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

  • 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

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

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.

  • 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.