Grambling State University Protects Students, Property With IP Video

  • Jul 15, 2008

Axis Communications recently announced that Grambling State University is using its network cameras to ensure the safety of its students and property.

Grambling State University houses its students in 19 residence halls dotting its north Louisiana campus. The school grounds contain five colleges, including an honors college, two professional schools, a graduate school and a division of continuing education. In addition, it offers younger students a laboratory high school.

Axis partner CameraWATCH Technologies has worked with the university as a contractor installing the campus wide surveillance system utilizing its fiber optic backbone. The IP video technology allowed the university to use a centralized recording center in Information Technology Center’s main production/server room. In addition to Axis network cameras, CameraWATCH also installed Genetec’s video management system.

Safety is a concern at any university, and Grambling State University takes its responsibilities very seriously. A few years ago, the university had separate pockets of analog camera systems scattered on campus, none of which were easily upgradeable or integrated. In fact, as the technology became obsolete individuals could no longer operate the old analog systems, thereby causing the systems to be non functional to the university.

Grambling then initiated a review of its needs before settling on the current network surveillance system. To achieve its objectives, Grambling’s IT department first set up a network to provide coverage for selected areas and then implemented 220 Axis network cameras to monitor residence halls, the newly constructed assembly center, the laboratory high school and property and receiving areas.

In the near term, Grambling anticipates adding an additional 100 network cameras to monitor new residence halls and academic buildings. Currently, the school as deployed AXIS 216MFD and AXIS 212 PTZ Network Cameras. The AXIS 216MFD was specifically installed because of its high resolution, obtained through megapixel technology to cover areas within the university, such as entrances to buildings, hallways, bus stop locations, outside equipment storage locations and streets.

“We’ve found the network surveillance system to be a tremendous deterrent to campus-wide crime, and in the rare cases when it has happened, we’ve solved more than 50 percent of criminal acts using images from the network cameras,” said Winfred Jones, associate vice president for information technology at Grambling State University.

In addition, Jones noted that while older analog camera systems could only archive video up to 14 days, the Axis network cameras with Genetec’s video management system can back up 30 days worth of video.

Even with these improvements, Grambling’s IT department isn’t finished yet. Within a year, the university plans to implement a wireless system that detects motion in sensitive areas such as the registrar’s office, residence halls and administrative areas during certain hours. Once motion is detected, the system will send alerts to campus police in their vehicles. As a result, these types of systems will enhance the university’s ability to respond quickly Grambling expects to be able to respond even more quickly to safety-related events. Campus police in vehicles will even be able to receive images sent directly from the network cameras to be able to identify suspects if necessary. As a result, Grambling believes it will be able to offer students the safest school environment possible.

“We’ve found strong interest for our network cameras in educational environments, because of enhanced concern about campus safety,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications Inc. “In fact, over the last four years, Axis network video products have been installed in educational institutions all the way from Wales to Wisconsin. We applaud Grambling’s ambitious efforts to maintain a safe learning environment for students and look forward to working with the university and CameraWATCH Technologies as it enhances its surveillance capabilities.”

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.