Case Study: Black Hills State University Enhances Campus Security with Convergint and Milestone Systems

In 2011, Black Hills State University (BHSU), located in South Dakota’s northern Black Hills region, identified a need for a centralized video security system to strengthen campus safety and streamline operations. Serving approximately 3,500 students, BHSU’s main campus in Spearfish and its satellite Rapid City location both lacked a unified security infrastructure. To address this challenge, BHSU partnered with Convergint and Milestone Systems, implementing an adaptable, open platform video management solution designed to support future growth.

BHSU required a comprehensive system to provide consistent security coverage across its 20-building complex and exterior grounds. This new system would need to accommodate cross-departmental access, unify security operations across multiple locations, and scale easily with the university’s anticipated growth.

Convergint worked alongside Milestone Systems and Axis Communications to design and install a robust, centralized video management system. Using Milestone’s XProtect open platform video management software (VMS), combined with 80 Axis network cameras, the deployment provided BHSU with:

• Unified Campus Coverage: Strategic camera placements across building interiors, common areas, parking lots, and other high-traffic zones ensure visibility and security at both Spearfish and Rapid City campuses.
• Cross-Departmental Access: Departments including Public Safety, IT, and Facilities gained secure access to the system, utilizing video data to support security, technical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
• Scalability for Future Expansion: The open platform allows for future integrations, including advanced analytics and additional cameras, adapting seamlessly as campus security needs evolve.

The new video management system provided BHSU with a streamlined, multi-departmental approach to campus safety. The system’s benefits include:

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Public Safety, IT, and Facilities teams now have streamlined access to the video network, supporting everything from investigations and maintenance to weather monitoring.
• Flexibility to Meet Future Needs: BHSU is prepared to add new technologies—including PTZ cameras, advanced analytics, and license plate recognition—to expand its security capabilities over time.

Looking ahead, BHSU continues to prioritize enhancements that maximize safety and operational effectiveness, such as:

• Expanding camera coverage in key areas to address blind spots.
• Upgrading existing equipment to high-definition and 360-degree cameras.
• Integrating mobile access, enabling security personnel to monitor video in real-time across campus.

Through its partnership with Convergint and Milestone Systems, Black Hills State University has established a scalable, resilient security infrastructure that supports the safety and operational needs of its community. By implementing an open, adaptable video management platform, BHSU is well-positioned to meet current demands while staying prepared for future technological advancements.