Not All Universities are the Same

I’ve seen a lot of higher education campuses in my travels, and until late July, all of them have been beautiful, pastoral settings with buildings over acres of land. However, it was my pleasure and surprise to visit Pace University in downtown New York City.

Pace University is a higher education university that rises to the sky, rather than take up an abundant amount of acreage for buildings. It is an amazing university in that regard, and addressing their security needs is handled with all the care and concern you can imagine.

As a liberal arts university, Pace is well known for its business school, theater and arts programs, but its location also grabs some attention. It is located across the street from the NYC mayor’s office, less than a block from NYPD headquarters and is very close to Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. Being in a key part of the city, security is a big deal for school officials.

What I was able to observe is the partnership between Pace University’s security team and staff from Idesco, a security integrator. This partnership is strong and vibrant; in fact, they communicate on a daily basis about security issues, technology and products.

Pace University is building a new 36-story residential hall in the heart of downtown New York. As with any new build at a major university, security is critical. Idesco has had a hand in part of the new building since the project began. The university has selected great equipment in Axis Communications IP cameras and Vicon IP cameras, while individual doors inside the building will have wireless access control from ASSA ABLOY.

Idesco president Andrew Schonzeit and his staff maintain a close relationship with Pace security staff and the building crew at the facility.

Security is at the heart of the new building.

I had a great time touring Pace University, and I hope you will find the cover story useful and informative. I’m sure you will agree that higher education is concerned about security, and doing it the right way because what all campuses have in common is the need to provide security for students, staff and faculty.

This article originally appeared in the September 2014 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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