Texas State Security
Alarm Systems UPPS
No. 05.04.04
Issue No. 2
Effective Date: 12/5/2003
Review: May 1 E2Y
01. POLICY STATEMENTS
01.01 We at
Texas State are committed to the efficient
procurement, maintenance, and transportation of equipment, apparatus, supplies
and personnel, and the security and protection of all employees, students, and
visitors. The following procedure contributes to the fulfillment of this
policy.
01.02 The
purpose of this UPPS is to establish the policy for the procurement, installation,
monitoring, and maintenance of security and access systems.
02. SYSTEM DEFINITIONS
The following shall constitute the definition of security alarm systems approved for application and installation at Texas State.
02.01 Intrusion Detection Systems
These
are systems commonly referred to as "burglar alarms" and generally
consist of door contacts, motion sensors, and glass breakage sensors which,
when violated in some manner, signal a control panel to activate an on-site
audible signal and registers at the University Police Department (UPD) Central
Monitoring Station.
02.02 Access
Controls
These
are systems designed to unlock a door or entry point and which record the
identity of the entering party and the date and time of such entry. Access
controls are any unlocking devices that require a card, numeric code, retina
identification, palm print identification, proximity device or I-button type
device to allow entry.
02.03 Hold-up
and Panic Alarms
These
systems are devices that signal the UPD of an event in which the personal
safety of a member of the university community is in jeopardy. No on-site
audible or visual signal is present in such applications. The only approved
locations for this type of installation is where an armed robbery is likely or
where staff may be subject to personal jeopardy by psychologically unstable
clientele or individuals intent upon unauthorized occupation of institutional
offices or facilities. Examples of facilities approved for these installations
include cashiers' offices, bookstore sales and money counting facilities,
retail facilities, counseling offices, and the
President's Office or members of his/her Cabinet.
02.04 Closed
Circuit Television (CCTV)
These
systems are devices designed to transmit video and audio signals to a
monitoring station or recording device. Application of CCTV is generally for
purposes of monitoring property subject to theft, supervising sensitive access
points or offices/areas subject to disruptive behavior. Except for the UPD, no
department is permitted to install covert CCTV. Installation of CCTV for
purposes of the public/personal safety of members of the university community
must be approved by the Director of UPD and by the President's Cabinet. These
systems must be continuously monitored by human personnel. "Dummy"
CCTV cameras are not permitted.
02.05 In all CCTV applications where monitoring of behavior or recording of transactions is the purpose, signs must be prominently displayed indicating the presence of CCTV and the recording of those transactions.
03. APPROVAL AUTHORITY
3.01 All security alarm systems and access control devices, except traditional key entry, must be approved by the Director of UPD and the Supervisor of Technical Services (Facilities Department) prior to purchase and installation. Written approval must be submitted with the purchase order request to the Purchasing Office.
03.02 All CCTV
systems designed for personal safety purposes must be approved by the Director
of UPD and the President's Cabinet prior to purchase and installation. In new
structure planning, all security alarm systems & access control devices
must be approved by the Director of UPD and the Supervisor of Technical
Services prior to approval of final construction plans. Written approval must be submitted
with the purchase order request to the Purchasing Office.
04. PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING NEW INSTALLATION
04.01 Persons desiring security alarm systems should consult with either the Supervisor of Technical Services or the Director of UPD to determine the most effective system to accomplish their objectives.
04.02 Thirty (30) days prior to purchase and installation of any security alarm system, individuals desiring those systems must present to the Director of UPD and the Supervisor of Technical Services a detailed proposal including floor plans identifying the site to be protected. The proposal must describe the purpose of the system and identify the proposed hardware and location of all sensors or trip devices.
04.03 Within ten (10) business days of receipt of a security alarm system proposal, the Director of UPD and the Supervisor of Technical Services shall approve, disapprove, or recommend modifications or alternatives.
04.04 Upon approval of the purchase and installation of a security alarm system, the Director of UPD shall give written notification to the Director for Procurement Services so that processing of purchase orders may proceed.
04.05
Exceptions:
Anyone faced with a unique situation pertaining to purchase and installation of security alarm systems may request an exception, in writing, from the Director of UPD. Upon concurrence of the Supervisor of Technical Services, an exception may be approved and Purchasing so notified.
04.06
Alarm System Specifications and
Monitoring
a. Technical
specifications of hardware for security alarm systems must be approved by the
Supervisor of Technical Services prior to purchase and installation.
b. Stand-alone
alarm systems (those not reporting to UPD) are prohibited.
c. Upon
installation of an alarm system to be monitored, the requesting department will
provide account information to the UPD for the payment of monthly monitoring
fees.
04.07 Monitoring and Maintenance Fees
a. Intrusion
alarms monitored by UPD require a monthly monitoring fee. These fees will be
used to support the personnel costs associated with monitoring security alarm
systems. The monthly monitoring fee is $30.
b. Monthly
monitoring fees must be approved by President's Cabinet.
04.08
False Alarms
a. If there
are five (5) false alarms within any sixty (60) day period due to user error,
the Director of UPD and the Supervisor of Technical Services will work with the
affected department users with regard to system use. If design and
configuration is determined to be the reason for false alarms, redesign and
configuration will be effected.
b. If, after
retraining and reconfiguration, an additional five (5) false alarms are
encountered within the next one hundred twenty (120) days, the system will be
considered counterproductive to the interests of Texas State and be deactivated.
05.
REVIEWERS OF THIS UPPS
05.01 Reviewers of this UPPS include the following:
Position Date
Mr. Ralph Meyer May 1 E2Y
Director,
University Police Dept.
Mr. Douglas Bynum May 1 E2Y
Supervisor, Technical Services
Mr. Richard Gartman May
1 E2Y
Director, Risk Management & Safety
Mr. Pat Fogarty May 1 E2Y
Associate Vice President for Facilities
Mr. Martin Thomen May
1 E2Y
Interim Director,
Procurement Services
06. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
This
UPPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official
capacities and represents Texas State policy and
procedure from the date of this document until superseded.
Mr.
Ralph C. Meyer, Director, University Police
Department; senior reviewer of this UPPS
Dr.
Joanne Smith, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr.
James D. Studer, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr.
Denise M. Trauth, President