Michigan Community College Uses Biometrics To Protect Critical Areas

Looking to improve security in important areas, Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan has turned to biometric hand readers to provide protection.

With more than 16,000 full-time students and an eight-block downtown campus, the college’s former card system did not provide enough protection for critical areas. The cards could be passed back and forth, lost or stolen—leading to possible misuse.

The college deployed a Blackboard one-card system for parking, point-of-sale purchases and door security. But college officials, looking for stronger protection for the school’s data center, along with the cashier’s office and vault, turned to Schlage HandKey II biometric hand readers.

Each HandKeyII is a complete controller that provides door operation, request for exit and alarm monitoring. All information, including biometric data, is stored at the reader to ensure operation even if communications to the main control computer is disrupted.

The readers also are wired into the building’s security system to provide remote access. Audit trail data also can be accessed to investigate any problems with access control into the areas.

Erich Flynn, network analyst with the school’s IT department, said the hand geometry readers offer two-stage protection with both biometric hand geometry and a PIN

“It combines something you know and something you are,” Flynn said. “With our one-card system, it’s only something you have, so the dual credential really protects these areas.”

“We can do everything from a laptop, controlling the doors and monitoring activity,” said Scott Martin of the college’s facilities department. “Their IT team was very strong, and they worked with our IT technicians to provide the support we needed."

After the successful deployment of the readers, the college is looking to add readers to other areas, including laboratories and chemical storage areas.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • 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.