Case Study: Trenton Housing Authority Increases Operator Productivity And Reduces Investigation With IP-Based Video Management

In existence since the late 1930s, the Trenton Housing Authority (THA) provides decent and affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents throughout the city of Trenton, N.J. Its mission is to provide safe and sanitary housing for residents and to lead them toward self-sufficiency. For the past 30 years, the THA has served nearly 2,000 households. Today, the THA is an autonomous body that is chartered by the State of New Jersey, partially funded by the federal government and governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.

Previously, the THA relied on 11 unarmed officers patrolling various developments to maintain safety and security. Due to the prevalence of drugs and guns in the area, this was a dangerous situation for both the unarmed officers and the THA residents. As a result, THA officials sought to create a safer environment, where people could feel comfortable walking to and from their housing units, regardless of the time of day. Officials also wanted to provide officers with tools that could help them become more efficient and effective.

To accomplish this, THA officials began by distributing an RFP to security companies with the goal of creating safer surroundings for THA residents and officers. After a careful ranking process based on a variety of factors, the THA selected integrator ComTec Systems, Inc. of Vineland, N.J. As ComTec employees began to address the needs and concerns of the authority, they realized the THA needed a full-scale security initiative, so they set about to design a unique solution.