NCJ Number
199874
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2003 Pages: 30-31,41
Editor(s)
Tom Nelson
Date Published
April 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Representatives from five prominent companies that sell and install access-control products answer questions that can help schools protect people and property on campus.
Abstract
In answering the question regarding the single most important component in a comprehensive system, the company representatives mention the following: information that creates an audit trail to identify individuals who access particular locations; hardware, particularly the controller; the software and the operational portion of the system; the card/card reader technology; and technology that provides user authentication and identification. The second question asked of the representatives is to explain the concept of redundancy and how a campus might appropriately use it. Redundancy is indicated to mean that the failure of no one element in an access control system will render the system ineffective. This involves backing up databases, using security personnel in addition to electronic systems, having a main workstation database as a control point while having individual terminals across campus to issue new or replacement cards, and the use of firewalls and network security. Another question focuses on tips for establishing a cost-effective system of access control. Suggestions include securing only the areas at highest risk, selecting systems that are easy to install, using detailed planning to ensure there are no "surprise" costs at the end of installation, the use of new and efficient video surveillance products, and the selection of a system that can be expanded for future growth.