Holy Cross School in Rumson, NJ sought to implement an integrated security system during a $4 million renovation and expansion. IT Initiatives designed a solution including access control, video surveillance, and monitoring systems. High resolution cameras were strategically placed inside and outside to monitor and track visitors. An access control system with proximity readers at all entry/exit points monitored doors and reported intrusions. Automated scheduling allowed administrators to specify door access times to eliminate user error. The resulting system provided one of the most innovative and integrated security solutions available to protect students while avoiding an overprotective atmosphere.

1. Security Solution Profile
Client:
Holy Cross School
Rumson, NJ
The Client
At Holy Cross, Rumson, NJ, nothing is more important than
the children who walk the halls. When it came time to plan for
their new four million dollar addition and renovation, Holy
Cross seeked the assistance of IT Initiatives. Planning for secu-
rity was an important attribute of the new construction project
where Holy Cross seeked an integrated access control system,
as well as a campus-wide video surveillance system.
Design Methodology
Designing security solutions for academic institutions is no simple task. With many parents, contractors and
guests entering the facility throughout the day, visitor management and tracking becomes an important element
when designing a successful system.
At Holy Cross, the system concept includes not only recording every location of interest throughout the
campus, but also areas of significance on the perimeter. High resolution cameras, functioning even in low light
conditions, were strategically placed throughout the campus. A full site surveillance grid was implemented;
meaning visitors or persons of interest could be tracked as soon they stepped foot on the campus. Recording of
video was accomplished via a massive digital recording system, with a variety of outstanding functionalities for
viewing and evaluating camera data.
From a design concept, the goal is to keep intruders out of the facility; preventing potential intrusion. This was
accomplished by the implementation of a full-campus access control solution. Proximity readers were strategically
placed at all primary entry/exit locations throughout the campus. To prevent intrusion or doors being kept
ajar, each and every door in the facility was monitored for door status. Door alarms were installed to ensure
intrusions were reported locally and at monitoring stations throughout the campus.
At IT Initiatives, we believe in
designing surveillance systems not
only for reviewing incidents that
occurred in the past, but also using the
technology to prevent from ever
happening. In multiple locations
throughout the campus at Holy Cross,
surveillance monitors were placed and
are monitored by a variety of staff
members. This functionality was
beneficial, allowing administrators and
other personnel to have an
One of the many monitoring locations, providing images from each camera, as
instantaneous virtual view of the entire
well as the door status and alarms from each door throughout the facility.
campus.

2. Access Control
The elimination of the disbursement and copying of keys was of great
concern to the Holy Cross administration. This issue was eliminated
with the deployment of the access control solution. Not only were
they able to select, on an individual basis, who could access a specific
location, on a specific day and during a specific time period, but also
empowered with the ability to terminate access immediately if
required. In addition, reporting capabilities allowed the school to
quickly and efficiently monitor access to the facility. All incoming
and outgoing people were also monitored by the video surveillance
system, providing an image each time a door was opened or closed.
Automated Scheduling
The locking and unlocking of doors is always a problem in schools.
This process relies heavily on a variety of people remembering to
take the time to lock doors when they finish using a specific facility.
The access control system eliminated this issue, by automating
scheduling. This allows administrators to specify, on an individual
access location basis, when a door is scheduled to open and lock.
The system also provides the school with visual images of opened,
closed or propped doors. The automted scheduling system
eliminatedsuser error associated with coaches, groups and
organizations neglecting to secure the facility at the completion of
their event.
The Result
Holy Cross School today stands among the elite schools with
advanced technology; with one of the most innovative, integrated
security systems available. With a state-of-the-art video
surveillance and integrated access control solution, the school is
empowered with the ability to protect and secure their children.
In addition, intrusion prevention technologies decrease the
probability of intrusion by unauthorized persons, protecting both
people and assets. Through proper design, the system protects
those within the building, while not creating the “Fort
Knox”atmosphere, or a sense of discomfort and overprotection.
Discrete technologies protect the children, the primary goal of
any school security solution.
IT Initiatives is a leader in the technology consulting field, providing
designed, integrated solutions.
Network Infrastructure and Computing Systems
Audio/Video Consulting
Access Control, Video Surveillance, Intrusion Detection Consulting
Telephony and Structured Cabling Design
4400 Route 9 South | Suite 2500 | Freehold NJ 07728 | V. 732.414.4500 | www.itinitiatives.com