Bermuda Security Group, which includes Bermuda Central Station and Island Wide Security companies, is featured in the December issue of security trade journal, Access Control & Security Systems Integration.

The article highlights how access control cards have become a popular security solution here, and how BSG has sold or installed, and centrally monitors, most of the 28 major commercial facilities within the City of Hamilton.

The two page spread details how Island Wide Security /Bermuda Central Station monitors about 800 burglar alarms and 600 fire alarm systems, as well as several closed circuit television systems.

Island Wide also provides electronic article surveillance systems to Hamilton's 10 largest retailers.

The magazine reports how, "More than 4,500 employees carry access control cards.'' BSG president, William A. Black, tells how "problems with the Island's teenagers and young adults, usually on weekends, brought about the need for an access control system'' at the 350-bed King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

He said, "When one of their friends is injured and taken to the hospital for treatment, all of them try to come into the room at the same time, and that was causing some major problems for the medical staff.'' The magazine said, "About 40 card readers are used to protect sensitive areas, such as the intensive care unit, pharmacy and operating theatres -- areas where the public is not welcome.

"At midnight, the system automatically locks exterior perimeter doors and reopens them at 6am. The entrance to the emergency room remains open 24 hours a day.'' Other institutions designated as significant users of card-based security systems include the Bermuda College, with some 2,000 students and 230 faculty and staff, telecommunications giant, Cable & Wireless and Bacardi Ltd., world headquarters for Bacardi Rum.

BUSINESS BUC