College security

Leaders in the electronic security and life safety industry will roll up their sleeves and contribute some creativity to an interactive art project on the ESX expo floor June 20-21 in Nashville, TN. #PassionateSecurity in Schools initiative As part of ESX’s ‘#PassionateSecurity in Schools’ initiative, which also includes a heartfelt presentation during the show’s Closing Keynote Luncheon on June 22, attendees will be painting a 3-part mural that ESX will then donate to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The planned artwork is intended to stimulate an environment of creativity, positive energy, and safety that encourages students to explore and express themselves. Enhancing school security The growing safety issues faced by the country’s school systems today are being confronted by activists, leaders and victims of the tragic incidents As a result of the numerous recent tragedies, school security and safety have taken center stage in public discourse. The growing safety issues faced by the country’s school systems today are being confronted by activists, leaders and victims of the tragic incidents. Everyone is looking for answers. “School districts around the country are looking for expertise in assessing security threats and to address the shortfalls in their current security infrastructure, planning and budgeting,” says Ryan Petty, activist and experienced telecom professional. “We’ve seen a groundswell of interest in enhancing school security in the wake of the Parkland tragedy. There is a flurry of activity in the public sector on school safety, and in particular over the use of security technology to protect students and teachers during class time. We need experienced security professionals to be a part of that conversation.” Electronic security and life safety ESX 2018 show will have a focus on #PassionateSecurity in Schools As a group of individuals and companies with unique qualifications to help improve and strengthen school security, the electronic security and life safety industry has an opportunity to make a difference. For this reason, ESX 2018 show will have a focus on #PassionateSecurity in Schools. Artwork on the mural will be designed before the show, and attendees will each put their own touch on the painting, adding color together throughout the two days that the ESX expo is open to public. This collective creation is representative of an industry coming together, as a whole, to do their part in making our nation’s schools and communities safer for children. ESX 2018 expo This panel will discuss practical ways integrators can strategise with schools and universities to take a multifaceted approach to ensure safety Off the expo floor, the Closing Keynote Luncheon will include perspectives from Petty – who lost his daughter in the MSD shooting in February – as well as an end-user and integrator of security solutions. This panel will discuss practical ways integrators can strategise with schools and universities to take a multifaceted approach to ensure safety and peace of mind for children, educators and parents. Through this initiative, the hope is that ESX attendees will leave better equipped and inspired to make a difference in communities across the nation, displaying #PassionateSecurity far beyond the event. The #PassionateSecurity in Schools initiative is sponsored by CSR Professional Services.

Oncam, global provider of 360-degree video capture and business intelligence technology, has announced the availability of the Evolution 180 outdoor model to its 180-degree camera portfolio, adding to the indoor version introduced earlier this year. The technology builds upon the experience and heritage of the company's 360-degree video and intelligence solutions to meet the needs of customers in a variety of markets that require an outdoor-ready wall-mounted camera with Panoramic+ views from a single fisheye sensor.  The Evolution 180 outdoor camera boasts an IP68 rating making it fit for submersion, as well as an IP69K rating against water and dust ingress to help protect it from the harshest of environments. The enclosure is also IK10+ rated, ensuring extensive protection against vandalism. The camera’s design combines strength and appeal to form a reliable, pleasing aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on image quality. The robust and attractive outdoor model has been tailor-made for true panoramic views" Ease of installation The Evolution 180 Outdoor offers a 12MP sensor and a 6MP de-warped Panoramic+ image. It is equipped with Oncam’s unique Angle Compensation Technology and Offset Angle Compensation, which provide adaptive de-warping of a 180-degree image in the camera. It is also a true day/night camera, which allows users to get high-quality video in all lighting conditions. Environments that benefit from this unique view include education, hospitality, retail, public spaces and transportation, which demand comprehensive monitoring of large, open spaces without blind spots. The solution is also ONVIF Profile S compliant for added integration flexibility with leading video management systems on the market today. “The Evolution 180 Outdoor makes a great addition to our 180-degree panoramic product range,” said Jon Marsh, Vice President of Product, Oncam. “The robust and attractive outdoor model has been tailor-made for true panoramic views, with both the camera and lens optimised to give customers more pixels on target than any other panoramic camera." "The camera has been designed with ease of installation paramount, aimed at simplifying its set up. We’re proud of the technology used inside this product: the housing it comes in supports and enhances our pride.”

