"We utilize our CompleteView systems in a variety of ways. We’ve had two robberies in the last 5 years, and were able to provide video on CD to the investigators about 5 minutes after they arrived on-scene. Even though the IT Department was 475 miles away from the branch that was robbed!"
R. Mauritto, Asst. Network Administrator, Sunshine Savings Bank

Houston ISD Chooses Salient VMS

School safety and security have reached a high-profile level with the increased frequency of violence and death at schools, colleges and universities across the country. Crisis planning, security assessment and emergency preparedness are all critical to the success of the mission, which is to provide a secure learning environment for students and staff alike. Contact Salient Systems if you would like additional information about securing your campus.

Salient Supports Houston Independent School District's Core Mission

The Memorial/Spring Branch region and Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) encompass about 44 square miles of wooded suburbs and vibrant business districts located west of downtown Houston along Interstate 10, or the Katy Freeway. About 188,000 district residents live in west Houston or in the incorporated villages of Bunker Hill, Hedwig, Hillshire, Hunters Creek, Piney Point and Spring Valley. SBISD follows a small neighborhood school concept where attendance areas have been established for each individual school. Students go to the school in the attendance area in which they reside. As an established community, SBISD’s campus attendance zones rarely change.
SBISD is home to 25 elementary, seven traditional middle school campuses, and four traditional high schools. In addition, it operates two innovative public charter schools – a middle school that has been ranked Exemplary by the Texas Education Agency since the school first opened, and a popular, combined middle and high school campus.
The SBISD POLICE DEPARTMENT was established in 1987 as one the State’s first ISD Police Departments. 
It provides 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, law enforcement and security services for over 50 campuses and facilities located within a 44 square mile area encompassing the Spring Branch Independent School District.
To assist us in effectively covering all of the area, we use Salient Systems’ video management system (VMS) CompleteView.  We consider CompleteView a ‘force multiplier.  By that I mean that we have the ability to view multiple locations from anywhere and anytime.  
We also have the ability to manage the enterprise from a single location, which is an enormous time saver for our staff.
The ability to have a “presence’ at our facilities at all times acts not only as a deterrent, but we have found it to be an effective investigative tool as well. The ease of recording, retrieving, and reviewing an incident is one of the most beneficial features of the system.

‘Safety Above All Else’ has always been Houston ISD’s number one core value.  As the largest public school system in Texas and the 7th largest in the United States, the district is dedicated to providing every student the best possible education. To that end the school board, Superintendent, police department and district staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all who attend district schools and facilities and district-related events. (Listen to HISD explain their challenges and why they chose Salient's CompleteView VMS.)

SBISD Police: Salient school surveillance systems and higher education campus surveillance systems

While violence and vandalism is a reality that school security professionals and school leaders live with every day, the majority of Houston ISD school campuses are not overwhelmed with this type of violence.  Most campuses today are much like those from decades ago…safe, comfortable, enjoyable, and filled with curious, eager students there to learn.  Still, incidents related to student and facilities safety are an important part of everyday operations and require innovative solutions. 

Safety is a complex issue and it is necessary to have a variety of systems in place to provide a safe environment for students, staff and visitors. One of the principal responsibilities of any school is to provide a safe and secure environment where students can further their intellectual growth. Some of the ways HISD addresses safety and security are outwardly apparent such as counseling programs aimed at Stranger Danger, No Bullying and cyber bullying to name a few.  In an ongoing effort to protect students, staff and property, HISD has adopted security strategies that are innovative, sensible and affordable.

More than 10 years ago, when it became apparent that video surveillance and building access control would help to deter incidents, resolve conflicts and protect people and property, Houston ISD began a thorough research of the then current security market for products that met stated criteria.  By design, they were looking for systems that were based on an open standard to allow for the integration of future technologies. They required a video surveillance software application that was able to grow and expand with their growing campus and it had to be flexible, which in those days meant it had to run on Compaq/HP hardware.  They soon came to realize that the answer was a system that could also handle a large campus, with multiple locations and an extraordinary number of cameras managed from a single physical location. Houston ISD and Salient Systems

HISD considered several products and after extensive testing chose Salient Systems to provide the video surveillance application and Continental Access for building access control.  From an initial installation in a few schools across the district to today’s full district deployment, HISD successfully deploys over 500 card readers, more than 11,000 cameras supported by more than 700 servers designed in a token ring network across 300 schools, offices, parking lots and bus barns. 

CompleteView video surveillance software monitors and manages every camera in the network.  It acts as a ‘force multiplier’ for campus police and security officers.  Cameras capture activities that officers may not and is available and accessible 24/7.  CompleteView is pro-active with live video available to provide real-time information for crisis management; officers can know what is happening before they enter a building or facility and it reduces safety risks in parking areas, cafeterias, lecture halls, large social gatherings and athletic events. 

Technical issues are paramount with the deployment and support of an installation this size.  Camera capability, cost and quality are important issues for consideration.  At HISD, Nuvico infrared, 360o dome cameras proved to be the most effective solution. Cameras are installed in hallways, every computer room, every entry and exit, cafeterias, libraries, main office buildings, gymnasiums and every swimming pool.  They record video 24/7.  Video recordings provide schools with documentary evidence that can mitigate the risk of fraudulent lawsuits. Video surveillance provides numerous benefits to school administrators and while some argue that surveillance cameras infringe on the privacy of students and staffs, cameras do help deter fights and vandalism, and when violence does occur, it is more likely to be stopped quickly. Students who know they are being monitored are less likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fighting, bullying, smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use.

In keeping with the stated goal to Provide a Safe Environment Houston Independent School District continues to create a safe environment conducive to learning for all students and staff alike.