The goal of Goodwill Industries of Silicon Valley (GWSV) is to help the San Jose community’s unemployed become employed. Founded in Santa Clara County in 1926, GWSV is part of Goodwill Industries International, one of the largest social service organizations in the world. GWSV is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increased standards of living, economic independence, and restoring its clients’ self value. They accomplish this through workforce creation, vocational training and environmental stewardship.
As happens in many retail situations, employee theft started increasing at GWSV’s 15 stores. In September 2010, security manager Nandor Fejer took the initiative to upgrade the stores’ video security system. New cameras would be needed inside the warehouse as well as the stores, at the cash registers, and at the loading docks. In addition, they needed sharper picture resolution, a 360-degree view inside the stores, and complete networkability. But the community-based aid organization was reluctant to mount a large number of noticeable — and expensive — cameras in all these locations.