Florida International University (FIU)’s Suicide Intervention System

Enhancing Safety Protocols: Addressing Suicide Risks on Parking Garages

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of deaths in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,000 per year. There are twice as many suicides as homicides, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

FIU has recently launched a suicide intervention system with enabled real-time alert notifications at the parking garages of FIU's Modesto Maidique Campus (MMC). This intervention system is an advanced security system where AI-powered cameras proactively detect potential suicide risks in real-time, facilitating immediate intervention. The integration utilizes AXIS cameras equipped with Perimeter Defender that identify and respond to individuals loitering near programmed edges or crossing thresholds. Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras offer comprehensive monitoring and object recognition that automatically directs the cameras to the object within the designated zones. Notifications alert dispatch, triggering audible warnings, and enabling real-time monitoring for security personnel to assess situations and take prompt actions, if needed.

The technological solution is powered by Genetec's Security Desk platform. The system deployment was a collaboration between FIU and Miller Electric’s program experts. With internal management of installations, FIU retained full control over their infrastructure, allowing for customization, integration, and easy data management with internally hosted servers.

FIU has leveraged technology to help create a safer environment for its community, directing the development of a versatile suicide intervention system that seamlessly integrates with its rooftop security infrastructure. By incorporating this suicide intervention system into our existing security framework, FIU aims to proactively identify and address potential risks, thereby enhancing campus safety comprehensively.

Strengths of the system

1.    Live Visual Confirmation – This feature allows authorized personnel to receive alerts in real-time. Combining automated alerts with human checks ensures a thorough and dependable response.

2.    Responsive Threat Management – In the instance of an alert, we can quickly respond to a designated location. In case of an alert, we promptly react to a specified location, facilitating swift responses and decision-making.

3.    Dynamic Tracking – Our cameras offer a complete view of the monitored area. This lets us follow people and moving objects easily, so nothing goes unnoticed.

4.    Improved Resource Use and Knowing What's Happening – We can quickly direct staff where needed. It helps increase our awareness and improve response time.

5.    Easy to Upgrade and Work with Other Systems – Our system easily fits in with other security setups, making it more effective and easier to use. It is simple to deploy and can be continuously enhanced.

6.    Looking Back on Incidents – Watching recorded videos helps us learn from what happened and improve our safety plans for next time.

By integrating technology into campus safety measures, institutions can implement advanced security systems such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and emergency notification systems bolstering the overall safety protocols, making campuses more secure for students, faculty, and staff.​ Technology-enabled safety measures facilitate quicker responses to emergencies. Parking operators can increase overall safety by introducing proactive danger detection methods and complete security systems that integrate several components such as surveillance cameras and alert notifications.