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

Washington, D.C.

Sector: Higher Education
Focus: Campus Public Safety and Security
Started: February 2007

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 Washington, DC campus. 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 University's expansive setting poses a variety of public safety and security challenges.

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 initially 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.

Solution

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.

The Catholic University of America selected iXP because of its knowledge and expertise as a leading provider of public safety consulting, operational services, and mission-critical technology integration among select U.S. colleges and universities. iXP has provided campus public safety services to institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, 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, provided a detailed assessment and business case, and designed an integrated solution utilizing Smart-CCTV technology with Emergency Phones. The solution included 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, and enhance the facility housing the Communication Center and its command and control technology, as well as for a back-up communications center.

Results

The Catholic University reviewed and prioritized iXP's recommendations and engaged iXP to implement those with the highest priority. iXP is program managing the implementation in phases. The first phase included 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 expanded the Smart CCTV coverage across the campus, upgrade additional emergency phones, built a backup communications/monitoring center, and implemented 'All Campus Alert', 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 continues to assist in delivering a solution that will help the University prepare for and implement a successful long-term solution designed for growth and longevity.

Value Delivered. Problem Solved.