Handbook of Operating Procedures 8-1110
Security Alarm Systems
Effective August 17, 2026
Executive Sponsor: Executive Director of University Safety & Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Policy Owner: Senior Director of The Office of Emergency Management and Executive Director – Enterprise Technology Infrastructure
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin ("University") to manage all access control, electronic security, intrusion and alarms systems (collectively referred to as "Security Alarm Systems") to enhance the safety and security of University sites while maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and policies.
- Reason for Policy
To define authority for the development of responsibilities, policies, and procedures for deployment and operations of the University's Security Alarm Systems.
- Scope & Audience
This policy applies to all employees, students, official visitors, affiliates, and contractors with respect to use, installation, and operation of access control, electronic security, intrusion and alarms systems ("Security Alarm Systems") at The University of Texas at Austin, including the main campus, J. J. Pickle Research Campus (PRC) and other university owned and operated sites as appropriate.
This policy applies to
- all Security Alarm Systems;
- new spaces; and
existing spaces if the usage of the space has changed, the space is being renovated, Security Alarm Systems are being modified in the space, or the space otherwise has been identified as subject to this policy by the Information Security Office or Internal Audit.
This policy does not apply to these exclusions
fire protection and alarm systems;- university-owned vehicle alarms;
- building automation systems such as temperature controls; and
- parking or traffic control systems.
- Definitions (specific to this policy)
None
- Website (for policy)
https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=8-1110
- Contacts
Responsibilities & Procedures
- Security Alarm System Installation and Administration
All Security Alarm equipment must be installed by ET – EPSS group and/or their authorized contractors. In addition, all equipment must be tied into the main campus system and administered by the ET – EPSS group.
- Electronic Physical Security Systems Operations Manual (“Manual") (restricted access)
The Manual defines governance, roles, responsibilities, funding, minimum standards, and requirements for all University Security Alarm Systems.
- Requests for Alarm logs and information
- UTPD - Law Enforcement Requests
UTPD has the ability to access BACS logs without submitting an open records request or obtaining a subpoena. UTPD employees may only access or use logs for law enforcement purposes. To ensure compliance with this limitation, UTPD shall implement an auditable record-keeping process for BACS logs. This process must:
- Document who accessed the logs and when it occurred.
- Record the purpose behind this access (e.g., listing a case number or providing a descriptive notation).
An employee found to have accessed logs for non-law enforcement purposes will be subject to disciplinary action up to termination.
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Non - UTPD Law Enforcement Requests
All BACS logs, Alarm Logs, and all related UT-Video footage requested by any Non - UTPD law enforcement entity will require a lawful request (e.g., subpoena or written request) that shall be submitted to the Vice President for Legal Affairs. Such lawful requests must be submitted via:
(for Mail Delivery, when permissible)
Vice President for Legal Affairs
The University of Texas at Austin
P O Box R
Austin, Texas 78713-8918
(512) 471-1241
(for Personal Service)
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Flawn Academic Center, Room 438
Campus mail code G4800
Upon receipt of a lawful request that has been verified by the Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs, ET will coordinate with legal affairs staff to produce the requested information. Such responses will be provided in a reasonable and timely manner. Approved technologies such as university e-mail services, the UTBox service, Webspace, etc. may be used to complete the response to legal affairs staff as long as secured and encrypted.
Exception: UTPD during criminal investigations and life safety incidents to include: suicide, Police Officer Emergency Detention, mental health concerns, death, or bodily injury.
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Building Security or Video Administrator Requests
All requests from university building security or video administrators for BACS logs or UT-Video footage must be related to operational functions of their role. All requests for such information must be submitted in writing to the following e-mail address: seccontrol@et.utexas.edu. All requests must specifically articulate the business need for the information. ET may require all such requests be submitted via a standardized web form or in another format deemed appropriate by ET. -
Administrators are not authorized to submit requests for information intended to be used for internal investigations. Such requests must be submitted to the Information Security Office (seccontrol@et.utexas.edu). -
Administrators are not authorized to submit requests for information to be used in relation to law enforcement investigations. Such requests must be submitted via a subpoena to the Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs as referenced above.
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Administrators are not authorized to share any information collected from the BACS or UT-Video systems without previous permission from the Vice President for Legal Affairs.
ET will provide its response to Administrators via UTBox.
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Exceptions
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Official information requests made by the Information Security Office
The Information Security Office (ISO) may be required to request BACS and/or UT-Video information as part of an on-going internal investigation. The ISO will serve the Vice President for Legal Affairs as the incident coordinating unit. In this role, the ISO will be responsible for collecting information requested via an official lawful request. All such ISO requests will come from the Chief Information Security Officer or their designee.
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Exigent circumstances
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During times of emergency the president or designee has the ability to implement exceptions to this policy, as necessary.
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Any other requests for exception to this policy must be approved by the Executive Security Council. Requests can be made via the EPSS Service Catalog. Requests must be final approved by the Vice President for Legal Affairs.
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Prohibitions Regarding Unauthorized Individuals
It is a violation of University policy to permit unauthorized individuals to install or administer any portion of the Security Alarm system. It is also a violation to permit unauthorized individuals to enter into buildings and facilities restricted from general public access by deliberately disengaging, deactivating, or otherwise circumventing alarm devices or other security measures intended to control building and facility access.
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Penalties for Violation of this Policy
Persons who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with relevant University discipline Policy.
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Forms & Tools
Building Access Control and Security Operations Manual ("Manual") (restricted access)
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Frequently Asked Questions
None
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Related Information
Handling of Malfunctioning Security Alarm Systems
Campus construction standards for Security Alarm Systems
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History
Modified: August 17, 2026
Next scheduled review date: August 2029
Modified: November 6, 2023
Modified: January 2016
