Employee Security Services
CardKey Frequently Asked Questions
revised 03/15/07 by GSA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CARDKEY
1. How is a cardkey made to work like it does?
- Weigand Graphics Quality cards have a Weigand code strip fitted into a core sheet which is then sandwiched between layers of PVC and laminated together to form credit card size badges suitable for dye-sublimination printing of images, photos and text.
2. Do's and Don'ts.
- Do not use for any purpose other than Access Control or Identification.
- Do not leave exposed to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard of a car.
- Do not expose to extreme heat such as a clothes dryer.
- Do not expose to solvents, thinners, mineral spirits or immerse in alcohol.
- Do not machine wash.
- Do not use as a scraping tool.
- Do not bite the card.
- Do not re-laminate the card.
- Do not impact the card with a pen or tool.
- Do not slot punch in an undesignated area.
- Do not bend or twist the card excessively.
- Do not hot stamp over the Weigand code strip.
- It is OK to clean with 99% pure Isopropyl alcohol using a soft non-scratching lint free cloth.
- It is OK to put it in a wallet, purse, on lanyards, or inside a badge holder.
3. My cardkey stopped working! Help!
- In any case where your card stops working please call Randy Stafford at 862.5039 or your systems coordinator listed below (#13 and #15). It normally takes only a few minutes to discover the cause and remedy the problem.
4. I am not a Metro employee. Can I get a cardkey?
- Generally, no. However, at a cost, vendors/contractors may obtain a cardkey with temporary access authorized through the Department which has contracted their services.
5. I am a Police Officer. My cardkey won't work at the Birch Building.
- The only door inside the Justice A. A. Birch Building where your card could potentially work, is the Court Appearance Door. You may notify Officer John Hirsch at 862.7624 to relay your situation.
6. This cardreader is giving everyone a red light and the door will not open!
- Unfortunately hardware is hardware and even electronics must be channeled through hardware. Relays go bad, cardreader heads wear out, buttons get stuck, and power supplies fail. In any case, please contact the GSA main office at 862-5039, or cell phone at 568-8980 for service requests.
7. I normally work Monday through Fridays only. Could I have access this weekend for some extra work I need to do?
- Yes, however you must get authorization from your immediate supervisor or Department Head in the form of an e-mail or phone call directed to the GSA office.
8. As a Metro employee must I always go through the detection/search device at the Courthouse?
- Yes. The only exceptions to this rule is if you have been issued other perimeter access options or hold an executive pass.
9. Our Department has a high turnover rate in temporary employees. Is there an easier way to give them cardkey access without having to continually send them to GSA?
- Yes. Your Department may be issued a block of cards (usually 5 to 10) which may be issued out directly from your office under your Department's name. Your Department Head, or designee, would sign them out as needed and have them returned to you when that individual's tenure is complete, then re-issue.
10. Sometimes my card will work, sometimes it won't. What's the reason?
- It's very possibly a faulty card. After time, cardkeys may become brittle due to their environment or wear. It can be replaced free of charge.
11. But it's a new card!
- The hardware could be at fault, or it still could be a defective cardkey, and it can be replaced immediately.
12. Are replacement cardkeys free?
- They are free if your current card appears defective or is not working. Return your non-functioning cardkey to the GSA office for replacement.
- In the event of lost, stolen, or damaged cards, the replacement fee is $10.00.
- For non-Metro employees the non-refundable cost of a cardkey is $10.00.
+ 13. Do the Police and Sheriff's Department use the same type of cardkey?
- Yes. Though the main database is owned and maintained by GSA, workstations are maintained throughout Metro. They are privately owned, secured Partitions reaching back to the main Host. They cannot breach one another, but they can share information as needed or as authorized by the Security Systems Administrator.
- DCSO cardkeys are managed by Lisa Ashburn, 862-8393.
- MNPD cardkeys are managed by Officer John Hirsch, 862-7624.
- The District Attorney personnel contact is James McDonnell, 862-5500 ext 147.
- Information Systems Department cardkeys are managed by Bob Gibson, 862-6314.
- The Juvenile Justice Center cardkeys are managed by Isauro Benvides, 862-8078.
- Metro Water cardkeys are managed by Mose Jobe, 862-4511.
- Metro Public Schools cardkeys are managed by Steve Keel, 259-8795.
- For other sites contact Randy Stafford @ 862-5039, or Bill Kostrub @ 880-1737.
14. Who is the Security Systems Administrator?
- Randy Stafford.
15. I need access to the Criminal Justice Center. Do I call MNPD?
- It depends where in the building you need to go. This particular building is unique from other Metro buildings in that it is shared by different users. DCSO, MNPD, and court personnel all have reasons for traveling through the Justice Center.
- The courtrooms and hallways are maintained by GSA. 862-5039.
- Booking, the garage, and sallyports are maintained by DCSO. 862-8393.
- MNPD's private offices and Pokeys are maintained by MNPD. 862-7624.