Video Monitoring Providers?

I can tell you from lots of experience in this vertical that so many of these "monitoring" companies create horrible scenarios in multifam.  They see a few people gathering around in a parking lot and call LE out there etc.  Residents get interrogated and that is never good in MF.  We spend a lot of our energy helping the MF clients we have understand that monitoring is just another waste of funds in MF.

Stay clear of the ones who really irritate the MF industry.  Stealth Monitoring out of Dallas and Pro-Vigil out of San Antonio are a few that come to mind.  So many vague definitions of monitoring.  

If you dont think monitoring works, what do you find is helping MF reduce crime?

Yes, we have a list: Remote Video Monitoring Providers Directory as well as 2 profiles on larger ones - Netwatch / NMC Mega Deal Targets Global Remote Video Monitoring, Stealth / UCIT - Remote Video Monitoring Provider Profile

Lighting, better screening of applicants, glass break detection in parking garages.

 

Screening is getting tougher as there is a push to relax screening criteria, such as how far back the look on background checks, etc.

Glass break detection in parking lots? This sounds a little dated. We are looking for ways to use the cameras to PREVENT crime, not just record it.

The issues our clients are seeing is drug dealing, loitering, and violence. They are looking for ways to use the cameras to monitor these activities and deter them.

Make sure you check the prices and rates details, a lot of monitoring providers will come in at a very low price, but after say 5 alarms, you'll get billed per call/alarm/event.  Others will have a much higher monthly, but higher threshold, say 15-20 events.  Usually most are negotiable.  We've partnered with a few companies in the past, Rapid Response, G4S and most recently Viewpoint Monitoring.  Currently Viewpoint Monitoring has been very flexible for our needs.