Texas University Joins LearnSafe Initiative

MDI Inc. recently announced the LearnSafe Initiative would begin providing services immediately to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), which is one of the largest private institutions in Texas and the largest Catholic university in the state.

The LearnSafe Initiative combines a security curriculum, continuing education programs, and a robust suite of technology and security services. The goal of the initiative is to help administrators, teachers, students and parents deal with school safety and security issues to foster a safe environment in which children can learn without fear.

Located on a magnificent 154-acre campus in the Alamo Heights area of San Antonio, Texas UIW was established in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and is currently home to more than 6,000 students.

In addition to the university campus, LearnSafe will also be providing their risk management solutions to schools within the University’s Brainpower Connection. These include Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School.

The first phase of this program is scheduled to begin immediately as LearnSafe professionals begin work in conjunction with the UIW Police Department under the direction of the UIW Safety Committee.

"The University of the Incarnate Word is a very proactive, efficient and security-minded organization and we are proud that they have chosen LearnSafe to assist in enhancing their University Police Department's current safety, security and emergency management efforts," said J. Collier Sparks, president and CEO of MDI. "Besides being one of the most prestigious and highly-regarded institutes of higher learning in Texas, UIW will now put the appropriate solutions in place to be recognized as one of the safest.”

The university currently has several tools in place to ensure the safety of its students, staff and faculty including a text and e-mail instant alert system, an on-campus siren system, an on-campus telephone broadcast system and 24/7 campus police patrol. The university is dedicated to the safety of all its students, staff and faculty and working with LearnSafe is a natural extension of that commitment.

"Providing the safest possible environment for our students, staff and community is one of UIW's top goals and we believe that LearnSafe will assist us in achieving that goal," said Joe Ramos, Incarnate Word University police chief.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • 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

New Products

  • 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.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.