GCSU to tech up call boxes

     SGA and Public Safety are currently looking into installing new software on existing campus emergency call boxes in addition to installing new lighting and call boxes between the residence halls and the Irwin Street lot.
     The new program would oversee all the call boxes and make Public Safety immediately aware of any malfunctions, rather than the boxes simply being checked manually.
     According to Kevin Murner, associate director for operations and maintenance, the emergency call boxes on GCSU’s campus are manufactured by Ramtel Corporation. The new software, called Reliance Software, is also manufactured by Ramtel.
     “They have come up with a software program that will test the system out on a daily basis,” said Murner. “It will not only test the system out, it will also generate an e-mail to a work control site with any problems that it will find on its diagnostics of the system. It will have the capability of paging any qualified staff that is responsible for ensuring that these systems work.”
     According to Murner, there are 50 call boxes on campus, and GCSU does not have enough staff to make sure they are all constantly functioning properly.
     “As of right now (the call boxes) are checked on an as needed basis,” said Wes Ransom, SGA senator.“They check them as problems are reported by Public Safety. Also, Public Safety officers check them routinely on their shifts.”
     Currently, the idea is still in the stages of getting approved. SGA is unsure if the purchasing $3000 software and the extra fees to have the boxes updated is even possible, according to Ransom.
     “If we can’t get the program purchased, then we are going to at the minimum, set up a regular maintenance schedule for the call boxes,” said Ransom. “That’s something we’re working on that as a back-up plan if the program is unavailable for us.”
     Many students complain that walking back from the Irwin Street lot, especially at night, can be dangerous as there are no crosswalks, street lights or emergency call boxes.
School officials and SGA recognize this problem and are actively searching out new ways to make students feel more comfortable. 
     “We (are) currently working on estimates to install call boxes between Irwin Street parking lot and Parkhust Hall,” said Murner.
     Irwin Street has an emergency call box, video surveillance, and a security gate. The gate, which at one point had a broken piece of equipment, is now functioning. This means that after about 6 p.m. only those with a bobcat card will be granted access, according to Ransom.
     The Reliance Software is currently being tested out at Providence University and will not be available elsewhere until next week, according to Murner.
     Ransom feels that the software will help maintain the call boxes so students can feel safe on campus.
     “Just so that it would give security in knowing that we would always know if there were any problems with (the call boxes),” Ransom said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 14 2008. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry