Grambling State University Protects Students, Property With IP Video

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

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.