Zebra Technologies Corporation, the global provider of rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, announced a new generation of intelligent card printers and card design software designed to bring high-quality card printing solutions to the security, retail and hospitality industries as well as education and finance institutions. Zebra’s award-winning design team created the ZC100 and the ZC300 series card printers to redefine traditional card printers and provide a cohesive, consistent experience at every touchpoint between the user and the printer, including initial set up to reloading cards and changing ribbons to device cleaning. Zebra also announced CardStudio 2.0 software: a complete card design and issuance software suite ideal for creating and printing high quality photo identification (ID) cards like employee badges, access control cards for facility access, membership cards, food safety labelling, event/seasonal passes and more. The ZC100 and ZC300 Series card printers feature an advanced card feeder that automatically adjusts to the thickness of each card Easy installation Offering a unique industrial design with the slimmest profile and lowest clearance in its class, the ZC100 and ZC300 Series card printers can be installed in space-constrained environments such as under a counter or shelf. The printers also offer customisable covers that allow businesses to create a printer that reflects its environment, making it ideal for a retail store or any business where brand identity is important. The ZC100 and ZC300 Series card printers feature an advanced card feeder that automatically adjusts to the thickness of each card, eliminating the error-prone process of manually adjusting for different card stocks. Swing-open card output doors and a new ribbon door design simplify the loading and unloading process. By reducing a multi-step process into just one step, ease of use improves along with device uptime while user learning curves are reduced.   Encryption features for data security Security features include a printer cover lock and reject card bin that prevents card stock theft; printer and host authentication firewalls; and government-grade encryption features that help protect sensitive data in environments where data security is critical like financial organisations. The new ZC100 and ZC300 Series card printers are supported by Print DNA, a set of utilities and developer tools that deliver a superior printing experience through better performance, simplified remote manageability and easier integration. The printers also offer multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi for easy integration during deployment. Zebra ribbons feature built-in smart chips that automatically communicate to the device what type of media is being used ZC350 card printer The premium ZC350 card printer, a part of the ZC300 series, offers a higher level of rapid printing, smart card encoding and three new ribbons. Zebra ribbons feature built-in smart chips that automatically communicate to the device what type of media is being used and how much media is stocked. Each new ribbon addresses a key customer need such as security, robustness and special effects by offering high durability overlay panels to withstand damage, pearlescent marks to decrease counterfeit copies and metallic/3D capabilities to elevate a card’s look to fit a specific business need such as VIP memberships. The ZC100, ZC300 and ZC350 bring simplicity, speed and security to high quality card printing" Secure card printing Both the ZC300 and ZC350 card printers feature a graphical, easy-to-use colour LCD with support for 10 languages, plus a new flipper module option enabling dual-sided printing that can be easily upgraded. “Zebra has set the bar once again for the card printing industry with its new ZC100/ZC300 Series. With its revolutionary design bolstered by game-changing technology features, the ZC100, ZC300 and ZC350 bring simplicity, speed and security to high quality card printing." "Zebra’s new card printers and software solution provide businesses with a printing system that will grow and change with the organisation, optimise staff productivity, improve operating costs and increase customer satisfaction,” said Keith Lefebvre, Vice President, Specialty Printing Group, Zebra Technologies.

