Page 26 - Campus Security Today, November/December 2024

V I D E O M A N A G E M E N T S O F T W A R E
B L A C K H I L L S S C A L A B L E B R A D C A R Y S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y A P P R O A C H T O TA K E S A N V I D E O S E C U R I T Y
I S T H E B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T M A N A G E R F O R E D U C AT I O N AT M I L E S T O N E S Y S T E M S
O P E N ,
B
lack Hills State University recognized the need for a
centralized video system to improve campus security and
streamline operations. The university sought a solution
that could unify its main campus with a satellite location,
enable cross-department access, and scale with future
growth. By implementing open platform video technology,
BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable
security infrastructure.
Prior to 2011, Black Hills State University (BHSU) lacked a
centralized video system for campus security and operations. The
university sought to install cameras as an investigative resource,
covering its 20 building complexes, common areas, exterior grounds,
and parking facilities. BHSU aimed to create a unified system that
could support multiple departments, scale with future growth, and
enable seamless monitoring across its main Spearfish campus and
smaller Rapid City location, 45 miles away.
BHSU worked with Convergint Technologies and Milestone
Systems to deploy a mix of approximately 80 network cameras from
Axis Communications. XProtect open platform video management
software (VMS) from Milestone Systems brings everything together
efficiently and securely. This flexible, scalable solution allowed BHSU
to integrate its campuses via a VPN, enable cross-department
use, and lay the foundation for ongoing system enhancements
and expansions.
B U I L D I N G A F O U N D AT I O N F O R F U T U R E N E E D S
Nestled in the scenic northern Black Hills of western South Dakota,
Black Hills State University is a public university focused on providing
quality higher education opportunities for nearly 3,500 students.
With roots dating back to 1883, the university continues to modernize
and expand its 130-acre Spearfish campus and smaller Rapid City
locations. Part of these ongoing improvements include adopting
innovative video technology aimed at strengthening security and
streamlining operations across school
departments.
Prior to 2011, BHSU lacked any
centralized video system, according to
Corey Compton, the university’s Director
of Public Safety. That year the university
spearheaded an initiative and began the
process of installing security cameras
based on their potential as an investigative
resource for campus incidents. Over the last 13 years, the university
worked with systems integrator Convergint Technologies and video
technology provider Milestone Systems to deploy approximately
80 cameras to cover BHSU’s 20 building complexes, common
areas, exterior grounds, and parking facilities. The resulting system
provided the foundation for significant expansions down the road.
The Milestone XProtect open platform video management
system currently supports over 13,000 different security devices
from over 700 of the industry’s leading manufacturers. Technology
Partners include providers of network video cameras, NVRs, cloud
technologies, access control, alarm and detection systems, video
analytics, GPS technology, laser scanners, emergency call boxes,
and much more.
Axis Communications provides a range of network solutions
in video security, access control, intercom, and audio systems. Axis
network video camera solutions include dome, box, bullet, PTZ,
panoramic, thermal, wearable, and other specialty camera solutions.
A U N I F I E D V I E W A C R O S S C A M P U S
A key advantage of BHSU’s video system is its integration of the main
Spearfish campus with the university’s smaller Rapid City location.
This connectivity is achieved via a VPN connection established
by BHSU’s IT department. It enables authorized staff and security
personnel to seamlessly monitor live and recorded video from all
university cameras.
This flexibility allows the video system to scale with BHSU’s
future growth. The Spearfish campus has plans to continue
enhancing coverage in line with Compton’s goal to expand and
maximize camera use. Meanwhile, the Rapid City campus is
expecting major facility expansions to house new academic programs
that will also require upgraded security. The unified open platform
video management approach supports easy system hardware,
software, and performance scaling.
“Convergint Technologies is proud that Black Hills State
University chose our innovative security solutions to safeguard
their campus,” said Bob Peplinski, General Manager, Convergint
Technologies. “By selecting a system that is meticulously future-
proofed, the university demonstrates their commitment to staying
ahead in ensuring the safety and security of their community.”
C R O S S - D E P A R T M E N T U S A G E
While some campus video deployments focus solely on security
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