Page 12 - Campus Security & Life Safety, May/June 2019

access control
Security to provide a true open architecture access control solution that focuses on delivering a comprehensive set of both software and hardware features to the end user. Open Options’ flagship access con- trol platform, DNA Fusion, interfaces with a host of other systems, including intelligent locks, video management systems, critical com- munications, elevator systems, visitor management, and many more.
“DNA Fusion essentially allows us to tie all of our security tech- nologies into our access control system, which plays a critical role in our day-to-day security processes,” said Craven. “For instance, the ability to call up live video on an alarm or door forced from the events grid helps us to assess and respond to the issue in a quick and efficient manner.”
DPS utilizes Bosch for intrusion detection and Video Insight as its video management platform, both of which work seamlessly with DNA Fusion. Other technologies include OpenDX database exchange software, which provides DPS an easy-to-use interface for configur- ing the data they want to transfer into the DNA Fusion access control system, and Fusion Web, a remote security management solution.
Communication & Response Protocols
The DPS communications center handles over 20,000 calls for service each school year and also monitors all radio communications between their command and patrol staff. The center trains exten- sively with the Denver Police Department for a wide range of situa- tions. Through their radio communications system, they are able to communicate with every police district in the city as well as Denver dispatch. The center also works in collaboration with jurisdictions across the metro area, US Department of Homeland Security, FBI and Secret Service.
“Communication is key, especially in the event of an incident or potentially violent situation,” said Craven. “Having the technology and protocols in place to efficiently communicate with outside emer- gency response teams is crucial to the safety of our schools.”
Lockdown, Lockout & Other Threats
In order to further streamline their security processes and proce- dures, DPS monitors all the components of their system across cam- puses from a single location. This significantly cuts down on response time in the event of an emergency, as all decisions related to campus lockdown or other high-threat situations are centralized.
Being an urban school district, lockdowns are not uncommon for DPS. With the implementation of DNA Fusion and creation of a cus- tom Graphic User Interface (GUI), the DPS dispatch center is able to remotely place a building in an emergency state with a single click. Once information is received by their dispatch center, they are able to implement the emergency protocol.
“With the implementation of the custom GUI, we have been able to reduce the amount of time it takes to secure a school from six
minutes to only two minutes. Seconds count during critical incidents and this capability gives us hundreds,” said Craven. “The safety and security of our students is paramount to what we do.”
Oftentimes, school security goes beyond lockdown or lockout situ- ations. Because of this, DPS also practices “Shelter-in-Place”, a safety drill that occurs when there is a hazard of a tornado or a severe weather warning, and it has been determined by the Department of Safety—with the assistance of outside agencies—that evacuation or early dismissal could possibly place students in danger.
Similarly, a lockout takes place when a threat has been identified in the area of a school. All exterior doors are locked to prevent any haz- ards or threats to enter the school, and no entry or exit to the school is allowed during this response.
Looking to the Future
“As threats to campuses continue to evolve, inevitably so will our security system,” said Craven. “We are committed to providing the most up-to-date technology available to safeguard all our campuses and the students, faculty, and staff who inhabit them every day.”
As DPS looks to the future, they will be adding door position sta- tions to all exterior doors, allowing operators to monitor perimeter security. If a door is unsecured, an alarm will sound at the school via the DNA Fusion web client. Should the alarm persist, the Depart- ment of Safety dispatch center will be notified. Conversely, once the door is secured, the alarm can be silenced.
With the upgrade of their intrusion systems, DPS will be able to monitor their alarm system through DNA Fusion. This will allow the dispatch center to arm and disarm the system from the console. It will also allow staff to use their access cards to disarm and arm the build- ing at the entry. They will be able to do away with alarm codes and tie this technology into each individuals’ access levels.
Graphic mapping is also something DPS will be implementing due to Open Options’ ability to integrate with numerous VMS and intru- sion systems. This will bring all of DPS’s technology together in an extremely user-friendly format, where operators can easily view and address events through strategically placed interactive icons and eas- ily access all card readers, cameras and intrusion points on the maps. It will also drastically improve an operator’s ability to determine a false alarm versus an actual event and will aid in officer safety when responding, as well as asset protection.
“Over the last seven years, the partnership between Open Options and Denver Public Schools has only deepened,” said Craven. “From installation to the expansion of the system, Open Options has been there for every step, year after year, and we look forward to continu- ing to grow together.”
Ellie Randall is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Open Options.
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campuslifesecurity.com | MAY/JUNE 2019