At what stage do you
become involved in the security aspect of a campus? (i.e. is it integrated
at the design stage?)
Ideally Idesco would
be invited to assist in the design phase. While we recognize that
functionality and aesthetics are the primary “drivers” for design, in
this day and age our customers are aware that safety is of the utmost
importance. By involving Idesco early in the process we can work with our
customers to provide solutions that appease their primary concerns while
ensuring a safe place to learn and work.
How closely do you
work with facilities managers on campus?
The facility manager
is a main point of contact for Idesco during both the design and
maintenance of the systems we provide. Facility managers have an innate
knowledge of campus life and evolution. It is Idesco’s job to harness
this knowledge in the system design and utilize their insight to enhance
the system as the campus “evolves”. This allows Idesco to provide a
system that addresses today’s challenges and additionally allows for us
to provide systems that are capable of adapting to meet future needs.
What are the
differences in providing security services for campuses opposed to
commercial buildings?
There are numerous
differences between securing a campus and securing a commercial property.
However, there is no set formula for securing either. Each location is
different and because of this Idesco designs a plan specifically for the
situation at hand.
What are the most
effective tech solutions for campus security?
As stated above, each
campus has unique security issues that it contends with. To deem one
solution more “effective” than another would be an impossibility. A
system in place at school A may not be effective at school B. It is
Idesco’s job to analyze the situation and then propose the system that we
believe best suits the individual need.
Is it common for
security personnel to be schooled in how these systems work in order to
make the best use of them?
Not only is it
common, it is highly recommended. Prior to completing an installation and
turning the system over to the customer to use, Idesco provides extensive
training to those persons who will be using the system. Would you hand
the keys to your new car to someone who doesn’t know how to drive?
On an ethical basis
how much information can you hold on students, tutors, maintenance crews
and general staff to limit the threat of terrorism and acts of violence?
Guidelines such as
this are typically determined based on the laws of the state or nation.
Idesco complies with these regulations.
How do you balance the
need for security on campus with the need for access and egress in case of
a fire or other emergency?
All systems that
Idesco installs comply with local fire code.
What’s the hot topic
in the industry?
I think the hot topic
in securing a campus is system integration. Most of customers want to
know how the systems we install can interact with their existing
system(s).