INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEMS PROGRAM

The UW Oshkosh Police Department monitors thirteen campus facilities securing cash, computers, artwork, retail, other high value items and controlled access, with an integrated security system monitored 24 hours daily.

The system is monitored by UW Oshkosh Police Officers, a Police Communications Officer and Community Service Officers through a system of alarms, sensors, and electronic devices which report to a central receiver located at the University Police Department. This system is augmented by facility building checks conducted by the police officers.

When an intrusion alarm is received at the central receiver UW Oshkosh Police Department officers respond to the facility. Oshkosh Police Department officers are requested to respond as well to assist University officers in checking the premises and engaging intruders. The UW Oshkosh Police officer then completes any required follow-up report, arrests, or investigation.

To keep abreast of needed alarm system updates and to make recommendations for improving our system UW Oshkosh Police Officer Trent Morgan was assigned as the department alarm specialist in August of 1997. Officer Trent Morgan is a Field Training Officer and conducts alarm training with employees of alarmed facilities and the officers. The training has resulted in increased safety for the officers and employees and reduced false alarms.

Officer Morgan’s duties include control of access codes, maintaining department records, monitoring the maintenance contract and conducting on-site surveys to determine areas in which existing countermeasures do not adequately address the threat or vulnerability of a facility. Officer Morgan makes recommendations to the facility director, Police Chief, and the alarm vendor to insure upgrades are completed in a timely manner. This program has resulted in a reduction of false alarms and better control and safety of alarm premises.

Every year since 1997 there has been a continued reduction in false alarms. 2000 also realized a continued reduction in false alarms, the lowest in 9 years. This is attributed to the completion of the more “user friendly and reliable” upgrade in the alarm systems and increased training of employees and officers.

1999 saw the installation of a card access system at Reeve Memorial Union to improve after hours security and access control. Officers respond to door alarms, mostly a result of employees and vendors propping the access doors open.