Asper Jewish Community Campus adding same security system as Manitoba Liquor Marts

The Asper Jewish Community Campus (AJCC) announced it is implementing the same digital ID-scanning security system brought in to curb safety concerns at Manitoba Liquor Marts.

Jewish Federation CEO Jeff Lieberman, and executive director Curtis Martin, announced the changes in an email to community members, noting the new system will be in effect as of April 1.

Lieberman said discussions surrounding adopting new security measures have been in the works for a while, but the outbreak of war on Oct. 7 brought the conversation to the forefront.

“We certainly stepped up the conversations about looking at security at the Asper campus. And we looked at different systems that we felt could make some sense for increasing identification for people to come into the campus,” Lieberman said.

According to the federation, the Patronscan system is being installed at the front security desk at the Doncaster Street facility, with a handheld unit at the Gray Academy of Jewish Education entrance.

The system scans government-issued IDs, and is already in use at Manitoba Liquor Marts, the email said.

It said the system will enhance AJCC’s security team’s capabilities and streamline our entry processes.

“IDs will be automatically authenticated and verified against an internal database of barred individuals, helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone at AJCC.”

“We've always wanted to be able to identify who's in the building. And this allows us to do that. So it's a better system than just people signing in. This way, we know for sure, who's here,” said Lieberman. “There are a few people that have been banned from the building throughout the years. So when the identification of the person pops up, security will know if that person has been banned. Otherwise, you know, it’s the sort of building that is open to everyone.”

Lieberman also said the change is ultimately about ensuring the safety and security of its community.

“There’s a number of people that come in and out of the building every day, probably about 1,000 people, you know, many Jewish people, many non-Jewish people. A lot of the Rady membership is non-Jewish. And so we haven't had any threats. But you know, at the same time, we want to make sure that everyone feels as secure as possible,” said Lieberman.