Commissionaires Ottawa, the largest regional division of Commissionaires Canada,  is a leading security services provider to the National Capital Region and other markets across Ontario. It operates a diverse fleet of vehicles across multiple lines of business, and is tasked with safeguarding both public and private sector client interests, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency and integrity.

One tool that stands out in delivering on this commitment to excellence is Raven – an advanced video telematics solution that provides oversight for remote operations and lone worker safety, while optimizing vehicle lifecycle management and related costs.

Addressing Operational Challenges

Managing a fleet across multiple cities separated by many hundreds of kilometers requires more than just technology. Logistics and other considerations are highly relevant as well. Commissionaires needed a solution that could be easily managed and maintained. 

Before implementing Raven, Commissionaires faced challenges in maintaining real-time visibility across their geographically dispersed fleet, which impacted their ability to ensure consistent safety and compliance. Issues like delayed incident responses, ability to validate patrol routes, and rising operational costs were becoming increasingly difficult to manage as the organization scaled.

Key challenges that needed to be considered were:

• Administration of remote vehicles
• Large and expanding workforce
• Increasing fleet related expenses
• Validation of patrol routes
• Ambiguity regarding incidents or complaints
• Efficient reporting of incidents
• Expansion of fleet operations into other markets

In late 2020, Raven engaged with Commissionaires Ottawa, introducing itself as a local Ottawa technology company specialized in video telematics and offering a cost effective and feature rich solution ideally suited to mobile patrol operations. The fit was clear, and a pilot initiative was begun to assess the integration of the technology into the organization’s fleet of vehicles and operating procedures.

Enhancing Safety and Accountability

Since deploying Raven, the Commissionaires have experienced a 25% reduction in on-road incidents, along with a 15% improvement in fleet utilization efficiency. These measurable improvements have significantly lowered operational costs and enhanced driver safety across all operations.

“We’ve seen a meaningful reduction in on–road incidents,” notes Roch Lemieux, Fleet and Facility Coordinator. “Raven’s AI-powered features, including cellphone detection while driving and (in cab) coaching alerts, provide real-time feedback, helping drivers correct risky behaviors as they occur. Additionally, the Event review feature has become a foundation of our training programs, allowing supervisors to review key incidents with their teams, using actual footage to reinforce safe driving practices.”

With real-time video insights and streamlined fleet management, Commissionaires have reduced their per vehicle costs by as much as 10% annually while ensuring that each vehicle is utilized to its full potential. Raven’s predictive maintenance alerts have also minimized unexpected vehicle downtime, further boosting operational efficiency.

Protecting Clients, Staff and Reputation

Commissionaires is one of the most trusted and highly reputed brands across Canada. Preserving the trust and integrity of the Commissionaires Ottawa is essential to its century-long commitment to safeguarding clients and communities. In high-tension security operations, even minor incidents can escalate quickly, putting both reputation and client relationships at risk. In those instances, footage captured by Raven has allowed management to quickly assess the situation with confidence given the first-hand information they have at their fingertips. This media has proven indispensable on multiple occasions, serving as a source-of-truth and exonerating guards while avoiding costly investigations and claims. 

Raven’s integrated audio feature has further strengthened Commissionaires’ ability to handle complex situations and public interactions. In security and parking control situations, verbal exchanges can intensify unexpectedly. By capturing audio along with video, Raven provides an added layer of context that helps resolve disputes swiftly, demonstrating duty-of-care, preventing potential misunderstandings and ensuring that the facts are always clear.

Looking Ahead

For Commissionaires Ottawa, Raven provides a distinct strategic advantage, and compelling return on investment, serving as a source-of-truth while providing proof-of-work and demonstrating duty-of-care. Raven has become an invaluable partner in its mission to deliver safe, reliable, and trusted mobile patrol security services across the province. With Raven’s comprehensive telematics solution, they have transformed the way that they manage their operations, strengthened their commitment to safety, and enhanced their ability to serve their clients and their community.

As Commissionaires approach their centennial milestone, Raven is honored to support their continued legacy of service excellence. Together, we’re building a future where security operations are not only more efficient but also sustainable and  reliable, protecting what matters most, for the next 100 years and beyond.