Enhancing Campus Safety Integrated Security
The University of Kentucky is one of the nation’s leading public research universities, serving nearly 39,000 students and 33,000 staff across a large and highly active campus in Lexington, Kentucky. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for this community — as well as for patients and daily visitors — is a critical responsibility of the University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD).
As the university continued to expand, UKPD faced growing challenges in managing its security technology. Over time, multiple systems had been deployed across campus, creating a fragmented environment with limited integration and scalability. Aging infrastructure and failures in key functions began to reduce visibility and operational efficiency, while the lack of interoperability increased the reliance on manual processes and manpower. These challenges made it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent security operations across such a dynamic campus.
A Strategic Approach to Modernizing Campus Security
To address these issues, the University of Kentucky recognized the need to modernize and unify its security infrastructure. The objective was to improve safety, streamline operations, and establish a scalable foundation that could support the university’s long-term growth. After evaluating potential providers, UKPD selected Securitas Technology as its preferred security integrator, based on its proven experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions, managing complex integrations, and providing long-term service and support.
Through close collaboration and on-site planning, Securitas Technology worked alongside UKPD to design and implement an integrated security solution tailored to the university’s needs. Access control across the campus was standardized using Lenel OnGuard Pro, enabling centralized management and rapid lockdown capabilities. Video surveillance was unified through the Salient Video Management System, providing enhanced situational awareness and a clearer, real-time view of campus activity. These systems were supported by Securitas Technology’s Advanced Managed Services, along with an embedded technician working on-site as an extension of the university’s team.
Enhancing the Campus Experience Through Mobile Access and Automation
A key milestone in the project was the rollout of UK Wildcard Mobile, which allows students to use their smartphones to access campus facilities such as residence halls, classrooms, fitness centers, and dining services. This innovation improved the user experience while reducing dependence on physical ID cards. Custom system integrations were also developed to automate access control and scheduling, significantly reducing manual effort and improving accuracy for administrators.
Key security technology deployments included:
Nearly 4,000 camera streams managed through a centralized video management system
More than 100 buildings enabled with rapid lockdown capability
Over 10,000 access control points deployed across campus
A dedicated embedded Securitas Technology technician supporting daily operations on-site
Today, the partnership between the University of Kentucky and Securitas Technology has resulted in a safer, more efficient, and more connected campus environment. Security operations are streamlined, systems are scalable, and ongoing monitoring ensures long-term reliability and performance.
As Joe Monroe, Chief of Police for the University of Kentucky Police Department, explains: “At the University of Kentucky, we view Securitas Technology not simply as a vendor, but as a trusted partner with a proven track record of success. Their role as our preferred security integrator has been vital to our mission, and we cannot overstate the value of working together in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.”
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