New York School District Improves Emergency Response and Reduces Vaping Incidents Through a Unified Security Approach
Newark Central School District (NCSD) has expanded its deployment of Genetec Security Center across seven buildings, connecting video surveillance, access control, emergency communications, and sensors through a unified platform. The integration helps school staff assess incidents more effectively and coordinate their response.
NCSD serves approximately 1,800 students and nearly 600 staff. Over time, its security environment had grown, leaving administrators managing several technologies separately. The district needed a clearer view of activity across its buildings and a more coordinated approach to responding to incidents.
“It was a multi-year project, but we can confidently say it was worth it. With the help of Convergint and Genetec, we’ve improved our processes and have a clearer picture of what’s happening across our district,”
said Mike Ishler, Co-Director of Technology at NCSD.
“Our students and staff feel safer, and our community has greater confidence in what we’re doing to keep it that way.”
Working with Convergint, NCSD expanded its existing Security Center deployment to connect video surveillance, access control, emergency communications, and other sensors through a single platform.
By retaining its existing camera infrastructure and deploying upgrades in phases, the district enhanced its security capabilities while managing costs.
Improving Daily Operations and Emergency Response
NCSD now manages more than 400 cameras, 200 doors, 500 cardholders, 30 vape sensors, and several automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras through Security Center.
Bringing these technologies together on one platform has improved security operations in several key areas:
- Faster incident response: Automated alerts provide designated personnel with linked video to quickly assess incidents, while centralized monitoring and lockdown procedures help coordinate emergency response.
- Simplified access management: Integration with Microsoft Active Directory automatically assigns building access based on employee roles, reducing manual tasks and keeping permissions up to date.
- Reduced vaping incidents: When a vape sensor is triggered, Security Center bookmarks the event and notifies school administrators and the school resource officer for further investigation. Vaping incidents decreased by approximately 93%.
Supporting Future Security Needs
Security Center’s open architecture gives NCSD the flexibility to introduce additional technologies as its needs change.
Through an ongoing service agreement with Convergint, the district has access to remote support, maintenance, and on-site assistance when needed.
Genetec delivers products for video management, access control, and ALPR, built on an open architecture with cybersecurity at their core. Its portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. visit https://www.genetec.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Newark Central School District’s security solution?
The district uses Genetec Security Center to integrate video surveillance, access control, emergency communications, and sensors across seven buildings.
2. How many security devices does the district manage?
The district manages more than 400 cameras, 200 doors, 500 cardholders, 30 vape sensors, and several ALPR cameras.
3. How has the system improved emergency response?
Automated alerts with linked video, centralized monitoring, and lockdown procedures help designated personnel assess incidents and coordinate emergency responses.
4. How much have vaping incidents decreased?
Vaping incidents decreased by approximately 93% following the integration of vape sensors with Security Center.
5. Who helped implement the security system?
NCSD worked with Convergint and Genetec to expand its existing Security Center deployment.