Making safety a priority in affordable housing with innovative technology

Owners of affordable housing have historically had difficulty rationalizing the expense of top-notch security. But, today, innovative owners are beginning to understand how technology can provide a cost-effective means for property managers to protect their assets while also providing invaluable services that their tenants appreciate. The reality is that for too long affordable housing in New York City has been synonymous with front doors that don't lock, spare keys in the hands of former tenants and unwanted visitors, reckless rooftop activities and a general sense that no one is keeping an eye on the building. This makes the building less livable for tenants and less attractive for prospective renters - with owners bearing additional costs due to fraud and increased vandalism. But, thanks to recent technology, new platforms like our V-Star system make obsolete the typical security systems that feature an unmonitored DVR in the super's apartment or a solitary security guard passively monitoring video feeds in a large bank of cameras in the hope of happening upon an incident at the right moment. The ability to monitor a specific activity based on a particular time of day is a critical feature. Software alerts signal audible alarms for pre-programmed situations - such as popped-open doors or unauthorized roof access. For example, a building's front door opening at 8 a.m. doesn't deserve special attention - but a front door opening at 3 a.m. surely deserves a look. The alerts on the V-Star system include a real-time video of the event in question for monitors to evaluate and follow-up as circumstances require. Beyond security, systems like the V-Star system bring customer service right to a building's front door. The same way a luxury building's doorman lets residents in a building even if they don't have a key to the front door with them, residents can buzz the specialist on duty - who will then match the resident by video feed against a photograph on file to allow entry. In addition, electronic keys can be programmed so that contractors, babysitters and other service providers only have access to a building on a limited basis and for a limited time. The access control component severely reduces the ability of non-residents to gain entry to a building by eliminating easily copied metal key locks at the building entrances. Electronic keys are coded on a "one-resident, one-key" basis and cannot be copied. These electronic keys are deactivated when a tenant moves out as well as when a key is lost or stolen. When a deactivated key card is used in an attempt to enter a building, the command center receives an immediate alert with the activity displayed live on the video feed and the exact time automatically tagged. This technology provides an unprecedented level of customer service - solving the hassle of lost keys, seamlessly transitioning new residents, limiting contractor work to approved hours and summoning emergency help when needed. And for apartment complexes whose size requires mobile security staff, technology helps them react faster and more efficiently. For example, V-Star helps guards complete rounds on time and follow proper protocols, provides guards with advance notice of potential issues and follows guards' responses to specific events in real-time. As a result, owners can streamline their security infrastructure to provide the highest levels of operational efficiency. Not only are modern security solutions now relatively low-cost for building owners to deploy and maintain, they're increasingly recognized as value propositions: Tenants feel more secure, while owners benefit by preventing vandalism and fraud. Living in a safe and secure environment should be as fundamental as having hot water, heat and working appliances. While technological innovation alone won't ever replace attentive management and responsible building staff, technology now provides a cost-effective level of protection and service that all apartment residents deserve at a price owners can't afford to ignore. Robert Odell is president of V-Star Security Systems, LLC, New York, N.Y.