Securing the Largest Aquarium in the World

Oct 1, 2006 12:00 PM

           

Showcasing a diverse collection of aquatic life — more than 120,000 animals in 8 million gallons of water — the Georgia Aquarium is a destination for families from around the world. It is also a massive security challenge.

When the Georgia Aquarium began to prepare for a huge influx of visitors before it opened in November of 2005, its leaders knew that ensuring a safe and secure environment would be of paramount importance. They also sought both a safe and secure environment for visitors and employees, and wanted to ensure the wellbeing of the animals.

“Today, our greatest challenge remains establishing strong perimeter security and projecting an image that assures our staff and visitors they are entering a safe and secure environment,” says Aquarium Chief of Security Alan Davis.

To integrate its security system, the Georgia Aquarium turned to WFI, Marietta, Ga., the Southeast regional office of San Diego-based WFI, an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing. Security technology at the Georgia Aquarium includes facility-wide access control, 114 closed circuit cameras, 96 card readers, seven high-capacity DVR data recorders, networking to additional facilities, and integration with the fire alarm system.

Looking ahead, the Georgia Aquarium security team continues to press the envelope in meshing its systems together, both internally and externally. Because downtown Atlanta includes a highly concentrated set of mass venues — as well as a diverse group of public and private security forces — integrating systems and sharing data counts as one of the best ways security technology can add overall protective value. Alan Davis places a premium on being able to share resources, both human and physical security systems, with local law enforcement and other local facility managers.

WFI Southeast General Manager Steve Cory cites integration as an area in which a technology engineering firm can add value. “Designing an integrated system to ensure there are no holes in the net, installing and optimizing the network for maximum efficiency and then supporting it with 24-hour customer service requires planning and organization,” he says.

The WFI-installed Aquarium system has also brought unexpected benefits beyond security, such as managing the flow of guests through the attraction.

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