How does the proposed virtual closure relate to the Brooklyn Community Estate Monitored Access Initiative (BCEMAI)?
While the Brooklyn Community Estate (BCE) is waiting for approval from the City of Tshwane to implement the Monitored Access Initiative (BCEMAI), we propose a virtual closure as the next phase towards making Brooklyn safer for everyone.
Which security company will be used for the virtual closure?
The BCE Security Working Group invited several security companies to tender for the required services and interviewed shortlisted candidates. Based on their feedback, and careful consideration, Axon was selected to provide the camera monitoring, panic button, alarm monitoring, armed response and 3 e-bikes roaming the neighbourhood around the clock. The BCE together with Brooklyn Baileys Walk will jointly appoint an independent Estate Manager to assist with day-to-day operations of this virtual closure.
Is the service that Axon will provide the same as the armed response service that they currently provide to subscribers?
Yes, this will be the same service, with the addition of camera monitoring, a panic button and the 3 roaming e-bikes. These services will be managed by an independent Estate Manager. The BCE has negotiated a single contract on behalf of the community to ensure the best deal from the perspective of both security service and cost.
Which cameras will be used to monitor our entrances?
We will use a combination of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and normal high-resolution cameras. For the virtual closure, we will deploy at least 3 cameras per entrance, 60 cameras in total. Using Artificial Intelligence on these video feeds, the control room can immediately dispatch a security officer to a specific location to monitor a vehicle or pedestrian.
What does the panic button entail? Is it a physical remote, or an app on your phone? Can anyone/everyone residing at your premises have it, or only a designated person?
The panic button is an app on your phone that connects you to a control room when assistance (security, medical, roadside, etc.) is required anywhere in South Africa. The monthly subscription of R615 for the virtual closure includes one designated subscription per household, and additional subscriptions can be added at R28.75 each.
While the visibility of the 3 guards on e-bikes will be a plus, how will they be able to pursue a vehicle after an incident, or rapidly get to a site when there is trouble?
The 3 e-bikes will roam the area around the clock, increasing the visible security, as opposed to armed response vehicles parked in the area and only moving from time to time. The e-bikes will be supported by an armed response vehicle when required. The average response times for most security companies are around 7 minutes.
Do we give notice to our current security company if we support the virtual closure?
We will communicate once we reach the minimum number of households to support the virtual closure and indicate when we plan to implement the project, providing sufficient time to give notice to your existing service provider. Residents already subscribed to Axon will need to transfer their existing contract.
However, residents may opt to stay with their current service provider and pay the additional R615 per month (i.e., the services negotiated by the BCE Security Working Group for the virtual closure).
Why is an Estate Manager required?
The role and responsibilities of the Estate Manager are to create and maintain a secure and tranquil neighbourhood by:
- Remaining constantly abreast of the security situation in the BCE inclusive of intelligence gathering and acting proactively to prevent crime.
- Responding promptly and effectively to any security and emergency incidents.
- Optimising security technology and maintaining infrastructure.
- Effectively managing service providers inclusive of security companies, their guards and monitoring systems.
- Cooperating with community forums inclusive of the Brooklyn sector CPF.
- Liaising and building working relationships with the management committee, institutions such as schools, embassy dwellings, communes, neighbouring areas and community members, SAPS and TMPD.
- Implementing and maintaining systems and procedures.
- Ongoing canvassing of residents to participate in the security solution.
Will there be any costs involved in transferring from the current service provider to Axon?
No, Axon will swap the existing radio free of charge and provide free cover during your contract notice period. We will provide a detailed how-to guide once we have at least 350 sign-ups.
How can one ensure that all properties contribute so as to spread the security cost across the entire population, i.e. the more people participating, the lower the monthly cost?
Residents are encouraged to canvass their surrounding neighbours. It is critically important to know all your neighbours – make an effort to meet with them and get them on board to make our neighbourhood safe again.
Was the cost of the cameras included in the construction budget for the monitored access initiative?
The initial capital and monthly operational estimates included a camera rental and monitoring component. In the latest quotations we received from the various service providers, our initial estimates were significantly below what we were quoted. The rental option did not make any financial sense as it would cost more than double in the long run. The BCE Security Working Group obtained quotations to purchase equipment at cost, thus reducing the overall expense of the virtual closure, and proposed that the BCEMAI rather purchase the required equipment up front.
Since the community owns the equipment, we can seamlessly hand over monitoring to any service provider at any point in time and do not face the risk of coverage disruption during such a handover. Neither the BCEMAI, nor the community is then bound to long-term debt with any service provider.
