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

  • 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

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. 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.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.