Reward: Peace of Mind

Feb 1, 2008 12:00 PM

The importance of school security cannot be overstated. A secure school means that everyone inside can concentrate on the matter at hand, which is providing quality education. However, sometimes the school staff, who are often charged with operating certain aspects of the security system, feel they are being strapped with yet another duty. But usually, they find that security makes their job easier.

The Racine Unified School District in Wisconsin is an urban school district comprised of 37 buildings covering more than 21 square miles. The district operates three senior high schools, five middle schools, two middle/high school alternative schools, four ancillary buildings and the remaining elementary schools. George Kadamian is the supervisor of operations for the Racine Unified School District. “One of my primary goals is asset and facility protection during unoccupied hours, including the maintenance and upgrade of all district security systems,” Kadamian says. “I work closely with our security provider, response team provider and local law enforcement agencies.”

Adding on to a proven solution

As with many school districts, security has been heightened since the tragic loss of lives that was witnessed at schools such as Columbine High and Virginia Tech. Over the last eight years, the Racine Unified School District has systematically installed intercom units from Aiphone Corp., Bellevue, Wash., so that the buildings can be locked down while still providing access to parents and visitors. “In addition to being an urban district, there is a need, especially in the elementary schools, to prevent non-custodial parents or relatives from entering the buildings and removing children,” Kadamian explains. “An Aiphone unit was used 15 years ago in an application,” he continues. “Minimal repair and good sound quality of this sole unit resulted in me staying with Aiphone through the years, especially with the introduction of the integral camera/communicator units several years ago.”

Presently, the Aiphone AX Series Integrated Audio and Video Security system is being installed at the schools. This security system complements the existing security in place as it integrates with CCTV, electronic access control and transfers calls to a telephone line. The AX Series supports up to eight master stations and 120 door stations, all wired on CAT-5e cable. It is also PC-programmable for easy system set-up. The master stations include a bright 3-1/2-in. color TFT LCD while the system utilizes open-voice communication with both Push-to-Talk and VOX communication over two talk channels. Other features include: call transfer, priority call-in, private communication, selective contacts for door release, scan-monitoring, selective call and master-to-master all call. Aiphone's embedded card reader audio/video door stations are available for an all-in-one solution and are ideal for keyless entry.

Centec Security of Waukesha, Wis., has performed all of the Aiphone installations over the years for the Racine School District. “The nature of the building, itinerant staff and designated visitor/parent entrance will dictate the number of units required,” Kadamian states. “Generally, we try to limit access to three doors in any one building and in all applications two internal monitors/strike controls are installed in each office area.”

Easy system setup

The installation in most cases is completed within two days. “This installation is based on the mapping of wire runs, penetrations if applicable, wire mold runs and interior station locations,” Kadamian explains. “Centec coordinates well with their lock shop subcontractor so that the installation is seamless.”

Centec Security subcontracts with a lock shop in Madison, Wis., to perform the door strike portion of the installation. The AX Series is easy to install for the professionals at Centec. The AX Series' intuitive programming saves on time and costs. A variety of door and substations, combined with sleek and sturdy master stations provide a system that is versatile, comprehensive and simple for the user to operate.

Kadamian describes the system as “outstanding and reliable, with minimal repairs needed. Picture and sound quality are good,” he adds. Aiphone stainless steel protective housings shield the units from vandalism. Kadamian points out that in an urban school district kids tend to take things that aren't nailed down.

Visitor control

There is a comfort level achieved by the school staff when they know that the students, as well as they themselves, are more secure. While at Racine, the intercom units are used mainly to control the entrance of visitors and to prevent the unwanted removal of children by non-custodial/placement parents. School officials are aware that they can depend on the system to do much more if need be. For example, the video output feature allows composite video to be recorded or seen on a larger screen. With the paging feature, users can broadcast important announcements, and the telephone transfer feature allows for contacting roaming guards.

Master stations have the ability to use all call and group call features between other master stations. “When advised that systems are being installed, secretaries and clerks complain because they view it as just another job,” Kadamian quips. “However, when they see how easy the system works and the minimal effort involved, they become dependent on the system. In those rare instances where repairs have been needed, the secretary or clerk is quick to contact me so that repairs can be affected.”

As the person in charge, Kadamian says the district won't use anything else. “We are in line to receive a grant for CCTV and access control. Aiphone will continue to be our vendor for visual/controlled access.”

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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