Page 98 - Security Today, November/December 2019

Case Study
“GCSD is satisfied knowing that its campuses are equipped with state-of- the-art security and critical communications technologies, helping to better protect its students, staff and resources.”
By Ralph C. Jensen
School of Success: Safeguarding Our Future
South Carolina school sought security to provide students with knowledge and skills
Georgetown County School District (GCSD) is located on the South Carolina coast and serves approximately 9,500 students throughout its 10 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, career center and adult education center. The mission of its 1,400 employees is to provide all students with the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for citizenship within a diverse society.
In 2016, GCSD found itself with a sparse, end-of-life camera system; replacements were not available for its legacy cameras, and with
increased safety risks to staff and students, the district knew it was time to address gaps in coverage. To implement improvements throughout the school district -including a major security upgrade- a bond referendum was held. Within the community, 80 percent voted in favor of the renovation budget, mak- ing it one of the most successful bond referen- dums in South Carolina history. Upon its suc- cess, GCSD set its sights on a smart-security system with increased coverage to help miti- gate misconduct while offering greater ease- of-use for school administrators, security offi- cers and law enforcement officials.
A System Evolution
To enhance security across its numerous campuses, GCSD deployed a complete video security and critical communications solu- tion including Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software, Motoro- la Solutions XPR 3500e radios and over 1,000 Avigilon cameras.
The wide range of Avigilon cameras that GCSD selected offer numerous features to effectively meet the unique needs of each of its locations. The H4A Bullet camera is embedded with Avigilon self-learning video analytics designed to recognize the move-
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38 campuslifesecurity.com | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019