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Duress Credential Alarm Configuration

Introduction​

The Duress Credential Functionality transforms an ordinary credential into a crucial safety tool, acting as a duress alarm or event. It's designed for situations where discreet and immediate notification is necessary, such as during forceful overruns, protests, or other emergencies where accessing a traditional alarm button is not feasible.

Overview​

By presenting a credential to a reader, the duress functionality silently notifies a predefined group, triggering a series of automated responses. This feature enhances emergency protocols by allowing silent, yet effective communication during critical situations.

How It Works​

High-Level Functionality​

  • Any individual in the BluSKY database can have their credential tagged with a special duress flag.

  • When this flagged credential is presented to a reader, a duress alarm is automatically generated.

  • This alarm can initiate various actions:

  • Sending notifications to a distribution group.

  • Shutting down parts of a facility.

  • Activating and recording from cameras.

  • Triggering strobes.

  • Other actions defined in the BluSKY rules and notification engines.

Setting Up Duress Functionality​
  1. Define Alarm Actions:
  • In the facility tab, choose the desired response for a duress card activation.
  • Options include Inherit From System, Do Nothing, Create Events, Create Alarms and setting up alarms with Priority Level, Color and Sound.

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  1. Assigning Duress Flags to Personnel:
  • Navigate to a person's record and access the credential tab.
  • Add the duress flag to the desired credential under the special flags section.
  • Save the changes to activate duress functionality for that credential.

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  1. Notification Templates:
  • Set up a notification template or use an existing alarm template.
  • This step is crucial for sending out notifications when a duress alarm is triggered.

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  1. Creating Rules:
  • Define rules to specify actions upon a duress alarm.
  • These can include notifications, video recording, strobe activation, building lockdown, etc.
  • Rules can be tailored for all readers or specific ones.

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Response to Duress Alarms​

  • Upon activation, duress alarms are displayed in the alarm or event screen, depending on their configuration.
  • The display priority corresponds to the pre-set alarm or event priority.

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Conclusion​

The Duress Credential Functionality is a vital component of BluSKY's security framework, offering silent yet powerful emergency response options. Proper setup and understanding of this functionality ensure a robust and responsive security system.