* About: Physical security systems


Service overview | Who can use it | How to request & access | Cost | Availability | FAQ | Best practices | Training & documentation | Support

Service overview

IT Services, in conjunction with McGill's Security Services, delivers and maintains a centralized security system for both the downtown and Macdonald campuses. The LENEL OnGuard system covers most aspects of physical security, from the generation of staff and student ID badges to access levels and intrusion alarms. Genetec VMS (Video Management System) provides video surveillance in critical and sensitive areas and is integrated into the OnGuard platform.

IT Services is responsible for the deployment and maintenance of security installations on both platforms, including:

Security Services (Downtown and Macdonald campuses) manages card reader access, monitors alarms, and arranges response protocols with end users. Security Services will also perform security surveys for departments interested in evaluating their vulnerability to unauthorized access and criminal activity. 

Special programs are developed by IT Services and managed by Security Services to ensure that students registered in certain faculties, programs, or courses are automatically granted access rights to the associated labs and buildings they may need during a semester.

Similarly, students in residence buildings are automatically provided access to their dormitories for the duration of the leases of their rooms.

A new staff or student can have their ID badge generated within 24 hours. Access privileges can be revoked when students or staff members depart from McGill.

Human Resources, the School of Continuing Studies, Enrollment Services, and Security Services control ID Carding. There are five permanent carding centres:

Access to restricted areas: Card readers control access to many building areas and rooms. For more information, including a list of who to contact to get access to a restricted area, visit the Campus Public Safety, Security Services Access Control webpage.


Who can use the service

Surveillance and Security Systems applies to all McGill community students, faculty, and staff. Department administrators may request installation and maintenance of new security systems or components.


How to request, access the service

To request a security device, you must apply through Security Services. They will evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution for your area. No security device connected to the LENEL OnGuard or Genetec VMS can be installed without their approval.

All requests for information or new device installations can be addressed to Security Services:

 


Cost

Pricing is available when you submit a security device request or are covered as part of a project request under Facilities Management and Ancillary Services.

Prices for new installations include a maintenance fee to cover any post-warranty labour for maintenance on systems installed by IT Services. There are no monthly fees associated with any of the IT security installations.

See the Service Level Commitment on the Security Services web page for additional cost information.


Availability

The OnGuard security system is active 24 X 7 except during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance:

IT Services provides 24 X 7 emergency support in cases where a building perimeter door is unsecure. We do not provide 24-hour support for any reader within a secured building. These are handled the next business day.


FAQs

How do I reset or change the password on an Intrusion Alarm Panel?

Security Services is responsible for the management of intrusion alarm panels. They can reset the password and train administrators to manage their panel passwords. See the How to request section for contact information, or visit their website for more information on the Intrusion Alarm System.

How do I report a security break-in?

Check the Report an incident section of the Campus Public Safety website for information.

Who do I contact to gain access to a room?

Designated Area Access Managers can grant access to rooms under their control.

 

More details on security devices can be found on the Campus Public Safety website.


Best practices


Training & documentation

Security Services provides personal training on intrusion alarm systems and Video Viewer applications when these systems are installed. They provide Area Access Manager training and are also responsible for providing reports to system users.


Support

For information and new security service requests, see the How to Request/Access section above.

To report emergencies (break-ins, fires, chemical spills), call Campus Public Safety at 514-398-3000.

To report malfunctions of the OnGuard central security system, contact Security Services.