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AI-Driven Detection
Advanced cameras recognize suspicious behavior in real time, enabling early intervention before incidents escalate — flagging activity as it happens across all 1,023 units and parking areas.
How a leading Denver residential community transformed safety — reducing crime by up to 63% and cutting sheriff calls in half — with an AI-powered surveillance platform from NCS Systems and Deep Sentinel.
In 2023, the owners — a forward-thinking real estate investment firm — reaffirmed their commitment to tenant safety and community well-being at their flagship Denver property, a 1,023-unit multifamily complex and the largest of its kind in Colorado. As one of the most prominent communities in their portfolio, the owners recognized the opportunity to lead with innovation in multi-tenant security.
Over time, the property faced persistent security challenges common to large, open-access communities, including trespassing, vandalism, arson, and even homicides. Although the owners implemented physical improvements and staffed the property with as many as six on-site guards, these efforts proved insufficient in fully addressing the issues.
In a strategic shift, the owners partnered with NCS Systems and Deep Sentinel to pilot a more intelligent and cost-efficient security solution: an AI-powered remote surveillance platform combining predictive monitoring with live guard intervention. The goal was to create a safer, smarter, and more stable residential community while reducing operational strain and strengthening tenant satisfaction.
Before implementing AI surveillance, the owners had taken multiple steps to mitigate safety issues — but the scale of the property made traditional approaches insufficient.
The owners deployed armed guards during peak hours, installed eight mobile solar surveillance units, upgraded physical infrastructure, and reinforced entry systems. Yet persistent challenges remained across the expansive layout:
Rather than viewing these challenges as limitations, the owners saw them as a catalyst to pioneer smarter, tech-driven solutions that would ease pressure on on-site teams and improve the tenant experience — turning a high-risk property into a more secure, stable environment through innovation and proactive risk management.
"We had serious issues — vagrancy, drug sales, even violent crimes in places like laundry rooms and boiler spaces. We brought in up to six guards, but it didn't fully solve things. The property has always been a tough site."
NCS Systems deployed 104 cameras with bullhorns, strategically positioned to monitor high-traffic and high-risk areas — transforming the property with a real-time three-layer security framework.
The owners implemented a next-generation AI-powered surveillance solution developed by Deep Sentinel and professionally installed by NCS Systems. As part of the deployment, NCS installed 104 cameras equipped with bullhorns, strategically positioned to monitor high-traffic and high-risk areas — particularly parking lots.
This hands-on, collaborative approach ensured that each camera was placed with real, on-the-ground challenges in mind. It also helped build trust in the technology among staff, onsite security, and accelerated adoption.
Advanced cameras recognize suspicious behavior in real time, enabling early intervention before incidents escalate — flagging activity as it happens across all 1,023 units and parking areas.
Professionally trained guards receive real-time alerts and continuously monitor footage, bridging the gap between technology and human judgment — so every suspicious situation is assessed and escalated.
Guards engage through two-way audio and loud bullhorn sirens, and communicate directly with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department when needed — stopping incidents before they escalate.
The dedicated mobile app was granted to on-site management, roaming security patrols, and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department — resulting in faster incident response times and immediate access to video footage for investigative and evidentiary purposes.
"We were going from building to building attempting to identify what the trouble was. Now it flags things and we get notifications before we even get a call sometimes — like someone loitering around the dumpsters. We've gotten rid of most of the transient issues... it's definitely a much safer place to be."
Reported incidents involving unauthorized access, disturbances, and property damage decreased by up to 63%. The data below spans three comparable six-month reporting periods.
| Crime Category | Nov '22 – Apr '23 | Nov '23 – Apr '24 | Nov '24 – Apr '25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault | ~30 | ~20 | ~18 |
| Criminal Mischief | ~25 | ~15 | ~12 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | ~20 | ~15 | ~13 |
| Trespass | ~15 | ~5 | ~2 |
| All Other | ~50 | ~10 | ~8 |
| Total Offenses | ~520 | ~240 | ~235 |
Total offenses fell from approximately 520 to approximately 235 over two years — a reduction of more than 54%. Trespassing incidents alone dropped from ~15 to just ~2 in the same period.
Industry-average response times of 4–10 minutes contrast sharply with the AI system's 30-second median response time. NCS provides semimonthly reporting with key metrics, cost savings, and video clips tied to verified events.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department reported receiving half the number of calls compared to the prior two years — a direct result of proactive AI deterrence resolving situations before they required law enforcement dispatch.
The platform provided real-time, actionable intelligence — improving onsite security coordination with law enforcement, reducing repair costs linked to vandalism, and eliminating reliance on reactive measures.
The property now benefits from stronger law enforcement coordination, fewer security-related incidents, and an elevated sense of community safety — directly improving the residential experience for all 1,023 units.
"We haven't had a single break-in since the cameras were installed — and that's a big win for us."
"We've seen a decrease in that kind of activity since the system has been installed and on-site security has been there. We are getting half the amount of calls out to this location than we were over the previous two years."
"Getting everyone — from property managers, onsite security, and law enforcement — to see the system's value is the key. Once they do, it becomes a powerful tool."
Building on the success at this Denver community, the REIT has integrated the assessment of comparable AI surveillance solutions into its due diligence process — particularly for properties facing high crime rates or high population density — as part of its ongoing commitment to improving safety and operational performance.
By standardizing smarter, technology-driven security practices, the owners are setting a precedent for scalable, modern property protection across its portfolio.
This case illustrates how proactive leadership and advanced technology can work together to transform community safety. By adopting AI-powered surveillance, the owners have strengthened their commitment to tenant well-being, improved operational efficiency, and positioned this community as a model for smart, sustainable property management.
Deep Sentinel is a leading security technology provider offering an advanced AI-powered surveillance system with live guard intervention. Its platform combines smart video analytics and 24/7 monitoring to proactively prevent crime. At this Denver community, Deep Sentinel was the core technology behind the innovative security upgrade — enabling faster response, reducing incidents, and improving safety while easing the burden on on-site staff.
NCS Systems is a Colorado-based security integrator specializing in AI-powered remote guard solutions for multifamily and commercial properties. By combining smart surveillance with live guard monitoring, NCS delivers proactive crime deterrence and operational efficiency. At this premier Denver community, NCS played a key role in designing and deploying a tailored system that addressed real-world challenges, turning a high-risk environment into a safer, more stable community.
Cushman & Wakefield managed this Denver property throughout the deployment, partnering with NCS Systems and Deep Sentinel to provide coordinated security training and system integration. Their onsite management team facilitated collaboration with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department and ensured a unified approach to safety and rapid response across all 1,023 residential units.
NCS Systems provides tailored, AI-driven surveillance platforms to help you protect your community, reduce costs, and gain operational clarity. Serving multifamily and commercial properties nationwide.
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