Dahua Technology USA, a video surveillance solutions provider, will showcase a new line of multi-sensor IP cameras incorporating the latest technology advancements at ISC West 2018 in Las Vegas. Solidifying Dahua Technology’s strong commitment to its customers, they will debut three state-of-the-art multi-sensor options providing better image resolution, application customisation and improved total cost of ownership for the consumer (TCO). The camera delivers a single stitched 180-degree panoramic view without distortion and can display four individual HD views at the same time Panoramic multi-sensor bullet camera Delivering the ultimate performance in panoramic camera offerings, the panoramic multi-sensor bullet camera (DH-IPC-PF83230N-A180) will house four individual 8MP sensors with 4.5mm lenses. Providing the same coverage that would typically be provided by multiple standard cameras in the same setting, the multi-sensor minimises maintenance, cabling and support costs, as well as installation time. The camera delivers a single stitched 180-degree panoramic view without distortion and can display four individual HD views at the same time. These cameras are well suited for education, retail and both commercial and residential verticals where higher resolution at an affordable price is a crucial objective. DH-IPC-PDBW5831N-B360 multi-sensor camera The second multi-sensor camera (DH-IPC-PDBW5831N-B360) offers four individual 2MP sensors, each with a vari-focal 3-8mm motorised lens. This innovative flexible multi-sensor camera allows the four sensors to be independently positioned anywhere on the track for enhanced customisation and requires only one Ethernet and one power supply cable, thus minimising maintenance, cabling, support costs, and installation time. The IPC-PDBW5831N-B360 is an ideal solution for casinos, banks, retail spaces, and commercial/residential areas where multiple scenes must be monitored simultaneously. The DH-IPC-HDBW4231FN-E2 camera is perfect for a long hallway, corridor or the entrance to a building for capturing details from both directions Integrated Smart IR The third multi-sensor camera (DH-IPC-HDBW4231FN-E2) features dual low-light 2MP sensors each with a 2.8mm lens and integrated Smart IR up to 65ft (20m). This camera is perfect for a long hallway, corridor or the entrance to a building for capturing details from both directions. The camera allows the end user to minimise maintenance, cabling, and support costs, as well as installation time. This multi-sensor camera is ideal for locations where a customised solution is needed for the safety of at-risk occupants is essential such as educational, correctional, commercial and residential verticals. Built-in Video System (IVS) analytics Most of the new multi-sensor cameras offer True Wide Dynamic Range (120 dB) (all except for PF83230), a True Day/Night IR Cut Filter, H.265 and H.264 dual codecs, and built-in Intelligent Video System (IVS) analytics (all except for PF83230), all enclosed by an IP67-rated weather-resistant housing. “Dahua Technology continues to strive to identify customer challenges and develop new technology that bring these solutions to the US market. Our expanding line of multi-sensor cameras continue the Dahua Technology tradition of providing high performance, high-value solutions the market is looking for,” said Jennifer Hackenburg, Sr. product manager at Dahua Technology USA.

ASSA ABLOY group brands Corbin Russwin and SARGENT, announced an expansion of their award-winning EcoFlexTM technology with the launch of the new EcoFlex exit trim. The EcoFlex exit trim can be used as an electrified exit device in stand-alone applications, in conjunction with a wall reader, or as part of an integrated access control lock, making it an excellent solution for a variety of applications, including K-12 and Higher Education, Healthcare, and Hospitality. “Architects and designers are focusing on sustainable building design while reducing energy consumption within a facility,” said Peter Boriskin, Vice President commercial products, ASSA ABLOY. “Our new EcoFlex exit trims offer significant energy savings, while maintaining high levels of system design flexibility and reliability.” The trims are field configurable for fail-safe and fail-secure operation, meaning a single device can now support multiple applications and uses within a facility Reducing the cost of ownership In comparison with solenoid-based exit trims, the EcoFlex exit trims use an innovative motor-driven actuator that reduces energy consumption by up to 95%, as certified by GreenCircle. The actuator also greatly improves reliability, offers quieter operation, and eliminates the overheating that solenoid trims are prone to, reducing maintenance requirements and lowering the overall cost of ownership. EcoFlex technology is third-party certified to help facilities lower their overall energy use. These reductions may contribute to requirements of energy efficient building certification programs, such as LEED. In addition to energy efficiency, the EcoFlex exit trims also offer greater flexibility in system design. The adaptable solution operates between 12-24 VDC, making it less sensitive to power changes and able to support longer cable runs without impacting performance. The trims are field configurable for fail-safe and fail-secure operation which means a single device can now support multiple applications and uses within a facility. This allows stocking distributors and wholesalers to stock a single trim and configure it to each specific opening. EcoFlex technology is now featured in all electrified mortise locks and exit trims from Corbin Russwin and SARGENT Energy-efficient solution “This product was built to provide our customers with a sustainable exit device solution that is dependable and extremely energy-efficient,” concludes Boriskin. “ASSA ABLOY is invested in the success of our customers. It’s our mission to be partners in innovation, delivering new products that directly meet their needs now and into the future.” EcoFlex technology is now featured in all electrified mortise locks and exit trims from Corbin Russwin and SARGENT. To learn more about the award-winning range of EcoFlex products, visit ASSA ABLOY in during ISC West 2018 in booth #8061.

