From The Field

Mar 1, 2008 12:00 PM

EDUCATION

California's Shasta Union High School District Reduces Theft and Vandalism With IP Video

With recent incidents ranging from fights and vandalism to theft and property damage, the Shasta Union High School District in California began looking for a surveillance system that would help improve school security for students and staff while also managing theft and vandalism. The district, which includes four high schools in different locations and caters to more than 6,000 students and 540 faculty members, previously used a security system that failed to meet the complex needs of buildings that are geographically widespread.

Working with Ojo Technology, a Fremont, Calif.-based company that designs, installs and maintains network-based video surveillance systems, the school district chose XProtect open-platform IP video management software from Milestone Systems, Denmark.

The software allows staff members to monitor activity throughout the schools' main gathering areas with access to cameras installed in central and remote locations. The system allows for live viewing of recorded video and features quick search and retrieve functions. It is also scalable and supports camera models from a range of manufacturers.

“We have experienced a 98 percent reduction in school vandalism and theft, combined with an efficient way to accurately identify responsible parties associated with student conflicts,” says Mike Vincelli, director of information technology at Shasta Union School District. “The solution fulfilled our expectations, and we are very satisfied.”

University of Iowa and SEi Partner on Access and Security Installations

The University of Iowa has chosen Security Equipment Inc. (SEi) to install AMAG Technology's Symmetry Security Management System throughout the campus. The contract was awarded after a 15-month product and vendor evaluation process.

SEi will team primarily with AMAG Technology, Torrance, Calif., in providing an enterprise security management system for both existing buildings and buildings still in the planning stages. Installations are currently underway at a number of university facilities, including the Madison Street Services Building. Classrooms, laboratories and residence halls will soon follow. The Recreation and Wellness Center and University Hygienic Laboratory — two new structures under construction — will also have systems installed by SEi.

“The University of Iowa was seeking a solution that could provide a solid centralized foundation with independent remote administration, reporting and control,” says Tom Hruby, executive vice president of SEi, “AMAG Technology has always proven to be flexible in large enterprise applications requiring functionally diverse users, meeting the specific needs of each university operational segment.”

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

This month in Access Control

• Opening Up About Door Closers
• An Enterprise Approach
• The Framework For Open Systems
• On A Higher Plane
• More from April's issue