Information Technology

To enhance protection of university assets and facilities, OU Police maintains a computer based alarm monitoring system located centrally in the police department. Connection to the system will provide direct reporting to the 911 communications center through the Operations Division wherein the appropriate response will be initiated.

New alarm systems and/or upgrades of existing systems must be compatible with technology and systems currently in use. Non-compatible systems and systems not authorized by IT will not be monitored.

Alarm systems are governed by Administrative Policy 675.

I'm interested in adding intrusion, panic and/or hold up alarms to my area. What do I need to do?

To begin the process, submit an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the following information:

• Your name
• Your department name
• Office number/location
• Your phone number
• Best time to call (if other than business hours)
• Describe the general area you would like to protect

IT will contact you to set up a time to discuss your alarm needs.

What happens next?

There are several steps to completing an alarm project. They are:

Assessment. The first step is establishing the type of security that is needed for an area. Each security solution is unique for each circumstance, no single solution works for everything. A security assessment involves a tour of your facility, suite or room. We will provide you with feedback and general recommendations on what types of security may be necessary for your facility.

Site Survey. A Site Survey determines the type of equipment necessary for the security goals desired. A comprehensive evaluation of the physical site as well as discussion of your needs for the operation will occur resulting in general hardware requirements like the need for motion detectors, door contacts, glass break sensors, screen cutting sensors and/or hold up alarm buttons. It can take up to three weeks to complete the site survey.

Cost Evaluation. After the survey, a preliminary cost evaluation will be completed by IT. Once complete, a quote will be forwarded to you for review. If approved, a fund number is required to proceed with the installation.

Installation. Once a decision is made to proceed, a timeline for installation and expected completion will be provided. These times vary according to the size and scope of the project as well as existing projects already in queue. During the installation phase, an authorized contact must be appointed. Authorized contacts are responsible for allowing access to the area during construction.

Integration. Once the system is installed, it will need to be programmed and added to the campus alarm system. Also during integration, a list of authorized alarm users will be established and four digit PINs will be issued for users to arm and disarm the system. Alarm administrator(s) will be appointed and will be the only individuals authorized to make changes to the alarm system. A minimum of two after hours emergency contacts will be appointed should the police need to contact someone outside of normal business hours.

Training. After integration, all authorized users will be trained in the use of the system.

Determine Alarm System Administrators (ASA). Each intrusion alarm system must have at least one Alarm System Administrator (ASA). ASA's are the only individuals authorized to make changes to the alarm system(s) for which they are assigned. ASA's must be faculty or staff members and cannot be students.

Live. After training, the system will be considered live. It is the responsibility of the ASA's to notify OU Police IT of changes to authorized users or after-hours emergency contacts.

How do I add an authorized user to my alarm system?

Alarm System Administrators (ASA) can add and delete authorized users from their alarm system by submitting a email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the name and email address of each person you would like to add or delete. IT will contact each person directly to set up their PIN.

How do I change my PIN?

Submit a email to [email protected]. The Support Services Office will notify you once the change is made.

Why can't I choose my own PIN?

To enhance security, OU Police no longer allows multiple people to use the same PIN even if they are associated with different alarm systems on campus. Due to the vast number of alarm system users, it is nearly impossible to accommodate personalized PIN requests.

I work in an area with an alarm system, but I don't know how to use it. What should I do?

You can reference our YouTube video or contact the Support Services office at (248) 370-3407 for any questions you may have.

What is an Alarm System Administrator (ASA)?

Each intrusion alarm system must have at least one Alarm System Administrator (ASA). ASA's are the only individuals authorized to make changes to the alarm system(s) for which they are assigned. ASA's must be faculty or staff members and cannot be students.

ASA's are an integral part of maintaining the integrity of the OU intrusion alarm system. They are responsible for:

• Notifying IT of new users authorized to access an alarmed area.
• Notifying IT when user access should be revoked. This includes revoking access when someone retires, leaves the university, transfers to another department, etc.
• Notifying IT of any system problems.
• Appointing a minimum of two after-hours emergency contacts for the alarmed area. ASA's may serve as after-hours contacts but are not required to.
• Assisting with training users of the alarm system.
• Ensuring the alarm system is used regularly.

If you have any questions about ASA responsibilities, please contact Support Services.

I'm an ASA and I need to update my information or the information of my after-hours contacts. How do I do that?

Submit a email to [email protected]. Support Services will notify you once the change is made.

There is a problem with my alarm system. What do I do?

If you are experiencing trouble with your alarm system, please report it to your Alarm System Administrator (ASA). If you are an ASA and would like to report trouble with your alarm system, submit a email to [email protected].

Due to the constant and swift progression of the security device market, OU Police no longer publishes security system standards.  We now tailor solutions on a project-by-project basis using the preferred products at the time of design.

If you are involved in a new construction or renovation project on campus that includes surveillance cameras, emergency phones, intrusion/duress alarms, or mass notification, please contact us at 248-370-3407 or by email at [email protected], and an IT team member will be assigned to your project.

Security devices not approved by OU Police IT staff will not be integrated into campus security systems or monitored by the police department.

In an effort to deter crime and to assist the police department and the university in protecting the safety and property of the university community, OU Police maintains a campus wide video surveillance network with state of the art cameras and recording devices.

New video surveillance systems and/or upgrades of existing systems must be compatible with technology and systems currently in use. Non-compatible systems and systems not authorized by the OUPD will not be monitored.

Video surveillance systems are governed by Administrative Policy 674.

I'm interested in adding cameras to my area. What do I need to do?

To begin the process, submit a request online through [email protected]. Be sure to include the following information:

• Your name
• Your department name
• Office number/location
• Your phone number
• Best time to call (if other than business hours)
• Describe the general area you would like to cover with cameras

IT will contact you to set up a time to discuss your surveillance needs.

What happens next?

There are several steps to completing a camera project. They are:

Assessment. The first step is establishing the type of security that is needed for an area. Each security solution is unique for each circumstance, no single solution works for everything. A security assessment involves a tour of your facility, suite or room. We will provide you with feedback and general recommendations on what types of security may be necessary for your facility.

Site Survey. A Site Survey determines the type of equipment necessary for the security goals desired. A comprehensive evaluation of the physical site as well as discussion of your needs for the operation will occur resulting in general hardware requirements like the need for fixed position cameras, pan, tilt, zoom cameras, low light cameras or infrared cameras. It can take up to three weeks to complete the site survey.

Cost Evaluation. After the survey, a preliminary cost evaluation will be completed by OU Police IT. Once complete, a quote will be forwarded to you for review. If approved, a fund number is required to proceed with the installation.

Surveillance Review Panel Approval. All new requests for Surveillance Cameras must be submitted in writing to the panel (through the OUPD) for approval prior to purchase and/or installation. The Panel will review existing or new surveillance camera locations to ensure that the placement of fixed location surveillance cameras conforms to Administrative Policy 674.

Installation. Once a decision is made to proceed, a timeline for installation and expected completion will be provided. These times vary according to the size and scope of the project as well as existing projects already in the queue. During the installation phase, an authorized contact must be appointed. Authorized contacts are responsible for allowing access to the area during installation.

Integration.  Once the system is installed, it will need to be programmed and added to the campus surveillance system.

Training. After integration, all authorized users will be trained in the use of the system, if applicable.

Live. After training, the system will be considered live and recording of video will begin.