Select Telecom Offers Customized Solutions for Each District’s Need
Valhalla, NY (May 30, 2007)—Select Telecom, a telecommunications company based in Valhalla, has added the installation of video surveillance cameras to its list of services. So far, they have installed cameras in the Eastchester, Scarsdale and New Rochelle school systems.
The use of security cameras in schools has increased as school violence, theft and vandalism have continued to be an issue. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of students who observed the use of security cameras in their schools increased from 39% to 58% between 2001 and 2005.
“At first, we thought the cameras were going to bring the feeling of ‘Big Brother’ watching,” said John Trenholm, Director of Facilities for the Scarsdale School District. “Instead, the cameras have given us a sense of security, allowing us to monitor our trouble areas.”
Select Telecom’s first phase of installations took place in 2003. It was a great way to enhance their arsenal of services. After learning that there were IP video surveillance cameras on the market that worked with the brand of data switches that Select Telecom already sold for phone systems, COO Paul Durante knew that it was a perfect fit for the business.
“Because we were already selling compatible data switches, it was a great way to enhance a sale and add extra value for our customers, he said.
The IP cameras are the most current form of technology available. With IP, users are able to access the cameras via the internet or over a private network. This enables security personnel to monitor school activity 24 hours a day/ seven days per week, lessening the occurrences of violence, theft or vandalism.
School officials said they are impressed with the benefits that the cameras bring to the school environment.
“The cameras monitor the safety of our students both in the building and outside in the playgrounds,” said Anita Better, Director/CIO Information Technology, Adult Education and T.V. Media Services for the Eastchester School District. “Cameras also monitor our parking lots, which is beneficial for our faculty and staff members who often work late.”
Select Telecom President and CEO, Mike Durante, said the company hopes to install the surveillance systems in several more schools in the future. “We look at the individual needs of each school and determine a customized system to meet those needs,” he said.
Select Telecom’s service has had a positive impact on the schools. Bruce Daniele, Director of Security for the New Rochelle School District, said he would work with Select Telecom again in the future. “We enjoyed working with the staff at Select Telecom,” he said. “I would recommend them to other schools.”
Daniele said that the New Rochelle School District will soon need about ten more cameras. The Scarsdale school district has already put in an order for three more.
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About Select Telecom
Select Telecom provides high quality telecommunications products and services for their clients throughout the Northeast. Headquartered in Westchester, NY, they have two satellite locations in Milford, CT and Raynham, MA. The technical staff is certified in the products they sell, allowing them to act not only as technicians, but as consultants. Select Telecom offers 24 hour service with a three hour turnaround for emergencies. They can be reached at 914.761.1313.
Contact:
Collette Pelletier
Co-Communications
860.658.5700
collette@cocommunications.com