Schlage Secures Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College is the sixth largest college or university in Texas. Founded in 1965, it has expanded from a single campus to an institution that soon will encompass six facilities serving more than 50,000 students in the Fort Worth area. With Tarrant’s growth outpacing its existing key system, the college knew it needed an entirely new system to handle its 10,000+ doors.

In addition to its primary goal of providing personal security for its students, staff and visitors, the college needs to secure computer laboratories and other technical facilities that often contain high-value items. For example, the nursing school includes state-of-the-art operating rooms and has $200,000 in practice mannequins. Likewise, chemistry labs need to be secured when not in use to prevent potential misuse or abuse.

Desired Outcome

Tarrant had three specific goals in mind to enhance its security on all campuses:

• Upgrade and expand its key system.
• Develop an efficient way to manage and track keys and users.
• Upgrade its access control to improve security and prepare for future technology.

To ensure that solutions meet Tarrant’s high standards, the university tests all products thoroughly before deploying and standardizing throughout the campuses. Therefore, they also wanted a partner that would help them thoroughly evaluate the available hardware solutions.

Solutions

Updated Key System

Tarrant worked with Allegion to choose the Schlage^® Everest Primus XP key system, a large format interchangeable core system that is patent protected until 2024. By choosing a patent-protected keyway, the college eliminates the risk of unauthorized duplication since key blanks only can be obtained from the manufacturer – and only when authorized by the college.

Key Management System

Although electrified locks and card readers are used throughout Tarrant’s campuses, mechanical keys still play an important role in the access control plan. They are used extensively on non-critical interior doors as well as for an override of the electrified locks when necessary. To provide physical control of the keys used by maintenance staff, the college uses a cabinet that sends management an e-mail alert if a key is not returned when due.

According to Electronic Access Control Systems Manager Bob McCleary, the key system is structured so the police department needs only two keys to access any of the college’s buildings. One handles all the northern campuses while the other controls the southern campuses. Although access to most of the buildings normally is controlled by card access, the electrified locks can also be opened by an override key. In the event of a lockdown, for example, this ensures that the police can always enter the building.

Electrified Access Control

The college also chose the Schlage L9000 Series electrified mortise locks and Von Duprin^® 99 Series QEL electrified exit devices to secure all access-controlled doors. Additionally, their 1,400 card readers that control the electrified locks are being upgraded and replaced with aptiQ^™ multi-technology card readers. All new installations are using these readers as well.

The aptiQ readers are capable of interfacing with a magnetic stripe, proximity, smart card and most other credentials, providing flexibility for future changes or upgrades. The readers utilize an open architecture platform designed to work with industry standards and common access control systems. In addition, their single-gang styling and easy-to- connect wiring harness simplify installation.

To monitor the system, McCleary receives online data in his office that shows the status of every card reader. “You can see when they are online and locked or unlocked, the name of the door and whether it is open or closed,” McCleary explains.

Doors automatically unlock at a specified time for classes but can be locked remotely in an emergency. Many of the perimeter entries controlled by card readers and electrified locks also incorporate a camera that lets a staff member verify a visitor’s identity before unlocking remotely. In the event of a threat, this allows the staff to determine if a perpetrator is inside or outside of a building and quickly decide which doors need to be locked down.

The college’s first step into wireless access control will be when they remodel a newly acquired building. By using Schlage AD Series wireless electronic locks, they will be able to add access control more easily to doors where wiring isn’t currently installed.

Electrified locking in combination with a high-security key system provides the security the college needs to protect both people and property. Whether upgrading its key system or implementing electrified or wireless locks, the college is committed to utilizing the best solutions to accomplish their goals.

“We try to make the students and faculty feel more secure and confident that we have control of the situation, whatever it is,” McCleary emphasizes.