EFFECTIVENESS OF SECURITY SYSTEMS IN TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effectiveness of security systems in tertiary educational institutions with particular emphasis on access control systems, using the case studies of National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management of University (SMU). Questionnaires were given out to students from NUS and SMU to find out the respondents’ opinions, knowledge of the current security system used in school campuses and their views on it. In addition, questions were asked to seek the response of the respondents on the possibility of introducing biometric systems as part of their access control system. Surveys were also conducted with NUS students from different halls/residences which employ different security systems to explore the users’ state of security feeling experienced in hall. The relationship between security systems and state of security feeling was identified as well. Furthermore, an interview with Director of National University of Singapore’s Office of Campus Security highlighted the types of crimes that are most vulnerable to NUS. An email interview was also conducted with an experienced security engineer to find out about the advantages and disadvantages of various security systems. Case studies on NUS and SMU were carried out to compare the difference in security systems that can be seen and observed from a student’s point of view. Recommendations provided were shaped according to the survey analysis, experts and professionals’ opinions and the two case studies. It can be concluded that students in tertiary educational institutional in Singapore generally feel secure in their school campus even though 76.7% of respondents from the survey conducted stated that they have encountered, witnessed or heard of crimes that took place in their halls/residences. Data collected show that the visibility and external appearance of the security system have a direct impact on the feeling of security experienced by people.