Systems Should Allow for Viewing of Live, Archived Content
A key feature to look for when comparing integrated security packages is access to live and archived content (video, voice and data) from an authorized desktop. Archiving is a key tool in preventing and combating on-campus crime, as security staff can organize and search countless records, with an adequate amount of storage. GSU has three archive servers in place, which are constantly reviewed by security personnel to identify security breaches.
The archival capability has enabled successful collaboration with other departments, such as the dormitory management company and the university police department. “Since implementing the new system, we’ve had several incidents on campus, and we’ve been able to act as a resource to the university police department in providing them with critical information from the system,” says Jones. The solution has already helped the security staff catch students breaking into dorm rooms, arsonists and culprits who try to break into vending machines or pull fire alarms in buildings under false pretenses.
The new security system has proven to be invaluable at GSU, having increased the efficiency of proactive, safety-based decision-making, reduced security breaches, as well as increased the level of crucial evidence used in investigations. Because all of the content is accessible from a centralized location, the amount of time and money saved has been a breath of fresh air.
Solution Can Expand to Incorporate Access Control
While the legacy card-reading system is still in place, Jones chose a scalable security solution that can also integrate with an IP-based entry access system. Synergis from Genetec is one such solution that quickly matches the card data from the surveyed entrant to the real-time voice and video streamed from Omnicast. This instantly gives the user complete information regarding the entrant in a centralized, easy-to-use interface. Jones’ team looks forward to the prospective integration of the Synergis solution, as it would eliminate the constant trips to the broadly dispersed card readers found throughout the campus. “Not only would we be able to see the person enter the room, we would also be able to access the room and cardholder credentials in real time,” said Jones.
Additionally, when the access upgrade is complete, it will be one more good reason why the parents of prospective students should chose GSU.
If Grambling’s first experience with security technology was educational, the second was clearly fruitful. According to Jones, “The more we use it, the more we are finding features that we really like. It has so many advantages that we are only beginning to scratch the surface.”
Campus at a Glance
Campus: Located in the heart of Lincoln Parish, La., Grambling State University (GSU) boasts a sprawling 375-acre campus encompassing five education centers, nine residence halls, a dining hall, library, intramural center, bookstore, health center and more than 5,000 students.
Problem: GSU’s previous video system used cameras that were not tied in together, which made centralized management of video virtually impossible. Expenses were also an issue.
Solution: Omnicast, an enterprise-class video surveillance solution from Genetec.
Results: Digital video, audio and data are monitored across the campus IP network, making the management of security information easier. Alleged thieves, arsonists and other pranksters have been apprehended as a result of the new system. The solution is also scalable, so it will be able to integrate with IP-based entry
¬access control.
Harold German is a senior writer for Partner Service Sites.
