What is a Physical Security System?
A Physical Security System (PSS) is a set of security measures that can be applied at facilities to safeguard or protect an organization’s assets-people-property and information. It is not aimed at a specific occupancy, but facilities and buildings in general.
3 Layers of Physical Security at Carleton University
- Card Access
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Card access systems are used to secure gates, doors, and locks; and easily manages large user populations, controlling for user lifecycles times, dates, and individual access points. Card access systems supplement the need for a Department to control keys; which for large Departments can become unmanageable.
With card access, users utilize their Carleton campus card and their user-determined 4-digit PIN # to access a locked location. Systems can be set up to permit access to specific user groups during different hours. For example, staff can have access to location 24/7. Students only have access between 8:00 and 16:00. This system also allows for a pre-set expiration date for a user’s access rights; at which point the system automatically disables their access. For example, a user’s access rights could allow access from 0700h to 1900h Monday through Friday and expire in 90 days.
CSS also advises Departments with card access to implement policies, processes and procedures to manage access into the restricted area. For example, requesting CSS to conduct authorized entry verification at predetermined points of entry.
- Surveillance Cameras
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Security cameras, also known as video monitoring systems can be used as a deterrent but their real value is with incident verification and historical review. For example, if an alarm is triggered and there is a camera in place, the recorded video from that camera could be viewed to verify the alarms. Camera systems are also useful in areas where patrons are at risk of being involved in a confrontation – having a camera in place would allow for video to be reviewed post-incident.
Please note that CSS does not monitor all video surveillance footage 24/7. Video monitoring is done by CSS members, but not always in real time.
Click here to view the Video Recording and Surveillance Policy.
Which components does my Department need?”
If you’re interested in a physical security system for your Department, complete and submit a Physical Security System Application. As part of the Application process, CSS will schedule a Security Assessment to verify your Departmental requirements.
Please note that while it may not be feasible for Departments to implement all physical security systems recommendations all at once, it is important that the Department work with CSS to determine the best 1st system to install.
The Physical Security System Application and Assessments are free of charge. Departments are responsible for the budget for their own Security System equipment, installations, maintenance and monitoring fees, as applicable.
Note:
Supply Chain issues and Hardware Delays
You may be aware of the serious shortages in global supplies of parts and materials currently affecting a great many industries around the world. These shortages — amongst other logistical issues —have affected the supplier of the Card Access equipment used at Carleton. In some instances, this has resulted in extensive delays in the fulfillment of orders. CBORD has not provided a timeline on when the issue will be fully resolved, but do not expect a return to normal this fiscal year.
FMP is estimating a 4-8 month installation time frame once the project work order has been submitted for all other non-card access security system equipment.
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