Sony’s latest SNC-HMX70 security camera maintains an all-round 360-degree hemispheric view with no blind spots – ensuring full situational awareness in a wide range of indoor surveillance applications. The camera's fixed lens and high-resolution 12-megapixel CMOS sensor stream crisply detailed, high-resolution video at a smooth 30 fps. This assures that people and objects are seen clearly, even in challenging lighting conditions.  Harshly backlit windows, lobbies and entrances are no problem for the SNC-HMX70. Intelligent Auto Exposure analyses front and backlighting in the scene, fine-tuning exposure for perfect footage in any lighting conditions. The camera’s wide 92dB dynamic range captures crucial image detail, even in high-contrast scenes with extremes of light and shade.  Its slim, low-profile styling makes the SNC-HMX70 ideal for discreet round-the-clock monitoring in environments ranging from retail stores, banks, casinos and commercial buildings to schools and offices. Mounting is quick and easy with supplied twist/click mounting ring, while Power-over-Ethernet connection simplifies cabling.Even greater monitoring flexibility is provided by a choice of Panoramic, Quad and Corridor viewing modes  24/7 situational awareness Unlike conventional PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras, the SNC-HMX70 maintains total situational awareness of the entire coverage area. This means that a full-resolution 360-degree image can always be recorded, even if only a portion of the scene is being scrutinised in close-up.  To provide an undistorted rectangular view, this hemispheric image can be ‘de-warped’ – using Video Management System software or the camera’s own edge de-warping function that provides three simultaneous views. In addition to full image circle and de-warped views, remote E-PTZ (Electronic Pan, Tilt and Zoom) allows high-resolution monitoring of specific Regions of Interest (ROI). Even greater monitoring flexibility is provided by a choice of Panoramic, Quad and Corridor viewing modes.  Smart coding and video analytics Smart Coding intelligently distinguishes between noise and crucial picture information, as well as between moving and static parts of the scene. This reduces video bitrate by up to 50 percent, cutting network data demands without compromising picture quality. Through Sony’s technology partnership with Bosch, the new SNC-HMX70 uses powerful on-board video analytics that can accurately track movement through the camera’s entire coverage area. This makes the SNC-HMX70 ideal for applications such as people counting or detection of suspicious activity. In addition, metadata is streamed from the camera to client software for further use in business analysis or search. With the SNC-HMX70, security users can be confident that no detail gets missed when it really matters" Hemispheric monitoring “The new SNC-HMX70 is compact, discreet and unobtrusive – but it’s remarkably powerful for its size,” notes Yoshikazu Hirano, General Manager of the B2B Segment Business Division at Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc. “Hemispheric monitoring offers a really big advantage over conventional PTZ cameras that sacrifice wide-area situational awareness when they’re zoomed in to see unusual activity in close-up. With the SNC-HMX70, security users can be confident that no detail gets missed when it really matters.”

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has taken delivery of a new CCTV enforcement vehicle from Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement and management solutions. The new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) has an unattended operating capability and will be used to enforce school locations where illegal parking on the yellow ‘keep clears’ has been identified as putting children’s lives in danger. School and students’ safety Councillor Bob Norton, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Highways, said: “We know that measures to tackle parking are often controversial and seen by some as a ‘cash grab’ but that is simply not the case. This is all about safety! Three accidents involving school children in one year is three too many and we won’t allow this continuing risk to the safety of children in our schools.  Our message is clear: Don’t want to get fined? Then don’t put people at risk when you park.” Videalert ANPR cameras Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence. Used in conjunction with the latest video analytics, the system delivers the highest productivity at the lowest operating cost even in the highest density traffic environments. The on-board systems are controlled by the operator manning the vehicle using a dashboard-mounted touchscreen. All contravention evidence data is transferred to Videalert’s Digital Video Platform in the parking office at the end of each shift. The Videalert system automates the construction of video evidence packs which are reviewed by trained council operatives prior to sending confirmed offences to the back-office processing system for the issuance of PCNs. Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) Redcar and Cleveland’s new mobile enforcement vehicle is also equipped with a complete suite of Videalert software applications enabling it to be used for a wide range of traffic and parking management applications in the future as required. “In recent benchmarking trials, our MEVs equipped with four cameras have proved to deliver industry-leading capture rates whilst consistently outperforming vehicles from other suppliers. This new generation of multi-purpose MEVs will give councils greater flexibility in the enforcement of a wide range of moving traffic and parking contraventions,” added Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert.

