Building Safer Communities Through Smart Surveillance
With a mission centered on helping residents achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life, SHA knew that creating a secure living environment was foundational to success.
Like many public housing agencies, SHA faced safety challenges—both on their properties and in surrounding areas. From drug activity and property damage to serious incidents involving unauthorized individuals, the need for a modern, reliable security solution became increasingly urgent. However, with 10 developments and 45 scattered sites, implementing a system-wide solution required a strategic, phased approach.
A Partnership Built on Trust, Communication & Results
The SHA team began with a pilot project at Washington Plaza Apartments, a 60-unit complex, choosing Higher Information Group (HIG) as their security partner. The decision was based on several key factors: NDAA-compliant equipment, fair and transparent pricing, and HIG’s status as a COSTARS vendor, which streamlined the procurement process.
“When I first met the team at Washington Plaza, they showed me what they were doing and kept me in the loop so I would always be informed. They made sure I understood how to navigate everything.”— Vincent Alu, Director of Capital Improvements, SHA
That initial experience led to a long-term collaboration. Since then, HIG has installed surveillance systems at Riverside Apartments, Jackson Heights Apartments, and is currently working on Bangor Heights Apartments—with plans to add one new property per year moving forward.
A Phased Approach with Expanding Coverage
SHA’s strategic rollout began with 32 cameras at Washington Plaza Apartments, where the Authority could test the system’s capabilities and user experience. After the success of that initial installation, they expanded to other properties:
- Riverside Apartments
- 44 Cameras
- Jackson Heights Apartments
- 42 Cameras
- Bangor Heights Apartments
- 108 Cameras (Currently in Progress)
This thoughtful, property-by-property approach not only maximized budget efficiency but also allowed the SHA team to build familiarity with the system and expand capabilities with confidence.
A Central Command Center for Smarter Monitoring
To maximize the effectiveness of the system, HIG also designed and built a central command center, complete with a video wall and integrated feeds from each property. This transformed SHA’s security operations, eliminating the need for staff to drive from site to site and empowering the team to monitor all properties from one location.
“We used to have to physically visit each complex and report back. Now, we can monitor everything in real time. It’s a complete game-changer.” — Vincent Alu, Director of Capital Improvements, SHA
HIG handled every aspect—from cabling and equipment to installation and system configuration. The result? A reliable, centralized hub with mobile access, facial recognition functionality, and powerful analytics. Security staff can retrieve footage quickly, upload photos of banned individuals, and receive alerts if unauthorized persons enter the property.
Meaningful Impact
Since installing the systems, SHA has seen a decrease in incidents, from theft and vandalism to more serious concerns. In one case, a shooter was tracked across multiple cameras, with the footage capturing a clear license plate and transit bus number— key details that led to an arrest.
Even more importantly, residents feel safer, and staff members now have tools that make their jobs more efficient and responsive.
“We are very happy with HIG’s service. It’s hands-off for me, and I appreciate that. I have the utmost trust and respect for the team—they truly have our best interests in mind.” — Karl Lynott, Executive Director, SHA
As SHA continues to expand their surveillance capabilities, Higher Information Group remains a trusted partner—working to ensure every complex is a secure, welcoming place to live.
