Enhancing School Security at Cooke School with Video-Based Security System

As schools increasingly seek to enhance the safety and security of their campuses, smart organizations are turning to the advantages of AI-supported video-based systems. Systems like these can identify and alert authorities to potential threats in real-time and make investigations simple and effective. This case study explores how the Cook School and Institute implemented this cutting-edge technology to safeguard their community.

Background

The Cook School and Institute, located in East Harlem, New York, serves children and adults with special needs, providing comprehensive educational programs from K-12 through adult transition programs. As the Director of Technology, Paul Fisher oversees the school's network infrastructure, classroom hardware, and security systems. Recently, the school faced challenges with its existing security setup, prompting a search for more effective solutions.

Challenge

The primary challenge for Cook School was the unreliability and limitations of their existing camera system.

Paul Fisher noted, “We realized our camera systems were kind of glitchy, and our head of schools and other leaders were concerned about the functionality.”

The need was to find a system that could integrate seamlessly with their current setup without requiring significant new investments or extensive retraining of staff.

Solution

After conducting thorough research and considering various options, Paul Fisher and his team decided to implement Coram AI's video-based system. This decision was influenced by several factors:

• Integration with Existing Systems: Coram AI's solution could integrate with the school’s existing cameras and not exceed bandwidth limitations, which meant there was no need for a complete overhaul.
• Real-Time Alerts and Remote Access: The system provided real-time alerts and allowed remote access via mobile devices, which was a significant advantage for monitoring multiple locations.
• ‍AI-Driven Capabilities: The ability to detect potential threats using advanced AI technology added a crucial layer of security.

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Implementation

The results were almost immediate. Shortly after installation, the school experienced two break-ins. The Coram AI system enabled the team to quickly identify the entry points, monitor the intruders' movements within the building, and provide clear footage to the police.

Paul noted, “The clarity of the cameras and the functionality it added to our existing cameras that was not there before and made a significant difference.”

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Results

The transition to Coram AI brought immediate benefits:

1. Enhanced Security Measures: The video-based system significantly improved the school’s ability to monitor and respond to incidents. The real-time alerts and remote access capabilities were particularly valued by the staff. Paul mentioned that the system had made them fans of Coram AI, given its effectiveness and reliability.
2. Operational Efficiency: The system’s ease of use and integration meant that Paul and his team could focus on other critical tasks without worrying about constant maintenance or updates.
3. Effective Support: The IT staff appreciated the fact that when they have an issue, it gets resolved quickly because the support is staffed by engineers. This means if it’s more than a surface-level problem, the engineer can better investigate and quickly solve the problem.

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Conclusion

The implementation of Coram AI's video-based system has transformed the security landscape at Cook School and Institute. By providing real-time monitoring and integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure, the school has been able to enhance safety significantly. Paul Fisher recommends Coram AI for its ease of use, robust features, and excellent support, making it an ideal choice for schools looking to upgrade their security systems.

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