Ask a student, or pretty much anyone, what they think about “access control” and you’ll get a shrug. Conversely, all of us are enthusiastic about security and convenience. Students across Europe are discovering SMARTair wireless access control gives them both. Adding SMARTair access control to a door involves just replacing a standard cylinder or escutcheon with a digital, smartphone- or smart-card–operated electronic lock. It’s hassle-free to make the switch to SMARTair. And with a system design focused on user experience, SMARTair takes some of the everyday pain out of student life. Wherever you fit SMARTair, it’s easy to configure access cards to enable payments in the canteen or at vending machines; for changing room locker locks; and for the photocopier or library loans. You can’t do that with a metal key. MIFARE RFID cards At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys. CUNEF fitted escutcheons to monitor and ease access to different areas of the university for 1,600 students, without the need for expensive wired door locks. If a student loses their card, there’s no threat to campus security. A manager issues a new credential which automatically cancels the lost card — much faster than changing a lock. When Mezzino took ownership of Rialto Court — apartments for students attending Durham University and Teesside University — they replaced a mechanical master key system with SMARTair. From the company’s point of view, the high annual tenant turnover and a need for scheduled cleaning and summer shutdown were becoming difficult to manage with physical keys. Students also reaped the benefits of their new, user-friendly access system. They have the confidence no previous resident of their flat has copied a physical key. At Funway Academic Resort in Madrid, student rooms are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons. Energy-saving wall devices inside rooms regulate electricity use, and students each have their own safe locked with a SMARTair cabinet lock. The Funway gym, study rooms, games rooms, swimming pool and changing rooms, spa and staff areas are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons — and open with the same smart-card. SMARTair Openow solution The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phoneThere’s more to come from SMARTair. The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phone. With SMARTair and the Openow app, students can open their rooms and authorised doors with a smartphone. If you have your phone, you’re already carrying your keys. Student services or facilities managers issue virtual keys over-the-air — and can revoke them whenever they choose — so there’s no need for a key-card handover meeting, at the beginning or end of term. A time-limited virtual key arrives ahead of the first day and automatically expires when it’s time to vacate your halls. Mobile credentials Mobile credentials will be a big hit. Student life goes on inside the handset, as much as IRL (“In Real Life”, for the uninitiated). Last year’s Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey found a fifth of 18- to 24-year-olds even check their phone for messages in the middle of the night*. From a security standpoint, phone-based credentials have another advantage. Checking our phones is “habitual”, “unconscious” and “repetitive”, according to one study**. We know very quickly if it is missing. How soon would you notice a missing plastic card, especially if you were enjoying yourself on a night out? Biometric security Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door. Fingerprint, and even face and iris, scanners are commonplace on smartphones. ”Generation Z students were raised as digital natives,” says Felix Moran, SMARTair Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY. ”They expect convenience as a standard feature, not a mechanical solution used in Ancient Egypt. In Europe’s increasingly international, marketized higher education ecosystem, attracting these tech-savvy students is critical, as is keeping them satisfied with the campus experience.” SMARTair TS1000 software The complete SMARTair solution includes wireless escutcheons, cylinders, wall readers, locker locks and more; the intuitive SMARTair TS1000 software; and the enhanced new Openow app functionality. It works out the box and is easy to install — and even easier to operate.

ACT365 is a complete access control and video management solution. Access control and video management are key security systems and ACT365 creates a unified integrated system, delivering a force that gives users far greater visibility and control of their assets. ACT365 access control solution Ease of use and convenience are key ingredients to the product’s strength and depth in the field. Critically, it allows end-users the ability to manage their systems remotely, including viewing live cameras. It is this remote monitoring capability that makes ACT365 ideal for multiple sectors. A Study Abroad University in London that hosts students from the USA wanted a security system to protect their student accommodation. The university wanted a keyless system that would grant 24/7 access to its students while also enabling campus security to monitor these activities remotely. Monitoring and recording ACT365 keeps audit trails of who is in the student accommodation by monitoring and recording fob activity ACT365 keeps audit trails of who is in the student accommodation by monitoring and recording fob activity. ACT365 produces diagnostic reports on door status and can investigate situations such as door forced, door ajar and break glass activation either locally or remotely. If an incident should arise in the student accommodation, ACT365 links events at doors through video footage so campus security can quickly identify and react. Live and recorded footage can be viewed remotely, and footage can be used in evidence. Campus security Campus security can provide pin codes, access fobs, and cards to students. These credentials can be easily enabled or disabled remotely if required. This can be managed on desktops, laptops tablet, or smartphone device. In the event of a fire or other emergency, ACT365 automatically unlocks all doors allowing students to reach safety. The ACT365 muster report gives security campus a real-time list of all students in the campus accommodation building. When students exit their accommodation and swipe out, the muster report automatically updates. If someone is missing, campus security can check cameras and call them directly by clicking on their name in the dashboard.

