Palmyra-Macedon Central School District adds AI-enabled video solution for after-hours security

The Palmyra-Macedon (Pal-Mac) Central School District covers 48.5 square miles in western New York. The district encompasses two elementary schools, with an Intermediate School in Macedon and a Primary School in the Village of Palmyra, and a District Campus consisting of the Middle School and High School.

The district strives for its students to be positive contributors who have the skills necessary to be citizens, participate in the economy, and make a difference in the world around them. To support this vision, the district concentrates on six core values: focus on students, value the power of positive relationships, act with integrity and honesty, work with a purpose—striving for excellence, pride, and passion, approach experiences with an open mind and a willingness to grow, and foster safety and sense of belonging.

As part of its safety goal, the district sought a solution to address vandalism occurring at the Primary School’s multi-purpose outdoor area that includes a playground and basketball court used by the community after hours. A recent act of vandalism had prohibited the Primary School students from using the playground the following day.

The district worked with its long-time security and safety provider Technical Systems Group, Inc. (TSG Security) to evaluate a solution that uses AI-enabled video analytics to provide detection and deterrence to individuals in the area after hours.

The Automated Night Watch solution features a FLEXIDOME multi 7000i multi-sensor camera with built-in AI-enabled video analytics that detects an individual and triggers a MIC 7100i moving camera to pan, tilt, and zoom to the location and track the person’s movements. Simultaneously, the detection turns on the pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) camera’s white light illuminator and triggers a loudspeaker to play an automated message, informing the person that they are under surveillance and that authorities will be contacted. This automated solution helps deter individuals from causing damage to the area.

Allowing for customization in messaging and frequency, the district determined the exact audio messages to play when the solution detects an individual on the property.

“The audio is clear and an exact fit for us,” continued Dr. Ike. “The tone of the messaging that the District was able to self-develop, and the way it sounds, fits our culture and climate.”

“Once installed, there was an incident where two individuals climbed a fence to try to be on the grounds after hours. Automated Night Watch really helped as far as deterrence,” said John Colella, Director of School Safety for the district. The individuals promptly left the area after hearing the automated messages.

“Bosch is keeping up with modern technology. The AI feature is unique in enhancing security. It is light years ahead of other vendors,” continued Colella. “The lighting and AI tracking take the work out of it. The clarity of the video cameras, especially in the evening hours, is top notch.”