There are many different ways to define university facility security systems. This article will identify some of the most common components that are included in a system, as well as the groups of people that are involved in maintaining and planning the system.
First, the purpose of university facility security systems is to control access to all the facilities within the boundaries of a college campus. This can include controlled key access, locks, codes, and any other item that would be involved in securing the physical buildings on a campus. By controlling the access, a university can protect certain aspects of a campus while also allowing access where it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the academic environment.
Many university facility security systems will be overseen by a high-level operations administrator, in conjunction with the chief of the campus police. They may also involve coordination or input from offices like human resources, finance, administration, and information technology.
The security system for a university has many different components, including things such as locks, keys (both traditional metal keys and electronic access keycards), access codes, cameras or other devices designed to detect and record access to campus buildings, and facilities like parking structures, open space, and other university grounds. In order to have a comprehensive security system, it should also account for special events like concerts, speakers, student activities, and sporting events.
When it comes to physical buildings, the university security system should also have different determinations for access. For example, students would require a different level of access to buildings, classrooms, and campus facilities than faculty access. Within each department there are often also a number of non-faculty staff members who need to have specific levels of clearance for their access to physical buildings on campus.
To enhance effectiveness of a university security system, there should also be a system that tracks movement of individuals. For example, a camera security system that detects and records movement around sensitive areas of the campus, or electronic access keycards that record data about when and where they are used, and who is accessing which facilities. This information should be stored in a secure area in the event of an emergency or other problem.
There are some simple things that can be done to restrict access on campus communities, including having specified building hours and policies in place to ensure that they are locked and secured when they are not in use. There should also be clear policies in place for consequences if someone duplicates keys or other access devices.
With appropriate university facility security systems, you can ensure that the physical buildings at your campus are protected, and enhance the security of the people who attend, work, and spend time there.