Pivot3, the hyperconverged infrastructure performance and technology firm, has announced that the University of Central Florida has deployed its hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platform for more robust video surveillance data protection, improved remote access to sensitive and critical data from any device, streamlined management for all their campus safety and security IT systems, and support for additional datacenter workloads as they grow. Pivot3 hyperconverged infrastructure platform Located in Orlando, Fla., the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the country with more than 66,000 students and over 12,000 employees. It is regularly recognised as one of the best colleges for quality, access, impact and value. U.S. News & World Report recently named UCF as one of the nation’s Most Innovative Colleges for 2018. Prior to implementing Pivot3, UCF was struggling with the costs and complexity of managing 58 standalone servers, 12,000 individual access points, hundreds of video surveillance cameras, and a diverse range of digital video recorders, or DVRs. The university’s IT organisation and security teams required a solution that could easily consolidate these disparate systems, centralise management and provide more effective, efficient and reliable video data storage. Pivot3 HCI streamlines video management and storage capabilities by hosting the university’s Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) Milestone XProtect VMS Pivot3 HCI streamlines video management and storage capabilities by hosting the university’s Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS), and server and storage management on a single platform. Pivot3 also offers industry-leading resilience — critical in environments such as public universities that have been demanding data protection and retention requirements in order to mitigate risk and ensure legal compliance. If multiple hardware failures occur, servers remain online, and previously recorded data is protected and available when needed. Pivot3 is also designed to support mixed workloads and can host multiple applications on a single infrastructure, delivering significant return on investment for the university as its security and IT needs evolve.  “We wanted a security solution that specialised in video storage but also offered options to expand into other datacenter use cases as needed, and Pivot3 was the hands-down winner,” said Joseph Souza, assistant director of security for UCF’s Department of Security and Emergency. “During our selection process, both our security team and our IT organisation discovered that Pivot3 delivered the best solution for our growing environment.” Pivot3 also captures and protects video data from 2,500 video surveillance cameras and supports up to three petabytes of storage Video surveillance and data recording In addition to hosting Milestone System’s video management software, Pivot3 also captures and protects video data from 2,500 video surveillance cameras and supports up to three petabytes of storage. Pivot3’s ability to easily scale to this level was a key criterion in UCF’s selection process as its demand for more cameras and video data storage capacity continues to grow. The UCF camera count is expected to rise to over 3,000 when the university’s downtown Orlando Campus opens in the fall of 2019. “UCF is a leader in educational excellence, and we are pleased to play a role in helping the university protect critical assets and enhance security operations,” said Brandon Reich, surveillance practice leader, Pivot3. “The education market in particular experiences significant benefits and cost savings through the implementation of Pivot3 HCI – not to mention the increased security benefits for students and staff - which reduces complexity and cost, delivers scalability and increases resiliency.”

