integrators have been trained and received
certifi cation from Salient Systems profes-
sional trainers on installation, executing
upgrades, expanding systems, and cus-
tomizing the deployment ensuring effec-
tive implementation and ongoing support.
In addition, manufacturer support by
the Salient system engineering team has
been used and according to TCB staff,
“has been phenomenal.” TCB staff help
address complaints, educate residents on
lease rules, and avoid evictions. The soft-
ware 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 fi rst responders details
about the situation they may face on ar-
rival. Video footage provided by Salient’s
VMS has proven invaluable in multiple
instances and according to Giggey “The
VMS paid for itself immediately, high-
lighting 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 effect-
ing positive changes in vulnerable neigh-
borhoods. With ongoing support, TCB is
committed to making a lasting impact and
ensuring strong communities where all
people can thrive.
Nick Smith serves as vice
president of Sales for
Salient Systems, where
he leads sales strategy
and team performance
across the Eastern
United States.
M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 5 | S E C U R I T Y T O D A Y