Due to problems that have left several bluelight phones throughout campus functioning incorrectly or not at all, the University is replacing old phones with a new, more reliable intercom system.
Currently, 19 of the emergency phones on campus have been upgraded, while plans are in the works for the rest of the phones to be replaced as soon as possible. The exact total cost of the replacement hasn't been named, though the project is said to be fairly expensive and somewhere in the range of $50,000.
The older security phones have been reported as being highly unreliable, and have suffered from a variety of problems including premature disconnection, non-operative sirens and beacons, and general transmission failures. Currently, about 10 of the bluelight phones on campus are not functioning correctly.
Robert Geldmacher, Hopkins' Telecommunications Operations director, explained that the older phones had "aging technology" and that they had been battered by the rough weather that frequently appears in Baltimore.
Geldmacher added that any electronics lose some amount of reliability with age, but especially those subjected to constant temperature extremes, ice, rain and electrical storms.
The new system includes intercoms completely separate from the on-campus phone network currently in operation. Along with its independence from the phone system, the intercoms will also be powered by a separate generator.
"[The] biggest improvement is that it's a separate system from the telephone system, powered by a separate unit, so that if [the campus] were to lose power, the emergency intercoms would still be operational," Geldmacher said.
Sirens and flashing beacons on each unit will also be inspected to ensure that they are working properly. Any of these systems that are found to be inoperable or damaged will be fixed or replaced immediately so that the system as a whole can be up and running quickly.
While they aren't responsible for the technical functioning of the system, Hopkins Security is on the receiving end of the emergency calls that go through the new system, and is the primary responding unit to the system.
Hopkins Security Lt. George Kibler commented that Director Mullen had "strongly advocated maintaining a one hundred-percent reliable system," and that he and his fellow security officers were most concerned that the system was dependable.
He added, "[We] are anxious to see the intercoms in place and fully tested ... They aren't always needed, but we want them there and ready if there is a need."
The system is intended to be fully operational for the start of the fall semester so that the new freshman class feels safe and comfortable on campus.
The upgrade of the phone system was addressed in a 15-point action plan that University President Brody outlined in late January in response to the death of senior Linda Trinh earlier this year.
Last week, Baltimore resident Donta Allen was arrested in connection with Trinh's murder. Hours later he confessed to having assaulted her, but not to killing her.
The plan stressed the safety and security of students and offered other new features such as an improved shuttle service, additional street lighting, higher security personnel presence and surveillance cameras.
Not all of these changes have been implemented, though the University is making progress. Earlier this week, the University completed the installation of closed-circuit cameras throughout campus. The cameras have been up and running since Monday.