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expressed strong support for MI HB 5828 and HB5830, two bills designed to improve school security across the state of Michigan. Michigan Legislation In a letter to Michigan House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Laura Cox and Vice-Chair Rob VerHeulen, SIA CEO Don Erickson praised the bills’ creation of a comprehensive school plan and fund to enable local districts to procure security solutions to protect students from malicious perpetrators and update building code requirements to include security measures. “Sadly, our nation’s schools have increasingly become a soft target for mass violence – at Sandy Hook Elementary, recently at Stoneman Douglas High School and in many other attacks,” said Erickson. “We support holistic approaches to improving school safety and security in response to these tragedies – recognising there is no single action that can be taken that will, by itself, make our schools safe.” SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts Improving school security SIA represents about 900 security and life safety solutions providers – companies that develop, manufacture and integrate technologies that help keep people and property safe from hazards. These industry leaders strive to introduce robust security solutions integrated into our nation’s K–12 public schools, private academic institutions, colleges and universities. In addition to serving member organisations working to improve security in schools and other environments, SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts that developed threat- and income-based guidelines for schools housing grades K–12 to implement appropriate, layered security measures. These guidelines are available to help guide school investments. Additionally, PASS provides integrators with risk assessments and white papers that can be used when working with schools to evaluate and establish the best security protections for their buildings. SIA believes state assistance like that in the Michigan legislation is a start to addressing key security gaps in schools and is especially critical to high-risk school districts or those with limited budgets.

A safe school environment is a prerequisite for productive learning. When students feel as though their safety is compromised, this affects their learning performance. To enhance levels of security, it’s important to know which methods of lockdown are suited and which should be avoided. Andrew Shaw, architectural consultant for Allegion UK, discusses the importance of bespoke security solutions and prioritising quality. He says, 'Students need to feel safe in order to learn.' Safe and secure classroom environment Research has shown that classroom climate – all of the characteristics of a classroom – correlates with student achievement. This means that if students feel unsafe, it’s likely to affect their performance. However, because there’s no single, 'one size fits all' answer to security, implementing the 'right' solution may seem like a minefield. On top of knowing specific performance requirements, school governing bodies must know which locking protocols to adhere to and which to avoid School lockdown protocols Because of this, it’s now more important than ever that school officials not only know the options available to them but are also making decisions tailored to their own individual requirements. On top of knowing specific performance requirements, school governing bodies must know which locking protocols to adhere to and which to avoid. Security at every layer A safe and secure environment is at the crux of every successful school strategy. When it comes to classroom security, significance should be placed on how staff and teachers can maximise their protection and that of students. The key to any successful classroom lockdown operation is selecting the appropriate credentials based on individual requirements. Selecting appropriate credentials In addition to this, one thing that various credentials are often accused of is being too costly an investment to step into. In reality, a limited budget shouldn’t put a compromise on high-quality products. That’s not to ignore the fact that many schools are under budget pressures. However, the scope of security solutions available to the UK market means that schools are able to find solutions suited to their needs and budget. Implementing an effective lockdown safety plan, including staff protocol and places to hide, can also help you in being prepared for critical situations Dos There are a number of baseline protocols to uphold to ensure classroom security is kept at an all-time high. For example, remembering to keep doors closed and locked while rooms are in use will enable faster lockdown in emergency situations. Implementing an effective lockdown safety plan, including staff protocol and places to hide, can also help you in being prepared for critical situations. Installing hardware suited to your needs – whether mechanical, electronic or a combination – are each beneficial for everyday use as well as in emergencies. Don’ts There are some measures that don’t mitigate risk, they instead put staff and students in greater danger. It’s easy to overlook what may seem a harmless practice, but which is actually a violation of safety regulations – such as propping doors open and locking emergency exits. All entrances should aid free access and egress, not only for ease of passage but also in the event that emergency responders may be called to the site Cutting out unauthorised access All entrances should aid free access and egress, not only for ease of passage but also in the event that emergency responders may be called to the site. With locking credentials, it’s also important to keep control of who can access the buildings so that unauthorised persons are on record. Electronic access control systems, for example, are designed for stricter security on who has access to a site and at which time it was accessed. Electronic door access control Furthermore, one of the biggest fallacies in the door hardware industry is that quality must be compromised to make room for affordability. Whilst this could have been put down to a lack of choice years and years ago, there are now products tailored to each and every need notwithstanding limitations such as budgets. On top of this, it’s no use to switch out to a cheaper, less safe product that could ultimately cost more in the long-term if you’re to consider maintenance costs. Areas such as building entrances, must balance the need for access control with accessibility and freedom of movement The myth of ‘one size fits all’ Every school is as diverse as the people it houses. Multiple types of credentials may be used within a school, depending on your unique needs. Particular aspects that ought to be given consideration are the severity and probability of any potential risks, the effectiveness of mitigating potential risks, the ability of staff to implement lockdown, and the school’s budget. Areas such as building entrances, for example, must balance the need for access control with accessibility and freedom of movement.