NCJ Number
197611
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 10 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 16,17,40
Editor(s)
Tom Nelson
Date Published
October 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This case study examined the planning and essential elements involved in building an integrated emergency communications system on a campus environment in Denver, Colorado.
Abstract
A campus-wide, available and accessible emergency communication system can assist campuses across the country in reducing personal and property crime. However, scarce financial resources force colleges and universities to set priorities and put a long-term program in place, with completion over a period of time. Facilities must determine their priorities and rank them accordingly. Do they want an elevator communication upgrade or emergency communication inside classrooms and laboratory buildings? This article presents a case study of the Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver, Colorado, and its planning and building of an integrated, ADA-compliant emergency communication system serving the needs of the campus. Auraria is an urban college serving full-time resident students with both day and evening classes. Auraria determined their first need was to address security with the various buildings on campus and installed more than 70 ADA-compliant hands-free emergency phones within campus buildings. The next communication problem addressed by Auraria was the elevator system on campus. Auraria installed ADA-compliant emergency phones in all elevators. Today, Auraria is examining how to approach the issue of emergency communications at each of the campus’ parking lots and garages. Suggestions have included towers with blue light/strobes, ADA-compliant phones, and wall-mounted emergency phones. Over time, Auraria has built an integrated emergency communication system that continues to move forward and review new or additional needs.