We have already paid the application and construction deposits for the BCEMAI. Do we need to pay another R3000 on top of that?
We received a few requests from residents who already paid their contributions about this additional capital requirement. The BCE Exco revisited the capital requirements for the virtual closure and the monitored access initiative. The installation of electricity points and poles is included in the closure budget. Any member who has already subscribed to the BCEMAI, and is actively contributing to the closure, only needs to contribute to the capital requirements to purchase and install the cameras (i.e. R2000 instead of R3000).
Can we pay the R3000 cost for the camera installation over 3 months?
Yes, residents who choose to pay the camera installation cost may do so by signing a debit order with MidCity, the managing agent for the BCEMAI.
Will this be over and above what we are already paying for the BCEMAI?
The virtual closure phase of the project is an interim step separate from the construction capital being raised for the monitored access initiative. The virtual closure is based on getting a minimum of 350 subscribers to participate – the BCEMAI Closure Committee has been able to negotiate a contract with one service provider to increase feet on the ground supported by cameras until monitored access is in place.
Will we be able to contribute and support the ANPR camera project without supporting the closure?
Yes, any funds to support the operating costs of improving the security in the neighbourhood is welcomed.
Could we open the quotes for cameras to the community, as one of our residents might possibly have connections to improve on the existing quotes?
Anyone in the community that wants to participate is welcome to submit a quote for the camera project before the cut-off date (16 June).
Will this monthly fee be waived once the area is closed off?
The estimated monthly operating cost for monitored access is around R1150 per month to cover additional expenses, such as a dedicated response vehicle, re-application fees, two-way radios and toilet hire. That figure is based on 320 residents participating, and the fee will decrease if more residents participate. The cost of hiring cameras does not form part of the budget for the post-closure monthly fee.
This monthly fee is more than I currently pay. Why is that the case, as this should ideally be a ‘buy bulk and save’ type solution?
The virtual closure includes more than just alarm monitoring and armed response for which you are currently paying. The package also includes camera monitoring for vehicular and pedestrian traffic at all our entrances, 3 security officers on e-bikes that will roam the neighbourhood on a continuous basis, a panic button that you can use anywhere in South Africa, and a dedicated Estate Manager to deal with all the security logistics and maintenance of the systems.
When is the approval for the monitored access initiative expected?
The application was submitted in November 2022. The Exco is closely monitoring progress through Jan Malan (Security Consultant from StreetSafe assisting the BCEMAI with the monitored access project). We expect an answer by the end of the year.
If the virtual closure solution uses a different security company from my current service provider, how do I know my existing alarm system, app, etc. will be compatible?
Most alarm systems installed over the past 10 years have a programmable output or telephone output that connects to the service provider’s radio. There should not be any requirement to upgrade or replace your existing alarm system. Axon confirmed that they are also monitoring online platforms, for example, Ajax, IDS HYYP, Paradox and Maks Pro.
What are the details of the alarm monitoring solution, as I am not willing to go backwards after we spent a lot of money to upgrade our alarm system following an armed robbery?
Axon will replace your existing radio with their radio, free of charge, to monitor your alarm. If you are using an app to monitor and manage your alarm, they only need to change the reporting codes on your alarm system to direct your alarm to their monitoring site.
What happens if we need to move to another service provider due to non-performance, or better pricing? Would there be costs associated with moving again, etc.?
The BCE Security Working Group will set the required key performance indicators (KPIs) with the support of Jan Malan. The Estate Manager will monitor the KPIs and provide feedback to the committee, which in turn will deal with any KPIs not met. Should there be a material breach, the committee will then take the necessary steps to replace the service provider, and follow the same steps mentioned elsewhere. Unless the community owns its own radios and has a dedicated control room, this will continue to be a challenge. We are negotiating alternative options with our neighbours at Brooklyn Baileys Walk to share such a facility in the near future.
Will the intersection at Rupert and Marais Streets ever be changed to a 4-way stop?
As part of the BCEMAI application, we requested the implementation of traffic calming in the neighbourhood. Interim requests have already been directed to the City of Tshwane Traffic Engineering Department to assist with this in the interim.
Can we volunteer for the e-bike patrol?
Volunteers are welcome to join the bike squad. Ideally, residents should join the CPF and continue to assist with patrolling the area.
Where can we see the map of the streets included/excluded?
The area map is available on the Telegram street groups.
What is the expected timeframe for the implementation of the virtual closure?
We request residents to register and demonstrate their commitment online before 16 June. If at least 350 residents are registered by that date, we can proceed to purchase the equipment, commence with the installation of the cameras and transfer residents to Axon. It is estimated to take around 3 months.