Case Study

iXP Designs and Implements a Public Safety/Security Solution for The Catholic University of America

The Catholic University of America

Sector: Higher Education
Focus: Campus Public Safety and Security

Situation

The Catholic University of America continually seeks to enhance safety and security to provide a safer environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors on its 193-acre campus, located in Washington, DC.

Critical Issue

Having the largest campus in Washington, D.C., with 55 Major Buildings, over 700 faculty members and a student population of over 6,000, The Catholic University of America’s expansive setting poses a variety of public safety and security challenges.

Reasons

Public Safety and Security is a mission critical service for institutions of higher education. As part of The Catholic University of America’s public safety strategy, the University engaged iXP Corporation to perform an assessment of their existing Public Safety/Security legacy environment, document the University’s Public Safety/Security vision, and review the impact of current technology and facilities on operations.

Vision

Together, iXP and Catholic University envisioned a state-of-the-art public safety communications center with upgraded technologies (e.g. Smart-CCTV, E-phones) that would enhance the operational services provided by the University’s Department of Public Safety.

iXP Provided

The Catholic University of America selected iXP because of its knowledge and expertise as a leading provider of public safety consulting and mission-critical technology integration and operational services among select U.S. colleges and universities. iXP has provided campus public safety services to institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, MIT, George Washington University, Syracuse University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of California at San Francisco.

iXP assessed the University’s Public Safety/Security operations, technology and facilities, and designed an integrated solution utilizing Smart-CCTV technology with Emergency Phones. The solution included the solution architecture, technology specifications, and installation, training and support plans for the upgrade of the University’s security infrastructure. .

iXP also provided a design to upgrade/renovate/enhance the facility housing the Communication Center and its command and control technology. iXP assisted with facility design and console layout to support the recommended technology enhancements and provide for greater availability reliability and security.

Results

The Catholic University has reviewed and prioritized iXP’s recommendations and has engaged iXP to implement those with the highest priority. iXP is program managing the implementation in Phases; the first Phase includes installing Smart Closed Circuit Television (SCCTV) cameras and upgraded emergency phones in strategic locations around the campus. The cameras utilize state-of-the-industry behavior recognition functionality that allows the Department of Public Safety to proactively monitor, with real-time video, high traffic areas throughout the campus. Working together, these technologies enhance public safety via campus ‘safety zones’ where emergency callers can be both seen and heard by the Communications Center.

In subsequent phases, iXP and Catholic University’s Department of Public Safety plan to expand Smart CCTV coverage across the campus, upgrade additional emergency phones, renovate the communications center and its technology, and implement a campus-wide audible notification solution.

The pace of technological change is one of the biggest challenges in public safety and emergency communications. As such, iXP is assisting in delivering a solution that will help the University prepare for and implement a successful long-term solution designed for growth and longevity.

Problem Solved.