Mercyhurst nets federal grant to increase campus safety

Mercyhurst University has received federal funding to support security projects designed to enhance the safety of students and staff.

Plans call for replacement of the university’s video management system, the addition of recording equipment for the video system, and a complete overhaul of the key card system on campus. Mercyhurst’s project is one of 46 funded across Pennsylvania through Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA); it received the maximum award of $150,000.

“Selection for this grant ensures Mercyhurst will remain at pace with the best technology to provide a safe and secure campus for our students and our Mercyhurst community,” said John Patterson, director of Protective Services.

Patterson said the university’s systems are aging and in need of replacement, starting with the video management system, which he noted is the most important tool allowing real-time monitoring and helps investigators to return to scenes as needed. The new system will feature state-of-the-art software to quickly access information.

The addition of recording equipment will enhance the quality of images and increase storage time from 30 to 60 days. Per best practice, Patterson said, Mercyhurst needs to be able to store images for 60 days, particularly when collaborating with other agencies.

Finally, the current key card system controls access to 38 buildings on campus; however, new technology will allow for expanding the system to new buildings and for retrofitting those that do not have key card access. The upgrade will be seamless, and end-users will see no changes, Patterson assured.

The goal of the funding, according to DHS/FEMA, is “to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies."

In addition to Patterson, project implementation will be supported by Mercyhurst Police Chief Donald Fuhrmann and Barry Nuhfer, Protective Services coordinator.

Patterson said the project is expected to be completed by the end of September.