Portland Community College Implements Advanced Security System Across 14 Campuses

Portland Community College (PCC), one of the Northwest's largest college systems, has successfully deployed an integrated security solution to protect over 26,000 students across 14 diverse campuses and learning centers in the Greater Portland metropolitan area. This implementation demonstrates how comprehensive cybersecurity measures protect educational institutions and their stakeholders.

Advanced Infrastructure Integration

The comprehensive security implementation, managed by AMAG Technology's Symmetry system, represents a significant advancement in campus safety infrastructure, handling access control for thousands of staff, students, and visitors while addressing unique security challenges at each location.

The security system's backbone consists of more than 100 Symmetry 2150 controllers and 800+ card readers, all connected through a fiber network to a central database at the Sylvania main campus. David Squier, PCC's Electronic Security Systems Department Administrator, explains that some facilities rival shopping malls in size, requiring sophisticated security deployments across multiple control centers.

"We have fiber connecting every campus and center," says Squier. "The system allows us to manage complex access requirements across buildings that can be massive, with controls spread across five or six different closets." The implementation includes advanced wireless network security protocols to ensure data protection across all facilities.

Dynamic Access Management System

James Moir, PCC's Public Safety Department Access Control Specialist, oversees access privileges for approximately 3,800 personnel, including:

• Full-time employees
• Casual employees
• Term employees
• Student workers
• Adjunct professors
• Vendors and contractors

The system enables precise access control programming, allowing administrators to set specific date and time permissions for different user groups. This flexibility proves particularly valuable when managing shared spaces, such as facilities used by Oregon state government service divisions.

Enhanced Campus Safety Protocols

The security implementation has enhanced PCC's ability to:

• Respond to emergencies through features like "Executive Command" for law enforcement access
• Generate compliance reports for federally-funded departments
• Maintain security during holiday breaks while accommodating different tenant schedules
• Investigate security incidents using the "Card Watch" function

"We serve the community, and we want these people to have a safe place," Squier emphasizes. "It's important that students can focus on studying and learning more than worrying about security."

The college has also implemented secure BYOD policies for mobile device management, ensuring comprehensive protection across all digital platforms. For more information about campus security systems, visit the National Campus Safety and Security Project.