Sharp Communication was instrumental in the design, installation and maintenance of this high tech security system. The largest of its kind, this unique system quickly became a nationwide industry model, and, evolving over the years, continues to save local taxpayers thousands of dollars annually. We provided ongoing service and maintenance for several years.

One of our most noteworthy achievements, developing the complex network involved incorporating 44 separate locations across the city, all communicating with a separate central location.

It started when, over a three year period, the Huntsville City Schools suffered $6 million dollars in fire, theft and damage losses, and were becoming uninsurable. With over forty schools and a half billion dollars in fixed assets, something needed to be done. The system was designed to include microwave transmitters that would feed both visual and aural information, video and data transmission. A number of video cameras, sound sensors and intrusion detection devices were installed, with signals demodulated and connected to a computer system or video monitors in the Security Central office.

The cameras in a given building are sequentially switched so that every few seconds a different section of the building is being viewed. time lapse video recorders are utilized at Central to constantly record the sequential cameras at the different buildings at different times.

This system has a number of other functions valuable to a school system:

• Access Control: Cards are issued only to key administrators and maintenance personnel. The system includes a master magnetic lock system for each building which allows Security Central to lock or unlock selected exterior doors from the Central Control Site. All other doors are locked from the inside. Since all personnel having access to the building use their cards to enter and leave, this also provides a form of time and attendance check for custodial, support and patrol personnel.
• Early Warning: Along with other data, boiler and cooler temperatures can be monitored to provide an early warning of any malfunctions.
• Motion Detectors: Passive infrared devices are utilized to detect motion in high risk areas such as computer rooms, AV storage areas and kitchens.
• Fire Safety: As a backup to the fire alarm at each shool, the security system monitors each alarm point on a 24-hour basis. This insures continued monitoring and additional notification when necessary.
• Limited Access: Keys and locks have been standardized throughout the school system so that buildings can be compartmentalized to limit access to specific areas of the building.
• Additional Surveillance: Exterior cameras are in place that can be remotely control from Central. These cameras provide additional security for parking lots, especially when extra-curricular activities are going on at night. Monitors have been installed in high school principals' offices enabling principals to view areas and quickly head off any problems that may arise.

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