Standards for Electronic Security Devices and Systems

Purpose

Various units within Business Affairs and USCard Services are charged with maintaining an orderly, safe and secure environment for the university community. Where appropriate, they highly recommend the use of available technology for securing the university's physical assets, including electronic security devices and intrusion detection systems. This document establishes standards and guidelines for needs assessment, design, acquisition, installation, monitoring and maintenance of these systems.

Available technology provides an opportunity for the University to take advantage of electronic access features that far exceed those of the metal key. With that in mind, it is the long-term objective of the Division of Business Affairs to adopt electronic key access as the standard access mode for all university buildings. In order to accomplish this objective, all new construction will be designed with electronic access. In addition, any major remodeling on an existing building will require electronic access and, over a period of time, most of the physical locks securing the perimeter of university buildings will be replaced with the electronic access system.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) monitors access control, fire, environmental, intrusion detection, emergency telephone, panic and duress systems from its Communications and Monitoring Center located in Parking Structure "A." These systems can only be fully supported via the university's card system, an electronic key and associated database(s) maintained by USCard. The integrated system is capable of a variety of assets protection applications, and takes advantage of the university's local and wide area network infrastructure to create an enterprise wide system. This system is designed and maintained through a partnership of DPS, USCard Services, Facilities Management Services, and the Information Services Division

Needs Assessment

University Departments considering the use of electronic security or access control devices must contact the Department of Public Safety's Crime Prevention and Community Education Unit to obtain a needs assessment. The assessment will examine the feasibility of using such systems to protect their assets and will provide appropriate recommendations, based on input from the relevant Business Affairs team, including Facilities Management Services and USCard Services.

For all new construction and major remodeling projects, Facilities Management Services, USCard Services and the Department of Public Safety will jointly provide the customer with asset protection recommendations at the start of the design stage. These recommendations will follow Facility Management Services practices as designated in Division 18 "Guidelines for Intrusion Alarm Systems." These same guidelines will apply for customers who wish to upgrade and/or replace existing systems.

System Design

Intrusion Detection

For relatively small systems, DPS may recommend or specify system components and their placement. For highly complex systems, DPS will recommend the broad parameters of the system, including the types of technology available to adequately protect the intended assets while minimizing the university's exposure to liability. However, detailed design and the specification of components are deferred to a consultant or vendor with the input and approval of DPS. DPS will assist the school, department or other unit (hereafter "unit") in selecting a consultant or vendor. Such services are purchased directly by the Unit. Specific guidelines on system design are listed in Division 18 "Guidelines for Intrusion Alarm Systems."

Electronic Access

DPS in partnership with USCard Services administers a state-of-the-art access control system. It is capable of a variety of electronic access applications, and takes advantage of the university's card program and network Infrastructures to create an enterprise wide system. Units considering using the electronic access system must use equipment that will integrate with this existing enterprise system.

Integrated Intrusion and Electronic Access

Some system designs may require a combination of electronic access and intrusion detection devices. When such is the case, any existing standalone access or intrusion detection devices must be incorporated into the enterprise access and intrusion detection system. Should any component(s) not be compatible with the system they must be replaced as necessary.

Fire Detection

Fire detection systems must be designed using the communication devices listed in Division 18, "Guidelines for Intrusion Alarm Systems." In addition, all other components must be approved by Facilities Management Services.

CCTV Systems

Closed circuit television (CCTV) systems are an Integral part of the university security system and appropriate standards are in the process of being developed.

Emergency Telephones

The Department of Public Safety as part of their security assessment will recommend the placement of emergency telephones, both inside and outside the customer's location. It is the customer's responsibility to contact Telecommunications for installation and to pay for the associated costs. The Department of Public Safety will pay the monthly telephone line charges.

Acquisition

The Division of Business Affairs maintains a list of preferred vendors/installers for prescribed intrusion detection systems. These vendors/installers have been prequalified based on a review of their background and quality of their work. Selected vendors have discounted pricing agreements on file with Purchasing Services. Only vendors/installers on the preferred list may be utilized. However, other vendors/installers may be considered for inclusion on this list provided they satisfy all installation guidelines, provide a competitive discount price list and the quality of their work can be verified.

Requisitions for a purchase order received by the Purchasing Department for an intrusion detection or electronic access system that have not been reviewed by DPS, will not be processed. This ensures compatibility with existing and anticipated technology as well as compliance with prevailing standards in the security field.

Installation

The installation of all intrusion detection systems shall be in accordance with the installation guidelines outlined in Division 18 "Guidelines for Intrusion Alarm Systems." DPS will coordinate the installation of all security devices, approve final commissioning and assist in writing operational procedures. DPS will also provide training for client personnel in utilizing those procedures.

USCard Services is the designated installer for the electronic access system. They will also provide customer support, including training and documentation.

The installation of all fire detection systems must be coordinated and commissioned by Facilities Management Services.

Communications and Monitoring Center located in Parking Structure "A". The monitoring of fire, forced entry, panic, duress and environmental activation are provided as basic DPS services, and are funded by the indirect pool. However, held open door and roof access activations are provided as dedicated services. Thus, there's a separate cost to the recipient because the overwhelming benefit of the service accrues specifically to that unit. Such activation cannot be programmed to report to the monitoring center unless approved by DPS and applicable charges have been accessed. However, held open door and roof access activation may be monitored locally by the use of audible annunciation.

In order for any fire, intrusion, access or environmental system to be monitored by DPS, the system must meet all of the acquisition, design and installation guidelines outlined herein. Non-compliant systems cannot be connected to the monitoring center.

Response

DPS personnel will respond to fire, forced entry, panic, duress and environmental activation as part of its basic services. However, excessive preventable false alarms generated by a particular unit will incur a false activation fee. Held open door activation responses are not part of DPS' basic services. There's a separate cost to the recipient. Contact the DPS Business Services Director at ext. 05954 for details.

False Activation

False activation is a source of major concern. Depending on the type of activation, e.g., forced entry, panic, duress or fire, significant DPS resources may be assigned to respond. Such response prevents officers from responding to other incidents until the actual nature of the alarm can he determined. It may take as much as 20 minutes to resolve a false alarm.

To reduce the number of false alarms a charge will be assessed for any false activation in excess of (3) three. After the third false alarm a charge of $50.00 will be assessed. The fifth false alarm will be assessed $100.00 and the sixth false alarm will be assessed $200.00. Excessive false activation or failure to pay accessed charges may result in mandatory system modification at the unit's expense or disconnection from the Monitoring Center.

It is the customer's responsibility to maintain the alarm system, to periodically check the system and to provide the Department of Public Safety with updated lists of responsible contact persons.