How Claro used AI to help Dover, NJ build a safer, smarter town

In a time when public safety and smart infrastructure are more important than ever, the Town of Dover, New Jersey, is leading by example. With a population of just over 20,000, this vibrant Morris County municipality is demonstrating how even small towns can harness cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety and quality of life.

At the heart of Dover’s transformation is its partnership with Claro, a leading provider of cybersecurity and AI-powered security technologies. This collaboration has enabled the town to turn its vision of a safer, smarter community into reality through cutting-edge AI surveillance and industry-leading cybersecurity tech.

AI-driven public safety: The Dover transformation

Mayor James Dodd and Councilman Sergio Rodriguez have overseen the integration of Claro’s AI Video Analytics into Dover’s existing camera infrastructure—eliminating the need for costly hardware overhauls.

Rather than simply installing new cameras, Claro enhanced Dover’s current system with features like:

• AI-powered visible weapon detection
• Facial recognition analytics
• Active shooter preparedness
• Real-time incident alerts

“We didn’t have to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new camera system,” Mayor Dodd noted. “Claro adapted to what we already had—and made it smarter.”

This adaptive technology allowed Dover to quickly deploy AI-based tools in municipal buildings without disruption. Security officers are no longer their only line of defense; AI-powered video analytics now plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, providing continuous monitoring and alerting without human fatigue or error.

Scalability & smart city applications: A new era in public safety

For Mayor Dodd, public safety is everything. “In today’s world, we have to be prepared for anything,” he stated. “Unfortunately, smaller towns like ours don’t have the funding to maintain a constant police presence in every building. That’s where technology steps in.”

Claro’s flexible architecture allows Dover to expand these capabilities to other key areas, including:

• Municipal buildings
• Public libraries
• Fire & police departments
• Main Street business districts

This smart surveillance infrastructure also supports traffic safety, crowd control, and illegal dumping detection—helping city leaders address both crime prevention and quality-of-life concerns.

A true public-private partnership

Claro’s approach is refreshingly tailored. According to Councilman Rodriguez, “They came in, asked what we needed, and delivered on exactly that. No upselling—just results.”

Mayor Dodd echoed this sentiment, praising Claro’s “unmatched responsiveness”, stating: “Your product is only as good as your service. Claro's service is second to none.”

Leading the way for other municipalities

Dover’s success story is already drawing interest from other towns and counties. The message from Mayor Dodd is clear: “Don’t wait for something to happen before investing in security. Be proactive. This is how we build safer, smarter communities.”

Ready to bring next-gen security to your municipality? Learn more about Claro’s AI-powered surveillance and cybersecurity solutions.

Watch the complete interview on our Youtube channel.