YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Overview
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, a United Way member agency in Charlotte, North Carolina, is comprised of 18 branches and other program sites in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Lincoln County, Matthews and Mooresville. The 132-year-old non-profit organization serves one in every six individuals in its service area with a continuum of educational and recreational programs that foster growth in spirit, mind and body.
Problem
As the YMCA of Greater Charlotte expands its footprint to better serve a rapidly growing city, branches and program sites are introduced into higher-risk markets, exposing people, property and assets to theft, vandalism and burglary.
In 2007, criminal incidents escalated – with a 33 to 43% increase in crime within a half-mile radius of key branches. Studies of the surrounding areas suggest that incidents are moving from burglary and vandalism to theft and violent crimes. For example, some branches are experiencing a rise in smash-and-grab incidents, exposing members to threatening behavior and loss of property. In addition, there have also been repeated thefts of the catalytic converters from YMCA activity busses and reports of unauthorized use of some facilities’ outdoor pools after hours.
Goal
The goal of the YMCA was to provide its members and the surrounding neighborhoods with a safe environment, where diverse individuals, groups, organizations and communities can come together for sharing and mutual support.
Challenges
The areas directly surrounding the high-impact branches register higher-than-average crime rates, consistently reporting monthly incidents of armed robbery, auto theft, commercial robbery, residential burglary, larceny from auto and non-aggravated assault.
Solutions
Following a thorough Iverification™ of high-impact branches and program sites, Iverify partnered with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte to design a comprehensive perimeter monitoring solution. Together, we developed a series of customized protocols, including virtual patrols of front and back doors, perimeter fencing, parking lots, the sides of buildings and abutting side streets.
From Iverify’s monitoring center, called The “I”, our Protection Specialists implemented these protocols, creating a customized YMCA inspection that visually verified locations were secure. In addition, we deployed Guard Tours with Voice Commands to create audible awareness of security’s presence.
Technology
Iverify integrated the power of The “I” with cutting-edge technology:
- Signage to deter criminal activity by announcing Iverify’s presence.
- Exterior Pan Tilt Zoom cameras to enable the Protection Team to look up and down, left and right, and zoom in for more detail.
- Exterior fixed cameras with video intelligence analytics for surveillance in more confined areas.
- RapidEye MULTI Media 16 input Digital Video Recorders for real-time recording and live viewing of footage.
- Exterior speakers to communicate remotely with people outside a location.
- Request-for-assistance call box stations in parking lots for remote access to Protection Specialists.
- Remote connection to burglar alarm system and interior video.
Results
Today, the Iverify difference can be felt by visiting a YMCA of Greater Charlotte branch. As a result of the protections solutions we deployed, you will see YMCA members who are confident about parking their cars in the parking lots, employees who feel safer walking to their cars at night and an organization empowered to take back the communities in which it lives and works.
